R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her performance, 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 gave a profoundly 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, 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.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
