R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
