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DAVID USHER WANTS TO LEAVE A POSITIVE MARK ON THE WORLD WITH HIS LIFE AND MUSIC

Author: Paul Burch
Source: Regina Leader-Post
URL: www.canada.com
Date: March 29, 2007

David Usher (with NLX: Natasha Alexandra)
8 p.m. Friday
Casino Regina Show Lounge

Despite his British background, David Usher's latest release -- Strange Birds -- isn't a shot at odd women.

The title is based on a Life of Bees, a track from the album that was released on March 20.

Making his home in New York with his American wife, Sabrina Reeves, and their Canadian child, four-year-old Coco, -- the family resided previously in Montreal-- Usher has spent a lot of time crafting this album, with countless hours spent testing new material in a series of small New York club shows with his Toronto based band.

"I don't write material for a target audience, I think that's wrong. I write what feels right, and hope people like it," said Usher when asked who he hopes his material appeals to.

It's obvious that the writing style of the former Moist frontman does appeal to a wide audience, as Usher has garnered acclaim across the globe, including five Junos, multiple No.1 songs in Canada, and an array of top 10s in countries ranging from England to Thailand, Greece, France and Russia.

"Where the energy is the best, that's where I like to perform," Usher said. "Location isn't what makes a show memorable, it's the crowd energy."

He admits he really liked playing in Thailand.

"And Canada, of course," he laughed.

The guitar player and singer/songwriter will be promoting his tour for the next few weeks with the tour wrapping up in Lethbridge, Alta., at the end of April. He'll then head back to New York awaiting the European leg, continuing to promote the album throughout 2007.

The album came from his personal stories and reflections of the world around him, as well as some of the characters from his neighbourhood.

"I like to find a theme and work it into the writing," he said, "Like everyone, what's on my mind makes its way into my work."

His work has taken him all over the world. Since he began singing, playing guitar and songwriting as a child, he has travelled through Europe, Asia and North America promoting his music. And while he's busy promoting his own art, he also likes to help others.

"I just did a cover of a John Lennon song (Watching The Wheels,) for Amnesty International, and I have been asked to be a spokesperson for the Kids Help Phone."

With a daughter at home and seeing the world as he sees it, the choice was easy for the singer.

"I think it's important that kids in trouble have someone to talk to."

In addition, Usher has travelled to Burma to film a documentary on children affected by war, he has performed for Fashion Cares, and has recently worked on the campaign to Make Poverty History.

"I'm really looking forward to the show in Regina," said Usher, "I've played Regina several times."

He hopes the intangible feeling he sought when choosing songs for the album will help him deliver a memorable experience at the Casino Regina Show Lounge.

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