Jon Boydon’s debut album “Three Four” was released in 2011 and features a mix of classic songs from “Runaround Sue” to “Poison Ivy” and “New York state of mind” as well as the self-written track “Fallen Angel” – not to be confused with the well-known Frankie Valli tune!
His long-awaited solo gig took place at the legendary 100 Club on London’s Oxford Street, a venue who’s stage has been graced by artists like Blur and Paul Weller to name just two. Support acts on this Bank Holiday Monday were Garry Lake, The Wondersmiths and Madalena Alberto.
Garry Lake was the first to take to the stage with some self-written songs. This was the first, but hopefully not the last time he performed his own material in front of a life audience. Garry’s voice combined with some beautiful melodies and lyrics had the audience captivated throughout his set.
Next up were The Wondersmiths who treated the audience to some proper Indie / Britpop tunes. I do think those guys are talented but for an audience of mostly musical theatre fans they probably weren’t the best choice. A band like this works great at festivals with a proper rock audience. In this venue their energy got a bit lost due to lack of response from those watching them (while sitting comfortably on chairs).
Madalena Alberto completed the supporting acts with a couple of acoustic songs – just her amazing voice and a guitar, a true joy to listen to. The audience certainly appreciated her talent but people were without a doubt getting a bit restless to see Jon on stage.
Just after 9:30pm the man of the evening started his set with “Blues deluxe” followed by “Hard to handle” after making sure no on was sitting down anymore and the area in front of the stage was cleared of all chairs (thumbs up for this!). If there was anyone left in the audience who wasn’t sure what to expect from this evening, the next song – “Poison Ivy” – definitely set the tone and had everyone swinging and rocking along.
After Jon’s take on “Pretty as you please” it was time to slow down a bit with “She talks to angels” before setting a faster pace again with “Runaround Sue”. Judging by the reaction this song was a huge favourite of the audience and if I had to choose my highlights of the evening this one would definitely make the top three.
The set continued with a great mix of uptempo songs and the occasional rock ballad. “Are you gonna be my girl”, “Jet”, and “Love Potion No. 9” got the audience on their feet while “Hallelujah I love her so” and “Drops of Jupiter” created a very intimate atmosphere with everyone just soaking in some brilliant music. I’d like to give a special mention to “Fallen Angel”, a song which shows that Jon is not only a brilliant singer but also a talented songwriter. Hopefully we will get to hear more of his own material in the future.
My absolutely favourite track from the album has to be “New York State of mind”. I adore Jon’s version of the song and had been looking forward to finally seeing and hearing it performed live. And Jon didn’t disappoint – for me this song was the most intense moment of the whole concert.
The evening ended with “I don’t need no doctor” and “Wishing well” and left the audience wanting more. And I’d say chances are good this hasn’t been the first and last time this set has been played live on stage. Jon Boydon has proven that he is not only a talented musical theatre performer but also a brilliant recording artist that knows how to entertain an audience with his music.
Set List
Blues deluxe
Hard to handle
Poison Ivy
Pretty as you please
She talks to angels
Runaround Sue
Are you gonna be my girl
Hallelujah I love her so
Drops of Jupiter
Jet
Fallen Angel
Love Potion No. 9
Truth
New York state of mind
I don’t need no doctor
Wishing well
Photo gallery (please don’t use these pictures anywhere else without asking, thank you!)
If you haven’t bought Jon’s album “Three Four” yet go here for various ways to get your hands on a copy: http://www.jonboydon.com
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