Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired 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 hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
