R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set included covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
