Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
