Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
