Ben L’Oncle Soul filled Central Park SummerStage last night with the soul – pop stylings that have enthralled European audiences for years.  Displaying a classic Motown style coupled with boundless energy and stage presence he poured himself into every song and soon had the receptive crowd dancing the summer night away.  Growing up to the beat of Motown he was signed by  Motown France, his considerable talent led him to open for big names in contemporary soul, such as Musiq Soulchild, Raphael Saadiq and India Arie who invited him on stage with her to perform.  It’s easy to see why he’ll soon have a devoted following clamoring for more on this side of the Atlantic as well.

Opening act Catherine Ringer is the embodiment of French Pop through the last twenty-years, alone and with the French pop/rock duo, Les Rita Mitsouko which she was a part of with Fred Chichin.   A truly unique artist on the French music scene, her long career has been characterized by an electric stage presence and colorful, performance art portrayal of her music.   Her solo debut, entitled “Ring ‘n Roll,” still has the energy to grip audiences with her mesmerizing voice.

Throughout his life, French singer-songwriter, actor and director Serge Gainsbourg composed for some of the most beguiling songstresses including Brigitte Bardot, Jane Birkin and Vanessa Paradis. His lyrical brilliance has left an extraordinary musical legacy that spans numerous musical genres. Twenty years after his death, director Pascal Forneri presents “Gainsbourg and His Girls,” an enlightening documentary on one of France’s most provocative and cherished figures, seen through the eyes of his many muses.

As always SummerStage was run smoothly and flawlessly by a courteous and professional staff that makes this concert series one of the highlights on the New York City Summer Music scene.  Bravo!