Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
