Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
However, deep into her set, 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 profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
