R&B Christmas Ball Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing 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 stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
