Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.
However, deep into her set, 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 profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, 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 accompaniment.
Their set included covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances 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.
Overall Thoughts
While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
