R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The opening 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 live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
