Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
