Last night’s Sharon Jones show was as close to a religious experience as anything I’ve witnessed in a very long time. Backed by The Dap-Kings (whom double as Amy Winehouse’s backing troupe as well), Sharon performed a 2-hour set that was damn near perfect. Equal parts early ’70s Aretha, late ’70s Tina, mid ’80s George Clinton plus a sound entirely her own, Sharon Jones melds funk & soul into a modern & explosive whirlpool.

Cheers were at a fever pitch all evening long but they surely reached their peak during the set-closing, ’100 Days, 100 Nights’. Of which, Sharon simply introduced as ‘a song about myself’. For an encore, she tore through James Brown’s classic track, ‘It’s A Man’s World’, and even spent some time at the piano for a tender and passionate version of ‘Answer Me’.

As someone who has only recently discovered Sharon’s brilliance (shame on me), I left the gig aching for another opportunity to live it all over again. Europeans, mark this one down with a big gold star on your calendars – view all of her upcoming UK dates (in April) here.

Learn more about Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings at their (extensive) official site.

MP3: Sharon Jones – 100 Days, 100 Nights [alt link]

I have no clever punchline for this show which I just got back from.

As amazing as it seemed in theory to catch Jon Stewart, David Bryne, John from The Long Winters, a host of fabulously talented writers, and of course, Sufjan Stevens, the result was somewhat disappointing. Only the latter bloke seemed to shine tonight.

Jon Stewart started the evening with a half hour sketch involving his book America and a stand-in fact-checker (played by The Daily Show‘s exec producer), or as he deemed it, ‘de-fucker upper’. It had its moments but ultimately was rather dull. Also, what a shock to find out that the headliner of the evening was off stage by a quarter to nine. Whoa! Guess he had to take care of the kiddies.

The rest of the night seemed to flow rather well with all the above mentioned performers but never really picked up any steam.

Sufjan was great, however. Somehow I FORGOT MY CAMERA and had to take this shitty shot from my cameraphone. I was in the front row and this is all I managed (sorry, children).

His setlist went: Mistress/Jacksonville/Chicago/Casimir Pulaski Day/The Dress Looks Nice On You. He later got on stage to sing a song about Michigan (go figure) with David Byrne. That number closed the show around 10:45.

All in all, a good night. I’m glad all in attendance raised a great deal of cash for 826 NYC which is a lovely non-profit out to help youngsters write and express themselves.

What’d you think? Is it possible I was oblivious and someone on stage totally stole the show while I was Sufjan obsessing?

UPDATE: KATHRYN’S beautiful photos!… also more on the night over at Stereogum (including mp3 of said duet).