R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.
Then, 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 delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
