R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
