R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasnโt Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. โAs long as I live, I will never forget tonight,โ she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Marsโs Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, Iโll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
