R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
