R&B Christmas Ball Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle 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 moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute 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 sparkle rather than frost.