Description

During the early 1960rsquos, the sound of ska exploded upon Jamaicarsquos musical landscape, with the driving dynamic sound championed by arguably the greatest ensemble of musicians ever to have performed and recorded on the island.Fronted by legendary saxophonist Tommy McCook, the Skatalites also comprised a veritable whorsquos who of Kingstonbased performers, their number including trombonist Don Drummond, tenor saxman Roland Alphonso, drumming supremo Lloyd Knibb and keyboard prodigy Jackie Mittoo.Following their creation in the summer of rsquo64, this powerhouse instrumental combo dominated the islandrsquos music industry for 18 glorious months, the very best of their work produced by famed Treasure Isle Records boss, Arthur lsquoDukersquo Reid.The best of their output for the celebrated producer is showcased on the lsquoEssential Artist Collectionrsquo, which sees issue on both as a 2LP vinyl set and a double CD collection, both of which provide the best introduction yet to the music of the incredible, multitalented and hugely influential Skatalites. The Skatalites is available for home delivery from Vinyl Records London, only u00a327 +P&P