Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
