Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers 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 Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
