R&B Xmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
