Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

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

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.