R&B Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.
However, 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 deeply heartfelt moment. “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, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood 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 Thoughts
Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
