R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong 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 production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
