R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
