Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated 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 flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.