R&B Xmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.
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 gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.