R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, 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.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
