Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
