R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “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 grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.