Friday, October 24, 2008

Concert review: Janet Jackson at American Airlines Center (October 22)

By Daniel A. Kusner of Dallas Voice

Bryan Amman/Dallas Voice

Pouring her roomy physique into a gold lame costume and piling her hair into a Mohawk, Janet Jackson ascended the stage at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday night for her “Rock WitchU” tour and played to her greatest strength — dancing.

With her army of nine backup dancers, she flashed those iconic handblade moves, hit robotic neck-snaps and precisely executed the “Rhythm Nation” military choreography. For more than two hours, Jackson was a gorgeous cardio-burning goddess drenched in sweat.

But during the entire show, I don’t think she sang a damn note. You’d think she’d give us one taste. Maybe a little a capella version of “Love Will Never Do Without You”?

Hell no!

Tucked behind stage left was her “band” — a drummer, a bassist and two musical directors who operated computers and stacks of keyboards. Where were all those backup vocals and guitar solos coming from?

Those questions didn’t stop fans from having a great time, and it certainly didn’t stop the show. With a stage that included a square runway that jutted into the audience, Jackson busted moves to a massive catalog: “Control,” “Miss You Much,” “Nasty,” “Feedback,” “Escapade, “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Rock With U” … Jackson’s a prolific hit-making force of nature.

“Rock WitchU” is her post-Super Bowl tour, and whether she was singing ballads in a floor-length ruby gown (while barefoot!), Jackson has definitely recaptured her confidence while bouncing her big booty all over the stage. The only reference to the Nipple Gate malfunction was one of her sculpted muscleboy dancers who had taped black Xs over his titties.

Pegasus News content partner - Dallas Voice
The community newspaper for gay & lesbian Dallas.

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• Arts > Popular Music > R&B / Soul