Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, 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 delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “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 grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
