R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining 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 anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded 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 technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
