R&B Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
