Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
