Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s

This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For 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 crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set 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 evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.