Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “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, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
