R&B Christmas Ball Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions 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.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
