Music Review: Feist with Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings at the Hollywood Bowl
Until last night I had never been to the Hollywood Bowl, but I am already planning my next trip. What a fantastic venue. Usually I prefer a smaller venue when I’m seeing a show, but when my friend was buying tickets and asked if I’d like to go, I figured I would check it out. I’d heard two Feist songs before last night I’m sure anyone can guess which two; I was going for Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings. For those of you who haven’t heard the powerful Ms. Jones and the soulful sounds of the Dap Kings, I highly recommend checking them out.
This high energy group epitomizes old-school soul, even the Feist fans who’d never even heard of this band were up and moving, grooving along with this incredible performance.
My first Hollywood Bowl experience began with a picnic of goodies from Joan’s on 3rd and a few bottles of wine. As it turns out, for certain shows, the bowl actually allows you to bring your own bottles in, so we didn’t have to waste that last half bottle â be sure to check before you arrive. There’s no use wasting money on over-priced Coors light when you can bring your own wine!
Once inside I was blown away by this huge stadium nestled in the hills, with the Hollywood sign peaking out over the stage and a glowing cross off in the distance. The place was packed and Sharon Jones was already on stage by the time we found our seats, but we were quickly up and dancing to some of my favorites, 100 Days, 100 Nights, Be Easy, and Nobody’s Baby. You can give these tunes a listen on amazon.com.
After about a forty minute break Feist took the stage. By now the sky was completely dark and there was a more subdued atmosphere in the crowd. In the middle of her set my friend leaned and whispered to me, “I love musicians who are completely out of their minds.” She was right, this girl is bizarre and has a voice like fog: dense yet weightless, and she put on a better performance than I’d anticipated. Her sound was “folkier” than I’d expected, and most of the lyrics floated away from me, muffled by her sweet, raspy voice and the eager sounds of her guitar. Even without knowing the music I really enjoyed the performance and now intend to pick up her album Reminder.
I’m going back to the bowl to check out Diana Ross this Friday, and I’ll be sure to bring a nice bottle of red inside this time.
For more info go to www.hollywoodbowl.com