Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
