R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering 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.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits 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 feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
