Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
