Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly 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, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, 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 precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits 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 artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
