R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
