Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings: Naturally

Sharon Jones and her backing band ‘The Dap-Kings’ have been at the forefront of the new Funk/Soul movement for nearly a decade.

Gabriel Roth and Neal Sugarman formed the record label ‘Daptone Records’ in the early 2000’s, primarily as a way of producing many of their own musical efforts. Though several independent releases came out in 2001, it wasn’t until 2002’s Dap Dippin’ with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings was released that the label was off the ground. The label continues to release top notch Funk and Soul releases, with the main output being Sharon Jones and the instrumental Budos Band (highly recommend Budos II)

It’s absurd that it has taken me this long to get my first Sharon Jones LP, and “Naturally” was a wonderful choice. She’s the female James Brown! Funky repetitive riffs that slowly build to a climax; nothing has come this close to the ‘King’ in years. Naturally includes a unique rendition of ‘This land is your land’, which rivals Guthrie’s original (and can be heard over the titles of the 2009 film “Up in the Air”). Needless to say, I am heading out to pick up her other 3 releases, all of which are easily attainable (See Below!)

THE VINYL

Fantastic pressing. The sleeve is a gorgeous gatefold, with a think spine reminiscent of old Impulse releases. The album was produced by ‘Bosco Mann”, who also acts as a multi-instrumentalist on this release. All of the LP’s on Daptone Records are still in print, many of which can be found for $15.99 a pop.



As always, Vortex Records is the place to be! They carry the full Budos Band and Sharon Jones Discography, as well as a 2 LP compilation put out by the label (Worth every penny if you want a survey course in Dap-ology). They can also order in any other Dap related items, both on CD and Vinyl (though who likes CD’s anymore?).