Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
