R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

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 performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of influences, including 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

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.