Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
