Photo: WENN.com
In 25 degree heat yesterday, Ben Caplan kicked off Kew's annual 'Kew The Music'. Strolling on stage guitar slung with his mighty ginger beard, which fans claim 'gives him powers', his husky voice enchanted picnickers. Uplifting the atmosphere with hearty tunes of dramatic tales, his rich Canadian twang kept crowds attentive.
Opening with soothing 'Southbound' followed by rhythmic 'Birds With Broken Wings' and 'Beautiful', the bearded fellow asked the crowd, "how do you feel about getting sad?" Hard to resist, the sensitive 'Drift Apart' had the crowd hooked. Acoustic-folky blues 'Down to the River' had everyone captured as Caplan bellows across the gardens. Closing his set with passionate 'Strangers', it's Caplan’s charismatic coarse voice and ability to create soulful yet upbeat tracks that sets him apart.
It wasn't long before Blondie danced onto the stage to a mixed crowd, young and old. And we thought Jagger had moves. Frontwoman Debbie Harry never stopped as she danced and blew kisses to the crowd, waving to individuals in an orange fluro and ivy adorned stage outfit.
Classic 'One Way Or Another' filled the air as the audience shouted back lyrics with fond familiarity. "I think you should all move to NYC" Debbie Harry mused. Following onto upbeat 'Rave', a new track from her new album Ghosts Of Download due to be released in 2013, 'Telephone' followed, paired nicely, as the mix of old and new material throughout was very much appreciated.
Dedicating her fifth song in the set to "the English rose, that goes by any name", new track 'A Rose By Any Name' played, and was a sure hit with fans.
Classics such as 'The Tide is High', 'Maria' and 'Heart of Glass' were welcomed, however an interesting cover of Ellie Goulding's 'Lights' was adapted in true Blondie style. Making it their own, complete with drum solos and powerful vocals.
Audience participation was consistent throughout with plentiful kisses, quirky dancing and acknowledgements, "I see you in the trees!" Harry points to fans climbing the trees of Kew, just to catch a glimpse at this otherwise sedate picnic concert.
Honestly at home in Kew, behind a lit up botanical gardens, she thanks her loyal fan following. The last UK show, Harry and the band are sad to leave, "...but I hope we'll be back".
In a 20 song set including encore, the highly anticipated 'Call Me' was enthralled by the eclectic audience, singing word for word this classic hit. Fans we're also treated to a cover of Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 'Relax' and finally a hearty, nostalgic 'Dreaming' to end the evening.
