Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For 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 audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened 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 included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful 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 had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
