R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set included covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.