Backed by the 8-piece Dap-Kings (including guitarist and emcee for the evening, Binky Griptite who hails from Milwaukee, WI) and 2 Dapettes, the nearly 2 hour show did not lack entertainment, fine musicianship or amazing vocals. Wearing a fringe covered mini-dress (which had the men hooting and hollering and the women hoping they look that good at 55 or wondering why they don’t look that good now), Jones created her own version of “Soul Train” when she invited a group of women on stage with her to showcase their own moves. (I didn’t make the cut) She also pulled 2 young men on stage who are probably still asking themselves what happened, after she seduced them with her vocals and sultry moves. One of the greatest songs she performed was “This Land is Your Land”, a Woody Guthrie cover from the film “Up In The Air.” You may have also heard this song featured on NPR.
Click to play Sharon Jones – This Land Is Your Land (Woody Guthrie cover)
Jones has been on the music scene since 1996, but that song gained she and the Dap-Kings more popularity since the release of the film. Some of my favorites from the Madison show include…“100 Days, 100 Nights”, “Better Things”, “I Learned the Hard Way”, and “Mama Don’t Like My Man”. However, I do have to say there was not one song I didn’t enjoy. On tour through August in a city near you, SJDK is a must see show. Their old school soul sound and look created one of the best live shows I have seen in a long time, with never a dull moment. As a matter of fact, I woke up at 4:45 the next morning with the songs replaying in my head and anybody who knows me, knows there’s not much that gets me up at that hour. Warning, if you do attend a show, wear comfortable shoes. Unless you plan on being a stick in the mud and sitting the whole time. Then bring your seat cushion.
