R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
