R&B Christmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
