THE SKATALITES
The Skatalites are Jamaica's premier ska band since 1964 who backed artists like Bob Marley, Toots and The Maytals, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe and most of the singers of the day. Their infectious brand of bluesy,jazzy ska spread like wildfire around the island and spawned the entire genres of ska,rocksteady,reggae,dub,two-tone,and 3rd wave ska. The tiny island of Jamaica has probably had more effect on music globally than any other country or place in the world, and The Skatalites were the pioneers of the music that originally caused this. The original lineup lasted only 14 months but recorded thousands of tunes, some of which are still being discovered in the archives today. Although the group broke up in 1965, the members remained active in the evolution of Jamaican popular music as it increased in popularity. After hearing about the resurgence of interest in their music they reunited in 1983 to perform at Jamaica's famed Sunsplash festival. Subsequently in 1986 they migrated to the USA and began performing and touring all over the world as they continue to do now after 52 years in the music business. Despite changes in personnel over the years, the band has continued to stay viable in the market, recording and performing at some of the world's largest festivals and has been nominated twice for The Grammys. Their most recent recording "Platinum Ska" features some tracks with Lloyd Knibb , the original drummer who passed away in 2011 and was widely regarded as the creator of the ska beat as well as the "onedrop" rhythm that is the foundation of most reggae music. Also on some tracks is original alto sax man Lester Sterling who is still active but no longer touring regularly with the band. Original vocalist Doreen Shaffer contributes a vocal track on this cd and continues leading the band on it's path as it continues it's great legacy bringing joy to fans,old and new, all over the world.
Forever indebted to the inspiration and talent of: Roland Alphonso, Lloyd Brevett, Tony DaCosta, Rupert Dillon , Don Drummond, Joseph " Lord Tanamo" Gordon, Jerome "Jah Jerry" Haynes, Lloyd Knibb, Tommy McCook, Donat Roy "Jackie" Mittoo, John " Dizzy Johnny" Moore, Jackie Opel, Doreen Shaffer, Lester Sterling.
The Alchemystics
Explore beyond the edges of traditional musical boundaries and their diverse ethnic and musical backgrounds, the Alchemystics blend reggae, politically infused hip-hop, gritty soul, hard-driving rock, and pulsing Jamaican, Cuban and Trinidadian rhythms into an utterly unique and distinctively original new sound. The result is modern-day roots music with global appeal - an alchemy of ancient musical traditions; intricate, intelligent wordplay; elementally raw soul; irresistible hooks; deep, driving rhythms; and old-school vocal harmonies - fired by the Alchemystic's unique blend of intensity, passion, and sheer artistic chemistry into a powerful, contemporary, and unmistakable sound.
Formed by producers, and rhythmic earth shakers Demse Zullo - drums/percussion & Garrett Sawyer - bass in early 2003, the Alchemystics under their musical direction have grown into an eclectic lineup of talented musicians combining the inspired, masterful vocals of Ras Jahn and Ian-I, the smooth and socially conscious lyricism of Force, the Afro-Caribbean infused percussion of Matthew King, and the cosmic keyboards of Jay Metcalf. Together, the Alchemystics have catalyzed into an original, unstoppable musical force. Their high-energy, fiercely danceable live shows, have gained the band a passionately loyal multi-cultural, multi-generational following throughout New England, and beyond.
The Alchemystics have shared stages with a global array of music luminaries such as Stephen Marley, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Clipse, Damian Marley, The Abyssinians, Sister Carol, The Coup, Inner circle, Busta Rhymes, Yellow Man, Burning Spear, Gil Scott Heron, Culture, Steel Pulse, Angelique Kidjo, Mighty Sparrow, The Brazilian Girls, Israel Vibrations, The English Beat, Midnite, King Sunny Ade, and Taj Mahal among many others.
The Alchemystics firmly embrace the philosophy that music and art are tools for propelling social change in our communities, and that the future of music and the planet necessitates bringing people of diverse backgrounds together to create conscious community. Individually and collectively, the members of the Alchemystics prioritize giving back to their local community, working closely with local youth groups and lending their musical talents when called upon. Individually and as a group, Alchemystics members regularly guest lecture, teach, and perform at schools and colleges throughout the Northeast.
In 2011 the group released their 4th album Spread Hope, which was hailed by critics and fans alike as their most polished and creative artistic statement yet, creating a national buzz and gaining them widespread acclaim. 2012 finds The Alchemystics having released a video for the first single off Spread Hope - Dance Upon the Corner - and writing and recording several new and exciting tracks. All while doing what they do best: bringing their uplifting blend of thunderous beats and positive lyrics to audiences across the Nation, headlining and playing Festivals and clubs from WV to Ohio, NY to Maine & back to their home in Western Mass. The Alchemystics continue to focus their energy on creating positive dance music and are excited to share their message with the world.
MOHA
Moha was raised between Senegal, France, and the United States, and thus developed a rare perspective on what life’s journey entails in different parts of the world. ‘Fit’ is Moha’s 10-song debut album, and is an energetic and emotional journey of endurance. The album title appropriately translates to ‘courage’ in Wolof, Moha’s native language. His live show includes an energetic full band and is a musical journey through his first years living on his own, after leaving home at 14. Moha touches on every emotion along the way, using his iconic voice to give both goosebumps and grooves.