In the 1960s, The carribean Island of Jamaica was on the verge of revealing a new form of music to the entire world. It all started as a fusion of carribean Mento and Calypso along with American jazz and Rhythm and blues in the 1950s. By 1963, nine leading studio musicians combined to become the Skatalites. Their most prolific member Don Drummond was a trombonist, composer and arranger. He is said to be as essential to the development of Ska as Bob Marley was to the development of Reggae. This music is characterized by a walking bassline accented with rhythms on the offbeat. It is a jumpy rhythm which uses electric guitars, drums, piano and organ. It’s brass section which consists of trumpets, trombones and saxophones, sets ska apart from other genres of popular music; definitely in a class of it’s own. it’s early beginnings up until the 1970s is considered the first wave. During this period, pioneers such as the Skatalites continued to influence and mentor many other artists and music producers. Prince Buster, Sir “Coxsone” Dodd, Duke Reid, Toots Hibbert, Justin Hinds and the Dominos and of course The Wailers, became stars in Ska and the sound system culture. Not just locally, but internationally as well. The second wave rushed in during the late 1970s in Britain. Jamaican Ska rhythms and melodies were mixed with the faster tempo of punk rock forming Ska/Punk. By the end of the eighties, heading into the nineties, the genre was about to experience it’s biggest wave yet! Bands from around the world played this upbeat rhythm. This was the genre’s most visible time spent in the mainstream. Thanks to chart topping hits and popular bands like No Doubt, Sublime and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Legions of Ska artists and fans emerged to further solidify an already formidable musical culture. Now two decades into the twenty first century, it is safe to say that Ska is confidently riding it’s fourth wave. In North America, Los Angeles, California represents a haven for Ska musicians, bands and fans. Mexico has a vibrant Ska scene and a strong sound system culture. The horn heavy upbeat sounds of Ska are compatible with traditional mariachi music in Mexico. Ska has long been enjoyed in Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Russia and Indonesia. In Australia you will find the 34 piece Melbourne Ska Orchestra. Japan who has long been fascinated with Jamaican music, is home to the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. There are many international festivals which include Germany’s Freedom Sound Festival. The Supernova International Ska Festival in Virginia, U.S.A. The Los Angeles Skawars, The Victoria Ska Festival held in Victoria, B.C., Canada and The Netherlands Lowlands Festival, which attracts tens of thousands of fans annually with no mainstream promotions. This is a testament to the massive fandom Ska music continues to enjoy.
George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic