R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
