Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood 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.
Overall Thoughts
While the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
