THE DAPTONE REVUE @ SHEPARDS BUSH 02. 27/06/14

Last night FAR exceeded my expectations... I would have been happy with Sharon alone, but here we were treated to the entire Daptone Revue!!! The closest I will ever get a Motown/ Staxx/ JB Revue in my era, and on that merit it is one of the best concerts I have ever seen... they keep that spirit alive and kicking last night. The Sugarman 3 and Budos bands kicked off opening instrumentals in much the same manner the Funk Bros, Booker T, MG's and JB's would, then the acts came out in Succession and the excitement built to feverish tempo... The backing Singers took center stage for the opening vocal numbers and were sweet, with Staples and Aretha bound Gospel spirit and fervor... Charles Wright has a voice like Pickett and the look of Edwin Starr. he took us through some upfront, tough and tearin' soul and RnB, then vamped a peaceful story of love and unity in such troubled times... the surprise twist was the inclusion of Afrobeat juggernaut Antibalas, who really infected things with Fela style riddims and some great brass over the top from the Daptone Horns ... Then it was time for the female James Brown herself... Sharon Jones, with her down to the wood haircut and glittering dress... Ant's in yo pants ain't the half of it... she was shimmyin' and slidin, ricocheting across the stage and taking us through various incantations of classic dances like Popcorn and Mashed Potata... the grooves were SO tight and fast at some points, then dropping off into sweet ballads suited to more 60's style soulful swing. Throughout the whole gig, Master of Ceremonies Binky Griptite (wotta name...) interluded and built the tension so there were NO breaks for a Solid 3 hours of Soulful Funkiness ... The place was PACKED, and the crowd lapped it up. The whole place was dancing and swingin and singin...  then the WHOLE revue came back for an Encore of "Family Affair.."

Thanks to Carrie for the tickets ...

Special night x