R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing 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 declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions 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.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
