Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “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, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced 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 show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
