Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, 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 command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances 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.
Final Impressions
While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
