Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood 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 Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
