Rhythm and Blues Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set included covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
