R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
