Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas 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 technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
