Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored 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 strikingly matching all-white suits, 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 live band.
Their performance featured 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 Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
