Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage 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 sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
