R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned 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, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
