Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
