R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage 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, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.