R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up 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 moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
