I just happened across this performance by Madonna of ‘Fever.’ It’s so unlike any Madonna performance I’ve ever seen before. I was so impressed by it I thought I had to post it here. Far from the pointy bra wearing antics, Madonna is remarkably understated but the audience are enthralled. She yields her cigarette like a sword, or perhaps something more phallic. She loses her place mid song and just continues with a wry smile. She exclaims at one point, “I’m not taking anything off, okay?” Her long dress seems uncharacteristically conservative but then they are juxtaposed by some extraordinary set of heels.
But you know what I like most about this? Madonna is actually singing, and her voice is full and rich. She’s not screaming (as she seems to do for some of larger stadium shows) and for a song that’s been recorded by everyone from Elvis to Peggy Lee her phrasing is truly her own.
