R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended 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 night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
