Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her performance, 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 performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience 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 Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions 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 Impressions
While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
