Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, 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 responsive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong 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 production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
