R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly 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 era of her greatest fame.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage 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 declared earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show 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 evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
