Not even the steady rain could dampen my spirits on day four of Bluesfest, as I made my way down to Lebreton Flats on Sunday to witness one of hip hop’s greatest crews take the stage.
Wu-Tang Clan was in town, and with the crew having been around nearly 20 years, they had a lot to celebrate. The Staten Island natives’ setlist was mainly comprised of songs from their debut record Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), much to the delight of the audience.
Forming the band’s iconic ‘W’ symbol with their hands, the crowd rapped alongside hits such as “Bring Da Ruckus,” “Clan in da Front,” and “C.R.E.A.M.” Wu-Tang also performed a few other songs from other members of the group, such as Raekwon’s “Ice Cream,” “Liquid Swords” from GZA, and “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” as a tribute to fallen member Old Dirty Bastard.
They even went as far as to cover The Beatles classic “Come Together” (on the night Sir Paul McCartney was playing in Kanata, nonetheless). Group member Method Man led the charge in getting the crowd engaged and involved in the show, resulting in what was probably the loudest and proudest crowd I’ve seen at the festival so far.
All of the members looked to be enjoying themselves thoroughly onstage. It was was rare to see renowned producer RZA without a smile on his face, pacing the stage and getting into the music all while hiding behind his dark sunglasses.
An incredible part of the show involved Wu-Tang’s DJ Mathematics completing some excellent record scratching in unorthodox fashion—flicking knobs and settings behind his back, while spinning in circles, and even with his feet.
It was safe to say that by the end of the performance, the crowd was happy to have been in the presence of these hip-hop legends.
I later caught Canadian indie darlings Tegan and Sara on the Claridge Homes Stage. The crowd for this show was perhaps the biggest I’ve seen yet, limiting walking space for those coming and going from the festival site.
Touring their 2013 record Heartthrob, their new synth-influenced sound was quite apparent from the start, playing both “Drove Me Wild” and “Goodbye, Goodbye” from the album.
An acoustic version of their catchy “Back in Your Head” followed suit, as well as their international hit “Walking With a Ghost.” Their set was rounded out with wonderful performances of their collaborative track with Dutch DJ Tiesto “Feel it in my Bones,” and the poppy “Closer.”
Whether you were at Bluesfest checking out Canadian talent, a world-famous rap crew, or a former Beatle outside the festival, it was a very monumental night for music in Ottawa.
