Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing 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.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated 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 precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.