R&B Xmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving 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 anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
