waterloo review

DAVID USHER MOISTENS FED HALL

Author: Amanda Watkins
Source: Imprint Online
URL: imprint.uwaterloo.ca
Date: November 9, 2001

David Usher
Fed Hall
November 3
In a concert that concluded a 45-day tour, David Usher performed a dynamic set at Federation Hall Saturday night.

David Usher treated his fans to a wildly passionate performance at Fed Hall.

The singer began his set on time wearing his signature beige GAP cords, sneakers and a tee that read "Vive le Rock," presumably reflecting his time spent living in Montreal. The atmosphere was enhanced with blue lighting, creating a jazz-like, laid back mood.

Usher energized his adoring fans with a consistently upbeat performance. While inspired by the music, he was shaking his trademark hair and dancing around. He exuded a relaxed confidence that complemented his upbeat stage manner.

Between singing, he smiled approvingly at his musical team, acknowledging their skill by standing aside and at one point crouching while listening to a solo.

He also sang to his accompaniment, particularly the bassist.

As a true crowd pleaser, he satisfied his fans by establishing a symbiotic relationship with the audience. Not one to absorb all of the attention, he introduced his band-mates part way through the performance.

Though he performed with a spontaneous flair, I got the impression that he performs a choreographed routine, which may be why his shows are consistently solid, poised, and ultimately well-delivered.

Seeing that he is very active on stage, I sensed that he and the band simply enjoy themselves while the crowd just happens to be there taking it all in.

By now experienced in what satisfies his fans, Usher was performing at his peak, even when posing and winking at Imprint's photographer for the event.

Usher established a good rapport with the audience, and confided that he too was once a university student. Usher has his B.A. in political science from Simon Fraser University. However, he was claims that he was preoccupied with other matters.

"I went to university as well, but I only thought about the sex and drugs and drinking -- that's what you call a tangent."

The true value of a performer is tested at a live show. Usher is as talented live as he is on record, and his merit can testify against those who credit his successes with his looks.

Displaying an impressive vocal range, he even sang part of Guns n' Roses Sweet Child of Mine, and nearing the conclusion of the night, sang part of Madonna's Music.

There seems to be themes to the lyrics presented in his work. They are often about gaining perspective and sometimes acceptance of relationships in their darker moments.

In Butterfly, there is a sense of frustration: "It was never enough for you / was it ever enough for you?" Songs like these give Usher the opportunity to explore a variety of emotions, recalling some angst ridden moments from his band Moist's collection of music.

Usher sang a pleasing variety of songs that covered his latest hits Black, Black Heart and Alone in the Universe, hits from Moist's Creature and compilations from his last solo effort including Forestfire.

Usher is also somewhat of a tease. Joking that the audience wasn't obedient, he gave them the opportunity to collectively sing along when cued.

When the end was approaching, he first left the stage, and returned to the pleas from the crowd.

After playing a few more songs, he concluded with an energetic and comedic performance of Weezer's Hash Pipe.

It looked like the show was over, but he wasn't finished yet, and returned once more before retiring for a well earned rest after the last night of what he described as a "fucking long tour."

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