R&B Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning 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 appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
