R&B Xmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads 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, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
