R&B Xmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
