R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.