R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
