R&B Xmas Ball Review: An Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems 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 sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
