R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful 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 had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
