Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, 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 responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded 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 evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
