Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
