Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece 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 evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
