R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For 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, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
