R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing 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 catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions 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.

Final Thoughts

Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.