Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale 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 younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
