Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
