SHARON JONES POWERS THROUGH AT THE EGG

Sharon Jones is a dynamite performer, but unfortunately at The Egg on Saturday night some sound issues almost led to her not being able to do what she does best. Thankfully though she pushed on through the monitor issues and gave the Albany crowd a fantastic show. The holiday songs sprinkled throughout the show helped to spread a little extra cheer both to the crowd and to Sharon.

Opening the night was the duo of Saun and Starr, the two wonderfully talented ladies who back up Sharon and are part of the Dap Kings. With their own album out this year, Saun and Starr had plenty of songs to choose from and put on quite the show for their 40-minute set. The chemistry between them is beautiful to watch as they dance around the stage together as well as trade vocals. “Another Love of Mine” and “Look Closer (Can’t You See the Signs)” were two of the standout tracks that the audience had the honor of hearing. Later in the evening when Sharon had to leave the stage for a number Saun and Starr took back over seamlessly.

Saun and Starr

The entire evening saw the Dap Kings work tirelessly, never seeming hit a sour note and augmenting all three of the singers perfectly. Each member of the band got a chance to shine during Sharon’s third song of the night, wowing the audience through their solos and making Sharon dance all over the stage. It’s impressive to listen to the entire band and hear how each instrument grooves around one another. Since it’s December, it was also fun to hear the band make “Little Drummer Boy,” “White Christmas” and “8 Days (of Hanukkah)” into funky versions you would expect to hear coming out of 70’s movie.

The Dap Kings

Sharon Jones was who the people came to see, but she struggled all evening with her monitors. Her great voice, while strong at the beginning of the show, was struggling by the end because of these issues. Having seen her this past summer in pristine form there had to have been something else afoot, which she admitted herself near the show’s end. Before “Get Up and Get Out” she spoke at length about her cancer and how it has returned in full force. She thanked people from Sharon Springs, where she has been getting chemo and resting, who were there to support her. She also thanked the crowd over and over with how much love they had given her at the show and over the years. Just like the sound issues that almost ruined the show, the cancer is trying to do the same with her life and she refuses to quit or give in.

Sharon Jones

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Watching her belt out “Stranger to My Happiness,” “She Ain’t A Child No More,” and “People Don’t Get What They Deserve” was amazing. Knowing it was under such rough conditions for her made it even more impressive. Hopefully Sharon gets healthy and continues to bring her sweet soul music to the masses.