Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s

This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing 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.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances 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.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.