Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional 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, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.