Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions 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 production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
