New Members
The Skatalites
03-08-2013
Jamaica in the 1960's was teeming with raw energy and music that ran down the hot streets by day and filled the smoky, tin-shack bars at night. When Jamaica's premier Ska band, The Skatalites, began performing in 1964 they were so hot that their first rehearsal became a show. So many people had lined up outside the venue, they decided to just charge admission and let everybody in!
They were the top musicians on the island at the time, having come together playing in different bands and on various recording sessions with all the developing artists of the day; Toots and The Maytals,Prince Buster and "The Wailing Wailers" featuring Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. These groups were all recording on the new beat called Ska, which had an infectious rhythm that was catching on like wildfire. Eventually, the beat slowed down into Rocksteady and then Reggae. This wildfire was unstoppable, spreading all around the world, developing into a huge musical tree with many stylistic branches, including Lovers Rock, Dub, Dancehall/Ragga, Ska-Punk, and others. Hugely popular groups like The Police, The Clash, The Specials, The English Beat, Sublime and No Doubt, all have their roots firmly planted in the music of The Skatalites.
Often asked "when will you stop?" and "how do you keep doing it after all these years?" the answer is simple: "never" and "It's the love of the music and the way our fans respond that keep us going Forward!"
Featuring original alto sax man Lester "Ska" Sterling and vocalist Doreen Shaffer, along with the current lineup of outstanding musicians, they are forever indebted to the inspiration and talent of Roland Alphonso, Lloyd Brevett, Don Drummond, Jerome "jah jerry" Haynes, Lloyd Knibb, Tommy McCook, Donat "Jackie" Mittoo, John "Dizzy Johnny" Moore and Lester Sterling, collectively known as The Skatalites.
"...you could argue that they are one of the most influential groups in 20th century popular music.” - Carter Van Pelt - DJ/ Writer
“The Skatalites are pure energy; hot like fire, with a scorching, skanking rhythm and big-band bravado.” - Mark Harris - Editor: REGGAEREVIEWS.COM
Opener - Pressure Cooker is a Boston-based band playing roots reggae, rocksteady and ska music. These guys can shake it up.
Date and Time
Friday Mar 8, 2013
