Photo by Richard Gastwirt

Live from Daryl’s House NU-Soul Revue with special guests Sharon Jones and Allen Stone
House of Blues
Boston, MA
April 12

After producing fifty-plus episodes of his award-winning web series Live from Daryl’s House, which was recently picked up for national syndication on TV, and with the release of his new solo album Laughing Down Crying, Daryl Hall decided to take the concept on the road with guests from past episodes, Sharon Jones and Allen Stone, along for the ride. At Boston’s House of Blues, backed by the LFDH Band, Hall kickedoff the show saying “welcome to the barn” referring to the set replica of his home studio, recognizable to regular viewers of the webcast.

Filled with what seemed like a sense of gratitude and renewal, Hall conveyed “these past few years have been the happiest of my entire life, collaborating with all these great artists on my show, and now on tour, it’s overwhelming.” Hall started the set with “Save Me” and “Eyes for You” from the new album and then introduced newcomer Allen Stone. Referring to Stone as “my musical son in the soul tradition, who reminds me so much of myself at that age” , as a proud mentor, Hall generously shared the spotlight and vocal back-up on “Celebrate Tonight” and “Unaware” from Stone’s self-titled debut album.

Fittingly described by Hall as “an unstoppable force of nature,” Sharon Jones joined the stage, minus the Dap Kings, and together they launched into “100 Days 100 Nights” with some deep belly soul singing. Hall and Jones traded off earthy vocals on "Tell Me’’ and “I Learned the Hard Way” and made it all look effortless. Neither were into their usual headlining acts- both were relaxed and just having fun with each other.

Hall, Jones, and Stone returned for the second set, which featured the classic Hall and Oates hits “It’s Uncanny” , “You Make My Dreams Come True” , and “I Got a Thing on My Mind” . A beautiful, gospel-like rendition of “Everytime You Go Away” brought Sharon Jones to actual tears. The evening ender and highlight was a funky improvised jam, featuring original Hall and Oates saxophonist Charles DeChant, on "I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do).