Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly 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, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood 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.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
