R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
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 backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions 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.
Overall Impressions
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
