Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show 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 production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
