Five shows for The Skatalites in October

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Five shows for The Skatalites in October

Alkmaar, Deventer, Groningen, The Skatalites, Utrecht

11/07/2024

The Skatalites will perform 5 times in the Netherlands in October. The Skatalites are a seminal Jamaican band, recognized as pioneers of ska music. Formed in 1964, the original lineup included musicians such as Tommy McCook (tenor saxophone), Roland Alphonso (tenor saxophone), Don Drummond (trombone), Lester Sterling (alto saxophone), Lloyd Brevett (bass), Lloyd Knibb (drums), Jerome “Jah Jerry” Haynes (guitar), Jackie Mittoo (piano), and Johnny “Dizzy” Moore (trumpet). Their energetic fusion of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues laid the groundwork for the development of reggae and rocksteady.

The Skatalites played an instrumental role in defining the ska genre with their upbeat, offbeat rhythms and brass-driven melodies. They served as the backing band for many prominent Jamaican artists, including Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals, and Jimmy Cliff, recording numerous tracks at the legendary Studio One. Some of their well-known songs include “Guns of Navarone,” “Phoenix City,” and “Eastern Standard Time.”

Despite lineup changes and the passing of key members, The Skatalites’ legacy endures. They have left an indelible mark on music, influencing countless artists and genres. Their contributions to ska and its offshoots underscore their status as one of the most important bands in the history of Jamaican music.