Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason 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 coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced 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 performances 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.
Final Impressions
While the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
