R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated 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 tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
