Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
