cinematic orchestra at webster hall – 20, originally uploaded by jonoliver.

A photo from the Cinematic Orchestra show at Webster Hall 09-26-07.

The bottom photo is the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble which opened for Leela. Photos by me!

How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?
Naturally
Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings, 2005

I went to see Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings at Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem last night (see pic below) and while I’ve heard tons of good reviews about them and their organic funk sound is right up my alley, I was really surprised at how good it actually was.

I’ve known of them for a few years now but have been a little leery ever since a friend told me with a certain tone in his voice that Daptone Records (their label if that’s not obvious) built an all-analog studio in Bushwick (Brooklyn). It was that tone that said that their devotion to analog was bordering on impractical. Between that, the 1967-looking labels on their records and not including the release years, I thought that it all seemed a little too calculated that that there was probably more style than substance. Well, I was wrong. They have substance to spare.

I was standing there taking the concert in, slowly thinking, “ok, the band is tight…ok the balance is crazy, I can hear every instrument really clearly…ok, maybe I was wrong” and then they started playing the song that turned to be “How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?” and things got urgent. About thirty seconds into it, I started moving directly for the merchandise table on the other side of the park, knowing I had a finite amount time to get there and ask which album this song was on before it ended. The last $10 in my pocket were quickly handed over and all was well. My friend Maggie said it best, there is not a note wasted in this song.

If you are moved like I was and have one of those “I like to support independent people doing their thing” streaks you can cop it directly from them on LP or CD.

Also, check out the fiery painting of Jackie Robinson on the inside of the band shell, I love it.

>> songs are available for two weeks [5.6 MB]

courtesy of the nytimes