BT Presents: Episode 9 The Skatalites

BT Presents: Episode 9 - The Skatalites 

After a short break, Babylon’s Train returns to your tv and computer monitors with more episodes full of music, arts, politics and health. We return with full force and are honored to return with episode 9- BT Presents: The Skatalites. I find it difficult to introduce such a legendary and noteworthy band that is directly responsible for the creation of some of our favorite rhythms. 

Nero Franco

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You think you know about Ska and Reggae but you don’t know who The Skatalites are? Tsk, tsk, tsk…. there’s a lot you are missing out on, but don’t worry because today we will learn history! The Skatalites is a Jamaican band that formed in 1964, the original group was comprised by Tommy McCook (died 1998), Rolando Alphonso (died 1998), Lloyd Brevett (died 2012), Lloyd Knibb (died 2011), Don Drummond (died 1969), Jah Jerry Haynes (died 2007), Jackie Mittoo (died 1990), Johnny Moore (died 2008), Jackie Opel (died 1970) and Lester Sterling. These musicians started playing together in the mid 50’s and were all part of the Alpha Boys School, as well as the first to record in Studio 1.

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The Skatalites being the top musicians of the time, began experimenting and creating new sounds. They would mix R&B, blues, calypso, African rhythms, among other genres and styles. Soon enough they had a distinct beat that was widely recognized across the world. The significance of this band is so great because almost five decades we can still hear their influence in all reggae, ska, roots and dub music.

This was a great show, full of musical and historical significance and we are honored to be able to bring you an interview with current bass player Val Douglas, three of the most popular songs, including one with the one and only, the legendary Jamaican reggae singer-songwriter Norma Fraser.  

Babylon's Train interviewing Val Douglas, Bass Player from The Skatalites

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