R&B Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
