The Dap-kings are more than just a backing band for Sharon Jones. They’re a house band for Daptone Records and they have recorded a hell of a lot of sides with a hell of a lot of artists.
So here is a great selection of tracks featuring various artists including Binky Gripite, legendary funk singer Lee Fields, the Queen of gospel; Naomi Shelton and instrumental tracks from Sugarman and Co and The Budos Band, both of which feature members of the Dap Kings.
This spectacular compilation spans soul, funk and gospel and brings to life long forgotten artists with a modern band and a modern tinge to this oft-overlooked genre.
Kids who are digging R&B superstars of today would do themselves a favour by picking up this compilation. It would be an excellent segue into the pioneers that paved the way for what we have today.
Simple love songs are the order of the day. Whether it’s Binky Gripite’s groovy version of ‘A Lover Like Me’, which sees him singing “You don’t know what you mean to a lover like me,” or Cynthia Langston’s irresistible pleas in ‘I Need You To Hold My Hand’, you can be sure there is a song here that will schmooze it’s way straight into your heart and damn well stay there.
For those who like to shake their booty, or prefer their soul a little different, instrumental tracks like the conga driven ‘Up From The South’ by the Budos Band or The Dap-King’s arse-shaking ‘Nervous Like Me’.
If you like your music smooth, then Sugarman and Co’s sax driven instrumental will have you thinking you’re Bond, James Bond within a few bars of martini soaked rhythm.
Daptone Gold is more than just a best of from the Daptone record label. It’s a best of from soul music itself. It has something for everyone, whether you’re a hardened northerner from the 60s, or a teenager into Beyonce. If you’re human, you’ll love this.
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