R&B Xmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.