Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing 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 catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems 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 feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
