R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform 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 earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
