Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
