R&B Xmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
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, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
