Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing 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 launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, 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 precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set included covers of influences, 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 Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
