R&B Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing 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 declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions 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
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.