R&B Xmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
