British band The Heavy opened for Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings (SJDK) at The Warfield last Friday night to a sold out crowd. The indie-funk band from Noid, England is comprised of guitarist Dan Taylor, vocalist Kelvin Swaby, drummer Chris Ellul and bassist Spencer Page. Best known for their song “How You Like Me Now?”, featured in Kia’s Sorento commercial and played during the 2010 Super Bowl, The Heavy have been popping up on hot artist lists since 2008. Their first album, “Great Vengeance and Furious Fire”, released in 2007, introduced the public to their guitar-driven, neo-soul-meets-garage-band-funk sound. Veterans of SXSW, they were the perfect mix of old and new to open for SJDK. Swaby’s faux-hawk belies his James Brown/ Curtis Mayfield inspired vocals. His energy was matched by the band’s funky horn accompaniment and Taylor and Ellul’s dynamic guitar riffs. They played all their big hits including “Sixteen”, “Colleen”, and “Oh No Not You Again”. The band presents a polished look echoing the professional/seasoned vibe of SJDK.
The Dap Kings, clad in dark, well-tailored suits began by playing a backbeat for guitarist, Binky Griptite’s introduction for the celebrated chanteuse. The Dap Kings are Binky, Homer Steinweiss (drums), Bugaloo Velez (congas), Dave Guy (trumpet), Tommy ‘TNT’ Brenneck (guitar), Bosco Mann (bass), Neal Sugarman (tenor) and Ian Hendrickson-Smith (baritone). Friday night at the Warfield, they were accompanied by a string quartet, keyboardist, and back-up singers. The full band is an impressive sight. A subdued black curtain with a giant glittery “SJDK” was the only décor needed. Their subtle appearance let the audience focus on what really mattered… Sharon’s entrance, in a sequined, tasseled mint-green dress. Sharon exploded on stage with her soulful, robust vocals and her funky, energetic stage presence. The band launched into their set list, playing several tunes from their most recent album, “I Learned the Hard Way”. They didn’t waste time, transitioning quickly through favorites like, “I’m Not Gonna Cry”, “100 Days, 100 Nights”, and “How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?”.
SJDK’s ‘give-the-crowd-their-money’s-worth’ efficiency didn’t take away from their impromptu give-and-take with the audience at all. Sharon’s veteran-performer status was evident in her interaction with her fans. She invited a line of ladies onto the stage to strut their stuff and invited a couple of gents to dance with her to tunes like, “Mama Don’t Like my Man”. One of the men she invited up to stage, decked out in full-on seventies-style regalia, afro included, was worthy of a liner-note. He karate kicked his heart out and disco danced his way back into the crowd, the applause was well earned. And he was a gentleman, kissing Sharon’s hand before descending back into the crowd.
Before closing for the night, Sharon made sure to surprise guitarist, Binky Griptite, with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” and then rounded off the performance with her spectacular version of, “This Land Is Your Land”, from the motion picture, “Up in the Air”. Binky introduced a Dap Kings encore with a fitting tribute (poured some wine from his glass) to Michael Jackson on the 1-year anniversary of his passing, and the Dap Kings belted out a soul-review medley before the houselights came up on a satisfied crowd. Thanks again SJDK for yet another outstanding performance.
