SXSW: Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings offer lesson in pure, funky soul
Poor Justin. The scrawny kid caught the eye of Sharon Jones midway through her daytime set at Mohawk Thursday afternoon, and she pulled him up on stage during “Be Easy” as an object lesson in purposeful rhythm.
“Don’t worry: I’m gonna break him in,” Jones cracked to a capacity crowd
Who better?
Backed by her ace soul band the Dap-Kings, Jones delivered a joyous, high-energy show, mixing songs from earlier albums with tunes from her forthcoming LP “The Hard Way.”
Jones was constantly in motion, shimmying, shaking and pumping her legs up and down as she sang, as if hooked into a strong flowing current. On new song “When I Come Home,” she demonstrated various dance moves, including the boogaloo and the funky chicken.
As for Justin, he eventually came around, falling into the flow as Jones guided him with a twinkle in her eye.
— Text and photos by Eric R. Danton
I sense some jealousy that she didn’t give you some of that funky soul serenade on stage too, Eric.
Great photos and write-up, my friend. Once again, I’m feeling like a doofus for not being in Austin. At least it’s warming up here in New York…
Sharon Jones juxtaposed with skinny hipster. Love it.
Justin looks like the next GEORGE CLOONEY