Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
