R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
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, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
