Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s

The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their set included covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.