Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.