R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
