Greetings From Skamania

by The Skatalites

Overview

So you like vintage ska, with its galloping, proto-reggae backbeats, its massive horn sections, and its whanging, hip-shaking drum sound? You like the jazzy solos, the catch phrases shouted out at the end of each chorus, the ever-so-slightly out-of-tune guitar? Then you'll like the Skatalites, the Jamaican studio collective that perfected the big-band ska sound while backing some of the finest ska and rocksteady artists of the '60s. Every ten years or so a new, young generation catches on to the primordial hepness of ska, and the Skatalites get another 15 minutes or so of renewed cachet. When that happens, smart labels like Shanachie get them into the studio before they can start fighting amongst themselves and break up again. There aren't actually that many original members left -- trombonist Don Drummond is sorely missed, for example -- but legendary saxophonists Tommy McCook and Roland Alphonso are still going strong, as is drummer Lloyd Knibbs. This time out, they've brought along a few youngsters who, to their credit, have clearly done their homework and play solidly in the old-school tradition while bringing a fresh, energetic sound to the mix. Most of the tracks on this album are instrumentals, but some feature the fine (though not earth-shattering) vocals of Doreen Shaffer. Overall, this album is highly recommended -- next time you have friends over, put it on and watch them party like it's 1969. ~ Rick Anderson

Product Details

Release Date:	02/02/2024
Label:	Jump Up
UPC:	0606952160016
Rank:	64144

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Skatalites   Primary Artist
Steve Turre   Guest Artist,Trombone
Bobby Watson   Guest Artist,Sax (Alto)
Tommy McCook   Sax (Tenor)
William D. "Smitty" Smith   Keyboards
Will Clark   Trombone
Bill Smith   Keyboards
Larry McDonald   Percussion
Doreen Shaffer   Vocals
Devon James   Guitar
Lloyd Brevett   Bass
Lester Sterling   Sax (Alto)
Lloyd Knibbs   Drums
Roland Alphonso   Sax (Tenor)
Nathan Breedlove   Trumpet

Technical Credits

Roy Beckerman   Engineer,Mixing,Engineer
Mongo Santamaria   Composer
Al Hemberger   Studio Technician
Bobby Watson   Composer
Joe Ferry   Mixing,Composer,Producer
Richard Nevins   Mixing
Marshall Toppo   Bass Technician
Peter Nardone   Production Assistant
Rick Angelori   Studio Technician
Bill Smith   Composer
Doug Munro   Mixing,Producer
Charlie Dahan   Associate Producer
Devon James   Composer
Peter Beckerman   Mixing
Lloyd Brevett   Composer
Lester Sterling   Composer
Roy Matthews   Engineer
Roland Alphonso   Composer
Nathan Breedlove   Composer
Tommy McCook   Producer,Arranger,Mixing
The Skatalites   Composer
Randall Grass   Mixing,Executive Producer