R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “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 grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
