R&B Xmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
