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THE SKATALITES, From Paris With Love (World Village)
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Planet, THE SKATALITES, From Paris With Love (World Village) >>
BY Joshua Ellison
In 1959, the Jamaican Top 30 featured nothing but American records. Shortly after, island natives dominated their own chart, playing and singing under the spell of black music from across the water. But the Jamaicans were inching toward a unique sound of their own. As their jazz and R&B emulations took on a distinctive Caribbean rhythm, the result was the birth of ska. The premiere group among these new pioneers was The Skatalites; they set the tempo and defined the style. Top players all, the members had a grasp on the multiple popular sounds that informed ska- from blues to calypso. As a studio ensemble and a bona fide band, they played on many classics. Now, 40 years later, the Skatalites have returned with a celebrated tour that has taken them to every continent, and a new CD, From Paris With Love. The disc is a fine introduction to these masters and a worthy addition to their timeless catalogue. Although the recordings are recent, these graceful tracks sound eternally removed from the digital grunt of today's Jamaican music. The playing is sharp; the mood is elegant and cool; and the Skatalites' youthful good taste has matured into faultless, self-assured class.
06/01/03
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