Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
