Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “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, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions 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
While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
