Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale 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 experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
