R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits 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 glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
