R&B Christmas Ball Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
