R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run 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 glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
