R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

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

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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 harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced 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.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.