R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature 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 classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
