The hardest working band in show business

Friday, November 16 at First Avenue: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings.



I got 2 words to describe this show: DAMN!

Energetic and non-stop, the show opened around 10 pm with the throw-back Dap-Kings for a few introductory tunes. And they never stopped playing once. As soon as one tune ended the next would start in a seamless flow of tight horn hits and funky rhythms. Sharon Jones, who's apparently 51 years old (!), was brought on stage after a classy and lengthy introduction by the fast-talking lead guitar player, and she proceeded to shuffle, sing, dance and belt with endless energy for the next 90 minutes.

This show was nothing but good old-fashioned class, which was enhanced by the guitar player's fast talking. I'll offer a quote that he said prior to Ms. Jones' return to the stage during the encore:

(The Dap-Kings had come back up on stage and were vamping, while we expected Sharon to come back on stage.)

"Ladies and gentleman, I must inform you that due to contractual obligations the time has come when we have played the allotted songs in the allotted time. Yes, that's right ladies and gentlemen, I am sorry, the show is over."

The crowd boos in disbelief. The band came back up on stage just to tell us THAT?!

"But when one door closes, another door opens, and while the show may be over, the party has just begun!"

Incredible. See them when they come to your town and in the mean time listen to their album, 100 Days 100 Nights, or buy it from Daptone Records. You won't reget it.