Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
