R&B Xmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong 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 technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
