R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic 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, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.