Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
