Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
