Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, 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 Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas 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.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
