Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances 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.
Final Impressions
Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
