R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable 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 concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
