Here's a return to some solid "70's Soul" from a contemporary group! From an appearence last Feburary on "Late Night with David Letterman", soul veteran Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings perform the title trac to their 2007 album.
Jones was born in Augusta, Georgia (hometown of James Brown) in 1956. After spending alot of her recording career as a backup singer on Gospel and R & B, Funk and Rap songs, she struck it big in the last few years. (Prior to that, to make ends meet between sessions and touring gigs, she worked as a corrections officer at Rikers Island Prison in New York City.)
The Dap Kings have also been featured as a back-up band for Amy Winehouse, for whom Ms. Jones might have hard feelings about since she had to toil a bit longer in relative obscurity than Amy. But Ms. Jones is quoted in a recent interview as saying , ""if it took Amy and Mark Ronson to have us be heard in the mainstream, that's good. There's nothing negative between me and Amy. I just wish she'd get herself together and get back to the music."
I had never heard of this lady, nor the band but an excellent choice Doug. The song reminded me of the best of 60s soul music with great jazz, blues and gospel references, a great sound. I am not familiar with Amy Winehouse's music either, although I have vaguely heard of her and her reputation as enfant terrible.
ReplyDeleteI guess that goes with the territory though, this song reminded me in places of Janis Joplin (Amy's spiritual mentor?) a great pick, thanks for posting it Doug.
Stuck in the provinces as I am, I wouldn't have heard of her without a segment on National Public Radio--one of the few notable free media outlets available over here in "freedom's land", as Gore Vidal would say. I agree with the Janis Joplin parallels, a perfromer I hope Ms. Winehouse will stop trying to emulate in life lessons. Glad you "dug it" AA.
ReplyDeleteI amy have to start listening the NPR from time to time. She was very good
ReplyDeleteOnce in awhile NPR's "All Things Considered" features a real gem in the music world, and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings were one of the best I've heard. I've got the whole album and there are at least half-a-dozen real stone cold soul favorites for me. Not bad for one album in my opinion.
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