Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
