R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance 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 night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
