Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
After a decent day of Manhattan walking, I got to see Sharon Jones last night at the Nokia Theater. I have seen SJDK 9 times now over the last 4 years, and she is my favorite live act. She brings a crazy energy to the stage, and the Dap-Kings make the perfect laid back counterfoil.
Last night I have to say that she wasn’t on top form - she was having some obviously sound issues, and her ever-reliable decision to bring audience members on stage backfired this time around (which is surprising given her past) - but even so, it was not the same group I have seen before.
I suspect that the sell out shows at some of the great venues across the country have started to have their effect, and there was a little bit of diva about her presence last night. Less love for the audience, more love for her performance.
That is not to say she wasn’t great, her unaccompanied rendition of ‘My funny valentine’, which she broke into the middle of her stand out hit, 100 nights, was sung completely inpromptu and with a huge amount of range and skill. In my mind it saved the show.
Those seeing her for the first time were I’m sure (justifiably) blown away, but for this long term fan, it just wasn’t like the old days at the Apollo or the Middle East.
