I had to get over to Stubbs BBQ a little early for Sharon Jones’ 9:45 PM set because the line is always long to get in at this venue, which tends to host the more popular acts. The place was packed for NPR night, with the radio station broadcasting the entire evening nationally. The soul queen hit the stage with her crack band and owned the audience instantly. The band’s rendition of “This Land is My Land” was surely the funkiest version ever played. A new song had an early ’70s James Brown funk vibe, while another song took the crowd “back to 1965 on a soul train” and featured a big groovy jam. This stuff was retro to be sure, but with the fresh vibe that comes from top-shelf talent getting the most out of each song. It was a fantastic set.
Photo by Steve Hopson
