R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
