Friday – june 22, 21:10  – Bastionen

The Dap-Kings, who function as Sharon Jones’ backing band and her label Daptones Records’ house band, took the stage at Bergenfest, Norway Friday 22 June  and immediately started laying the rhythm track for what was to become  a  performance that will be remembered a long time. Her guitar player announced that we were about to witness the “Dap Tones Super Soul Revue” and it was on! Sharon came dancing out from backstage like a rocket in a yellow dress.

Their songs are meant for live shows, they’re just much more vibrant in a concert setting. The James Brown influence is very promminent but her cover of a Gladys Knight song made it very evident that there were other artists that had influenced her just as much. Lovely.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings are true originals, but they perform in a genre that lends itself to tradition. Her primal energy, combined with incredible voice, great dancing and charisma also reminds us of  Tina Turner in her heyday.

This was the second great soul concert this day,  the firs beeing the fantastic Charles Bradley concert. It must be a challenge to go on stage after Mr. Bradley, but Sharon Jones and The dap-Kings gave us a fantastic performance.

Best Songs: New Shoes, 100 Days, 100 Nights , He Said I Can

Overall rating: 5/6

-Egil & Hallgeir