Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
