The Stones hit New York without one of their secret weapons, backup singer Blondie Chaplin, who was otherwise engaged performing solo sets. Tucked underneath Times Square at the intimate Iridium, the multi-talented Chaplin showed off chops he rarely exhibits with his high-profile acts like the Stones, the Beach Boys and the Band.

Backed by Late Night with David Letterman’s drummer Anton Fig and the Les Paul Trio, Chaplin fired up torch songs and like “Smile” and “The Nearness of You,” blending especially well with pianist John Colianni, then sprinkled in his own take on “Sail On Sailor” (Chaplin sang the lead vocals as a member of the Beach Boys) and “The Lucky Ones,” with a tribal drum accompaniment by Fig. 

Chaplin’s a generous performer, leaving the stage (literally) for others’ solos. Covering Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home,” Chaplin interjected the unmistakable “Owws” from “Sympathy for the Devil” and left the stage to Fig for an incredible drum solo. It was an evening of music with class and dash.

– Suzanne Cadgene