R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage 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 declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, 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 tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
