Live Review: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Saun & Starr, The Bombay Royale

The Bombay Royale are always a treat when they unleash their unique spin on Bollywood soundtrack. The big band from Melbourne’s north offers a scintillating mix of filmi glamour, outlandish characters and far-fetched plots. The disco strains of Wild Stallion Mountain have everyone, including the band, galloping bareback all over the mountain – giddy up!

The Dap-Kings work the crowd with a funky instrumental before a very suave Binky Griptite introduces The Dapettes, Saun & Starr. They have been Sharon Jones’ backing vocalists for some years now but stepping into the spotlight these sweet soul sisters deal a handful of delightful grooves that lay down smooth and sultry vibes. These lovely ladies from the Bronx coax the crowd to boogie down with Hot Shot a tantalising teaser from their forthcoming debut album.

There is a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement in the room when it approaches showtime for Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. The crowd roars for Ms Jones, who is in the mood to party it up on the last night of the band’s Australian tour. Kicking things off with Stranger To My Happiness, Jones & The Dap-Kings explode with all the energy they can muster to give us one wild soul and funk ride. While showcasing their last album, tonight is all about giving the people what they want and all they want is to dance the night away. Jones belts each song way out of the ballpark, making the recorded versions feel restrained by comparison. It’s not long before Jones is picking out ladies in the crowd, including a statuesque blonde Latvian beauty, to rave it up onstage for the funky strut of New Shoes. 

The pace is relentless and Jones seems to be having the time of her life. She’s in remarkably fine form for someone who managed to beat cancer less than a year ago. Eventually when she gets around to talking to us about her battle with the disease, she does so in the most joyously life-affirming tones. Her fans hold her close to their hearts and the fact that she’s here with us tonight calls for nothing but a celebration. The evening passes in a blur of high energy and along the way Jones takes us back to the Sixties to teach us how to do The Boogaloo and Mashed Potato. She does a hilarious Tina Turner impersonation, sings the old Make It Good To Me for the first time in Australia and deals an astonishing cover of Gladys Knight & the Pips’ Giving Up. Then the show breaks down into an epiphany-inducing session at the charismatic church of soul and funk – hallelujah, sister! Just wish curfew wasn’t so early so we could have an encore.