R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated 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 live band.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded 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 experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
