R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying 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: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set included covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
