By Frank-John Hadley | Published December 2021
The scale of this package hints that there’s a helping of myth-making that plays a role in its very existence. It’s also important to note that some of the brightest stars of the Daptone Galaxy (Naomi Shelton, Charles Bradley and Sharon Jones among them) had their lights snuffed out in the years following this album’s 2014 recording, helping to cement the sense that the sets captured here at New York City’s Apollo Theater are rare, and therefore important. But looking beyond the album’s decadent packaging (celebrating the label’s 20th anniversary), the music captured within also speaks volumes, even if inadvertently.
This record serves as a powerful gateway drug, a means of discovery of an esthetic for those who missed the heyday of mid-century American soul, funk and gospel music.
Groove & Good Times: Introduction by Binky Griptite; Hot Shot; Confess It; In The Night; Witches Boogaloo; Love Went Away; Thank You Lord; Stranger; Higher Ground; Make The Road By Walking; Out Of The Wilderness; Heartaches And Pain; The World (Is Going Up In Flames); Lovin’ You, Baby; Slip Away; How Long; Let Love Stand A Chance; The Sticks; Ain’t It A Sin; Sari Kon Kon Pt. 1; Sari Kon Kon Pt. 2; Sharon’s Introduction; He Said I Can; If You Call; Tell Me; Get Up Get Out; Making Up And Breaking Up (And Making Up And Breaking Up Over Again); I’m Not Gonna Cry; Calamity; Every Beat Of My Heart; There Was A Time; Family Affair/Outro. (119:06)
Personnel: Sharon Jones; Charles Bradley; Naomi Shelton; Binky Griptite, guitar, vocals, MC (1-4 22-32); Homer Steinweiss, drums (2-4, 10, 16, 22-32), Fernando Velez conga, bongos (2-4, 20-32); Joseph Crispiano, guitar (2-6, 10, 16, 20-21); Dave Guy, trumpet (2-6, 10, 16, 18-21); and many more.
Ordering Info: raphaelwressnig.com
