Description
The New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble (NYSJE) is an internationally recognized group, formed in 1994, that fuses the energetic rhythms of ska with the improvisational sophistication of jazz. The band’s music also incorporates elements of reggae, rocksteady, and dancehall. NYSJE was founded in the mid-1990s as a “supergroup” of sorts, comprising musicians from prominent New York ska bands like The Toasters, The Scofflaws, and The Skatalites. Over its career, NYSJE has toured extensively across Europe, North and South America, and the Caribbean. They have performed at renowned festivals such as the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival. The band’s music has been featured on television networks like Nickelodeon and MTV, as well as in commercials. The New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble has released more than a dozen albums since its formation, with three albums on groundbreaking label MOON SKA and recent productions on Brixton Records in Spain.
In addition to their original compositions, they are celebrated for their jazz interpretations of standards from artists such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Dave Brubeck. NYSJE is known for its ska-jazz instrumentals, but their work also includes vocal tracks with an incredible list of guests over the years. The brand new album “SKALLABORATIONS” collects the best guest appearances across all their studio albums, on limited edition jazz blue vinyl!
Tracklisting:
SIDE A
1. BOB BARKER (featuring Tommy McCook)
2. JOHN & JAMES (featuring Greg Lee, Alex Desert, Deston Barry – Hepcat)
3. MR. PITIFUL (featuring Stephen Jackson)
4. SEE YAH WOULDN’T WANNA BE YAH (featuring James K Smith)
5. COMES LOVE (featuring Caz Gardiner)
6. BUTTAH (featuring Jack Ruby Jr. and Nathan Breedlove)
7. STEP FORWARD (featuring Val Douglas)
SIDE B
1. SKA-KNIBB (featuring Tommy McCook)
2. MAKIN’ WHOOPIE (featuring Sharon Jones)
3. MOBY DICK (featuring Jack Ruby Jr.)
4. TEARDROPS FROM MY EYES (featuring Caz Gardiner)
5. WEAK IN LOVE (featuring J.C. Lodge)
6. FILTHY MCNASTY (featuring Nathan Breedlove)
7. O-O-H CHILD (featuring Joanne Williams)
“Thirty years of collaboration with extraordinarily talented musicians inspires me to hone my craft and continuously evolve, leading the band to unique creations. Experimenting with mixing genres leads us repeatedly to that sweet spot of mutual creativity. Our music reaches all ages, all backgrounds, and truly knows no limits. The New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble is a labor of love for me–full of hard work, sacrifice, boundless energy, and countless road stories that could fill several volumes. I’m thrilled to share this 16th recording, Skallaborations. Over the course of my life, I’ve been fortunate enough to work and thrive as a musician. Skallaborations celebrates the many talented artists the band has teamed up with during its tenure. It’s great to be back on a label in the USA-Jump Up Records. Kudos to Chuck Wren for his enduring dedication to Ska music and the Ska community. Onwards and Upwards………#17 will be next!” Rock Steady Freddie(2025)
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