Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, 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 reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show 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 had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
