Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
