R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits 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 paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
