Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning 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 time period of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening 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 experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
