... the highlytalented musicians that made up the Skatalites are definitely those most associated with ska. The group was officially together for only fourteen months from June 1964. but most of iits members had played together regularly since the late 19403. Its nucleus included tenor saxophonist Roland Alphonso, alto saxophonist Lester Sterling. trombonist Don Drummond, trumpeterjohnny ‘Dizzy' Moore, drummerLloyd Knibb. bassist Lloyd Brevett, rhythm guitarist Jerry Haines and pianist Jackie Mittoo. Despite being at first opposed to the idea, and wary of the ska form in general the gifted tenor saxophonist and arranger Tommy McCook was eventually persuaded to lead the band by Coxsone Dodd, after returning from an eight-year stiint leading a jazz group in the Bahamas. (David Katz, Solid Foundation p. 57)
Significant. File under: Originals and originators
Discography: Studio albums Live albums; Collaborations Anthologies and reissues Compilations
In the music library: Foundation Ska Studio One Story: Guns of Navarone; Man in the Street
The Treasure Isle Story: Eastern Standard Time; Latin Goes Ska; Occupation
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