Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive 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 Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded 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 night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
