R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
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 performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up 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 delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful 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 experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
