R&B Christmas Ball Review: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme 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.
Final Impressions
While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
