R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform 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.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
