Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties

The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.