R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
