R&B Xmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
