Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished 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 moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
