If one band could be cited for the emergence of Ska music, that band would be the
Skatalites.
Formed around June 1965 and built around the many musicians that had honed
their craft at the Alpha Boys School in Kingston, Jamaica. The early line up consisted
of Don Drummond (Trombone), Roland Alphonso (Tenor Saxophone), Tommy McCook
(Tenor Saxophone), Johnny ’Dizzy’ Moore (Trumpet), Lester Sterling (Alto Saxophone),
Jerome ’Jah Jerry’ Hines (Guitar), Jackie Mittoo (Piano), Llyod Brevett (Bass) and
Llyod Knibbs (Drums).
Named originally The Satellites after the big news of the day, the Soviet space satellite.
They became The Skatalites when band member Tommy McCook introduced a play
on the characteristic ‘Ska’ sound, made by the guitar when following the’ after beat’ of
the music.The group had already cut its musical teeth by playing under various guises
around the Jamaican island in numerous ‘hotel bands’. When the big Sound System
operators Sir Coxsane Dodd, Duke Reid and King Edwards needed new material to
play out with and their usual source of the material, American R & B records were
drying up. They turned to this pool of musicians to back up their main singers of the day.
Delroy Wilson, Alton Ellis and Lord Creator to name but a few. Also to cut the many
instrumental tracks they needed usually under the tutor ledge of Don Drummond, official
band leader and main musical director. Their knowledge of the old mento tunes and an
understanding of Jazz and R&B music somehow blended to make this musical sound
that was to dominate the island from the early 60’s up until around 1966 when the
sound would slow down to what we now know as Rocksteady.
The time span of the Skatalites career considering their output of litually 100’s of sides
of music, was a relatively short one of just over two years. We have delved into the
vaults of Wirl Records and have selected some tunes that show the dexterity of the
band and what great sounds this group of musicians were capable of producing and
the high quality they maintained. They recorded before they were named as a collective
The Skatalites, when personal and financial problems became an issue the band
split into two halves. Jackie Mittoo and Roland Alfonso going on to form The Soul
Brothers band for Coxsone Dodd. Tommy McCook moving over to work with Duke Reid
as musical director. Sadly Don Drummond suffering for years from depression would
see his career cut short ending in Belle Vue hospital in 1969.
But while together they cut some of the finest Ska Sounds to be found on record.
We hope you enjoy this set as much as we have in putting it together. So stand Up,
Listen Hard and do the Ska......
CD Track Listing
1. WISE MAN
2. SKYLARKA
3. WILD MAN STREET
4. COW TOWN SKANK
5. NORTHERN SOUND
6. CONVENTION
7. THE JOKER FROM LA BOKA
8. LEGS MAN
9. GREENWICH FARM
10. GIRLS TOWN
11. TIP TOE
12. GOLD COAST
13. BOYS TOWN
14. T-BONE
15. MERANQUE*
16. BUDDY BYE*
•CD Bonus Track
Vinly Track Listing
Side 1
1. WISE MAN
2. SKYLARKA
3. WILD MAN STREET
4. COW TOWN SKANK
5. NORTHERN SOUND
6. CONVENTION
7. THE JOKER FROM LA BOKA
Side 2
1. LEGS MAN
2. GREENWICH FARM
3. GIRLS TOWN
4. TIP TOE
5. GOLD COAST
6. BOYS TOWN
7. T-BONE
Musicians Include:Don Drummond (Trombone)
Roland Alphonso (Tenor Saxophone)
Tommy McCook (Tenor Saxophone)
Johnny ’Dizzy’ Moore (Trumpet)
Lester Sterling (Alto Saxophone)
Jerome ’Jah Jerry’ Hines (Guitar)
Jackie Mittoo (Piano)
Llyod Brevett (Bass)
Llyod Knibbs (Drums)
All Titles Copyright Control
Art Direction Voodoo London