R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded 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 night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
