Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.