Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “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, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run 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 experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
