🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B. Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists. The Moving Performance The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame. However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Cheer Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.