Save modern production value, its something of a misnomer to call Sharon Jones a retro or neo soul artist. From her gut-shaking, self-assured vocals right down to her endless stores of sparkplug energy, shes as authentic as the most memorable of Volt, Stax and Motowns first-generation powerhouse frontpersons. Not to mention that her band has the album credits to prove theyre the real deal as wellThe Dap-Kings served as Amy Winehouses studio and touring band during the contentious Brits breakthrough Back to Black days, but behind Jones is where they truly belong. Jones and the Kings 2007 release, 100 Days, 100 Nights, was loaded with pristine, bombastic, resounding arrangements. That said, one of the greatest features of Jones shows is her immaculate taste when it comes to the covers she busts out. Hang around long enough, and youre likely to hear the most gut-wrenching version of Its a Mans World anyone outside of King James himself has ever performed. Opening are fellow masters of soul, Nashvilles very own Dynamites featuring Charles Walker.
Thu., Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m., 2009