Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
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 the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
