Description
Jump Up Records is proud to present STUNTIN’, the debut album from Brooklyn’s hottest new traditional ska/reggae group THE SCORCHERS. Founded by Mush One and Luis Zuluaga, formerly of EPITAPH / HELLCAT recording actTHE SLACKERS, The Scorchers lean back deep into the roots of Jamaican music, creating a unique blend of vocal harmonies and scorchinginstrumentals. After leaving The Slackers circa 1999-2000, Mush One became involved in several musical projects in the New York City area, most notably Sister Nancy Meets Fireproof (2002 –Jammyland/Special Potato), The Hungry March Band’s On The Waterfront (2003)and Critical Brass (2004), as well as the New Orleans jazz-inspired Washington Square Stomperz (later to become Red Hook Warriorz). Several years later, the sound of ska once again beckoned songwriter/trumpeter Mush One. While still active in the aforementioned projects, he contacted recent Slackers expatriate Luis (Zulu) Zuluaga under the auspices of forming a hard-bop jazz group. Beginning with friends of Fireproof plus Red Hook Warriorz’s Paul Defiglia (upright bass) and Ben Shanley (trombone), the core of the band was formed. The sound of Defigila’s upright bass and Zulu’s ska drumming was immediately explosive, and The Scorchers were born. STUNTIN’ features the debut of vocalist Alicia Williams, daughter of 1940’s/1950’s Jamaican big-band vocalist Granville Phinnof the Sonny Bradshaw Orchestra. This award-winning big band helped pave the way for seminal Jamaican instrumentalists Roland Alphonso and Lloyd Knibb,who would later formthe now legendary Skatalites. If that wasn’t enough, baritone sax star El Michaels (Sharon Jones’ Dap Kings, Soulfire, El Michael’s Affair) also calls the Scorchers home, adding an intoxicating soundtrack vibe to several popcorn style breaks. All in all, STUNTIN’ clocks in just under 60 minutes with 17 strong tunes, including an updated version of Burt Bacharach’s “Walk On By” and Bob Marley’s “Play Play Play”. One listen to STUNTIN’ and you’ll realize how cohesive this album is, the tempos glide you effortlessly though ska, soul, reggae, lounge, rock steady, funk, and jazz. It is beautiful from start to finish, making this an album that will definitely stand the test of time.
FOR FANS OF: The Skatalites, The Slackers, Motown (Supremes, Ronnettes), Marcia Griffiths/I-Threes, Trojan Records, Hepcat, See Spot, King Django
