The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
Milan is een ervaren opticien met een passie voor visuele technologie en klantgerichtheid.
