Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.