Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties

This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.