aaamusic | On 13, Jun 2011
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings + Charles Bradley
Wednesday 6th July, 7.30pm – Barbican Hall – Produced by the Barbican
Tickets £20/£22.50/£25
Box Office: 0845 120 7550 http://www.barbican.org.uk/blaze
Barbican Centre Silk, Street London EC2Y 8DS
Steeped within the gilded and gritty sounds of gospel, soul and funk, Sharon Jones and he Dap-Kings consistently electrify fans and critics the world over with their authentic, heart-felt sound. Spearheads of a revivalist movement that stewards the return of soul music to its more traditional sound, this nine-piece Brooklyn collective bring their explosive show to the Barbican in their only UK show of 2011.
With the Dap-Kings providing the musical muscle behind Sharon’s incredible voice, their four critically-acclaimed albums drip with a warmth and spontaneity rarely found since the golden days of Muscle Shoals and Stax. Sharon Jones raw power, rhythmic swagger, soulfulness, and melodic command set her firmly alongside the likes of Tina Turner, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin as a fixture in the canon of soul music.
As distinguished as their recordings may be, however, it is due to their incredible live shows that Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings have been thrust into the media limelight, and Jones has become a bona fide superstar.
Charles Bradley came to fame late in life. He had begun to make appearances in local Brooklyn clubs performing the music of James Brown when, in his 50’s, he was discovered by Daptone Records who, impressed with his great soul voice and compelling stage presence, signed him to the label. In his distinctively rough-hewn timbre one hears the unmistakable voice of experience – each note and gruff inflection a reflection of his extended, sometimes rocky, personal path. A singer whose performances exude both raw power and poignant beauty.
Full programme at http://www.barbican.org.uk/blaze
