R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened 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 accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.