Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
