R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs 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 delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included covers 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 Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
