R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
