R&B Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
