THE USHER BOWL
AFTER INTERVIEWING USHER FOR ‘THRILLER 40’
It's been a long time since an male performer coming out of the R&B/soul tradition has had a platform as big as the Super Bowl. The Weeknd headlined a few years ago, but you could argue the Canadian's music base is as alternative and electro as soul. Usher, however, has a true soul singer pedigree as a vocalist and dancer. Unlike the current generation of R&B singers who "rap sing" with heavy auto tune enhancements, Usher can really blow.
Since his landmark Confessions LP in 2004 Usher’s career has had its share of hits and misses. He's dabbled in electronic dance music ("DJ Has Us Fallin’ in Love") and acted a bit, but his sweet spot are love and lust songs that connect back to Michael Jackson and then to Motown with some hip hop spice.
USHER IN THE CROWD AT HIS LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY
I'm more excited for his halftime performance today than for the contest between the Niners and the Chiefs. Moreover, I am optimistic it's going to be epic. I got to see his Vegas residency show when I interviewed him for ‘Thriller 40.’ His confidence as a performer is immense. His show was tightly choreographed, yet had room for nightly interaction with an adoring, largely female audience.
SHOT AT HIS LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY LAST YEAR
NEW SONG WITH H.E.R. “RISK IT ALL.”
With a new album about to drop and arena tour just announced, this is the biggest moment in a recording career that now spans four decades years. The only thing I know about the show is that the presentation will reference other black icons. In talking with Usher about music and dance, I was impressed with his knowledge of the various performance traditions he employs, from Bob Fosse to strip club, from the Temptations to poppin'. I anticipate him pushing the form forward while integrating the past.
Past the guacamole and chips please.