RIP Lloyd Brevette, bassist and co-founder of The Skatalites. Even though the original SKATALITES were together for just 18 months between 1963-1965, their unique melting pot of R&B, jazz, calyspo, and Latin/Cuban styles created timeless instrumentals that defined Jamaican ska for generations to come. Although most ska fans know “Eastern Standard Time”, “Guns of Navarone”, and other recordings with “Sir Coxsone” Dodd, few seem to follow their music recorded after their mid-60s heyday. “African Roots” is one such album that deserves your attention, recorded in Jamcaica between 1974-75 and re-issued by GROVER in 1995. This in essance was the band’s first “reunion” album with mixing and production duties by KING TUBBY and DUKE REID. Fourteen original compositions (including dubs by Tubby) – a fantastic roots reggae album performed with a jazz/ska lyricism and inflection.
Tracklisting: A1 Stream In The Meadow A2 Rock Bottom A3 Candle Light A4 Candle Light Dub A5 Fugitive A6 Fugitive Dub A7 Jumbo Malt B1 Seven Seal B2 African Roots B3 Herb Challis B4 Just Cool (Corner Stone) B5 Japan Special B6 Space Light B7 Rock With Me Baby
Also back in stock two modern classics from the sweet female vocalist of the almighty SKATALITE band – DOREEN SHAFFER! “ADORABLE” was recorded in 1997 with DR RING DING & THE SENIOR ALL STARS as the backing band. A great tracklisting too: 1 Sugar Sugar 2 Turn Your Lamp Down Low 3. Groovy Kind Of Love 4 Holdin’ On 5 Closer And Closer 6 Adorable You 7 Let’s Find Each Other Tonight 8 Who’s Gonna Love Me
9 Golden Love 10 Time For Change 11 Nice Time 12 Who’s Gonna Dub Me 13 Mi Come Back Featuring – Dr. Ring-Ding
Then in 2009 Belgian traditional ska legends the MOON INVADERS got her to record once again – another fine album of ska and rock steady gems: 1. Groovin’ 2. Private Number 3. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise
4. Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye 5. Thank You 6. Why Did You Leave Me 7. Dub Me 8. What’s Going On 9. Run Run 10. Moonlight Lover 11. Moonlight Dub 12. Now Is The Time 13. Cupid 14. You’re Wondering Now