Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance 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 night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
