Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt 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, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.