Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
