Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
