Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
