The Skatalites – In The Mood For Ska

The Skatalites – In The Mood For Ska

A two-disc celebration of one of the most important groups in Jamaican musical history, In The Mood For Ska brings together live performances from The Skatalites' 1996 European Ska Splash tour and a collection of studio recordings featuring the band alongside some of ska's most recognisable vocalists and musicians.

Formed in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1964, The Skatalites were instrumental in establishing the sound of ska and laying the foundations for the development of rocksteady and reggae. Their original line-up brought together some of Jamaica's finest session musicians, including saxophonists Tommy McCook and Roland Alphonso, trombonist Don Drummond, trumpeter Johnny Moore, pianist Jackie Mittoo, bassist Lloyd Brevett and drummer Lloyd Knibb. Their distinctive sound combined jazz-inspired horn arrangements, Caribbean mento rhythms, American R&B influences and infectious offbeat guitar and piano patterns.

Before becoming a celebrated recording and performing group in their own right, the musicians had already played on countless Jamaican recording sessions, backing artists including Bob Marley & The Wailers, Toots & The Maytals and Alton Ellis. Their work for influential producers and labels such as Coxsone Dodd's Studio One and Duke Reid's Treasure Isle helped define the golden age of Jamaican ska.

The first disc, The Skatalites Live At Ska Splash, captures the band's energetic live sound during the 1996 European tour. Instrumental classics including 'Freedom Sounds', 'Eastern Standard Time', 'Four Corners', 'Bridge View' and 'Guns Of Navarone' showcase the band's tight rhythm section and brilliantly interlocking horn arrangements. The performances also feature guest appearances from two important figures in Jamaican music: vocalist Doreen Shaffer, whose contributions include 'Simmer Down' and 'Sugar Sugar', and the legendary Laurel Aitken, widely known as the Godfather of Ska, who joins the group for 'Come Down' and 'Confusious'.

The second disc, The Skatalites And Friends, broadens the selection with studio recordings featuring Laurel Aitken, Tommy McCook, Lord Tanamo, King Bravo, Tricia and The Supersonics. The title track, 'In The Mood For Ska', reunites The Skatalites with Laurel Aitken, while 'Bad Minded Woman' and 'Rude Boy Dreams' further demonstrate the enduring appeal of traditional Jamaican ska. The disc also includes performances associated with the wider Skatalites musical family, from Tommy McCook's collaborations with Lord Tanamo and King Bravo to Tricia and The Supersonics' 'Be Honest With Me' and 'Can't You See'.

A rewarding collection that captures both the infectious excitement of The Skatalites on stage and the enduring musical connections surrounding the group. Essential listening for fans of original Jamaican ska, rocksteady, early reggae and the artists who helped shape the foundations of the music, as well as collectors interested in the continuing legacy of one of Jamaica's most influential musical institutions.

Tracklist

Disc 1 – The Skatalites Live At Ska Splash

1-1. The Skatalites – Freedom Sounds (Live)
1-2. The Skatalites – Eastern Standard Time (Live)
1-3. The Skatalites – Four Corners (Live)
1-4. The Skatalites – Bridge View (Live)
1-5. The Skatalites With Doreen Shaffer – Simmer Down (Live)
1-6. The Skatalites With Doreen Shaffer – Sugar Sugar (Live)
1-7. The Skatalites With Laurel Aitken – Come Down (Live)
1-8. The Skatalites With Laurel Aitken – Confusious (Live)
1-9. The Skatalites – El Pussycat (Live)
1-10. The Skatalites – Freedom (Live)
1-11. The Skatalites – Guns Of Navarone (Live)
1-12. The Skatalites – Phoenix City (Live)

Disc 2 – The Skatalites And Friends

2-1. The Skatalites With Laurel Aitken – In The Mood For Ska
2-2. The Skatalites With Laurel Aitken – Come Down
2-3. The Skatalites With Laurel Aitken – Bad Minded Woman
2-4. The Skatalites With Laurel Aitken – Rude Boy Dreams
2-5. Tommy McCook Featuring Lord Tanamo – How They Laughed
2-6. Tommy McCook Featuring Lord Tanamo – Don Drummond - The Man With The Big Trombone
2-7. Tommy McCook Featuring King Bravo – Golden Love
2-8. Tommy McCook Featuring King Bravo – Loving Princess Diana
2-9. Tricia And The Supersonics – Be Honest With Me
2-10. Tricia And The Supersonics – Can't You See
2-11. Tricia And The Supersonics – Toasters Back In Town