R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar 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, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
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, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired 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 ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute 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.
