Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
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 rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
