Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage 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 stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run 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 times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.