Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
