Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs 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 ended 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 glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
