Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered 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 grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
