Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.