Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
