Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
