Anyone who ever wondered what it was like to live in the soulful 1960s and take in shows from the likes of James Brown, Otis Redding, or the Meters can stop searching for their time machine. Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings set a pretty reliable stage for what it was like, all the while writing smooth songs that sound plenty modern. They’ve managed to keep the original sound and feeling of soul, funk, and R&B alive, well, and most definitely fun on each of their three releases – and their live shows are energetic and flawless. Ms. Sharon Jones recently checked in with The Indy to talk about her upcoming show at Club Nokia this Sunday, January 25.
The band’s current setup finds the show-stopping Jones standing front and center, but ticket holders will also witness a full blown band, complete with drums, congas, two guitars, trumpet, bass, a tenor and a baritone sax. And Jones is fully aware of the impact this type of big band funk performance has on her audience. “I just think if people think about James Brown : If people haven’t seen anything from the ’60s, it’s a real treat. That’s what it’s all about. People come away like, ‘Wow.’ Just be prepared to see a lot of energy,” Jones promised. “I mean, the ’60s and ’70s, what we re-create wasn’t done back then, even when we do a cover, it’s rearranged. We’re rooted in soul generations, and it’s just a lot of fun.”
A lot of fun is right. Jones appeared with her Dap-Kings at last year’s Coachella Festival, and has grown increasingly popular since settling into the band’s current lineup. “We’ve always attracted young college kids,” Jones noted when asked about the band’s fan base. But her shows are known for being so devoted to their funk and soul roots, parents of these college-aged fans are now turning up to see Jones and the Daps in action. “We’re getting more older people [at the shows] too because we’re so old school. I mean, I’m 53! I was there!” she laughed.
A true delight both over the phone and on stage, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings can be seen at Club Nokia (800 W. Olympic Blvd.) in downtown Los Angeles this Sunday night. Tickets are roughly $26 apiece, and doors open at 7:30 p.m. Call (213) 480-3232 or visit clubnokia.com for ticket info. See you there!