Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
