R&B Christmas Ball Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing 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 declared earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
