R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas 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 night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
