Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings @ The Bijou



Photo: Dulce Pinzon

Tonite, the modern day queen of soul and her kings visit Knoxville for a very special show at the Bijou. Sharing the Daptone label with artists such as the Budos Band and The Mighty Imperials, Sharon Jones and the Daptone label's house band have been at the forefront of a movement bringing back the sweet soul sounds of the late 60's and 70's. The band (and whole label) throw today's digital recording technology aside, opting instead for the warm sounds of analog as well as using only instruments available during soul's golden age.

The band was originally known as the Soul Providers. Recording an album of James Brown covers with soul legend Lee Fields, Sharon sang back up vocals for some of the tracks. The label, at that time known as Desco, and the band was so impressed that Jones recorded two tracks that were later released on the Soul Providers debut, Soul Tequila. A couple disagreements on the direction of the label led to the band and label splitting, formation of the Daptone label, and the birth of the Dap-Kings.

Since 2001, Sharon Jones and the Dap-kings have been recording as well as touring. Their debut album, Dap Dippin' with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, was received well by DJ's and critics and the band embarked on an international tour in its support. With the release of Naturally, in 2005, the band was finally gaining the attention and support that they had worked so hard for. 100 Days, 100 Nights was released in 2006 and more recently, I Learned the Hard Way in 2010 to much critical acclaim.

If the show hasn't sold out by now, then its probably very close. This is the kind of show that the Bijou Theatre was built for and it will be very exciting to witness the talent on stage. Opening up for Sharon Jones will be Asheville band, Reigning Sound. See everybody there!