Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties

This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

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 live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.