Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving 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 backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
