Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions 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.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
