Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances 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.

Final Thoughts

Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.