Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
