R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
