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The Skatalites – “Desert Ska”
Walk With Me
What do Toots and the Maytals, Prince Buster and the Wailers have in common? They’ve all released albums with the Skatalites as their backing band. Formed in 1964, the Skatalites quickly became one of the most outstanding and important reggae, rock steady & ska groups around. Comprised of top musicians who gained experience playing in different bands and recording with various artists, the Skatalites have made their mark on music and continue to perform today.
The group went on hiatus for nearly twenty years, but in 1983 they returned to the studio and began releasing records again. Since 1989, the Skatalites have been performing nonstop for audiences around the world. After forty-eight years, the lineup of the group has changed due to personnel moving to different bands or passing away. Founding drummer Lloyd Knibb worked with the band on their latest release, Walk With Me, but sadly did not live to see the release of the record. An innovative drummer, Knibb mastered the ska beat and became a huge influence on reggae drummers. His rhythm will be missed.
Although the going gets tough on the road, the band says they will never stop playing because of the love for the music and their dedicated fanbase. One listen to Walk With Me and you will hear how vibrant the Skatalites sound today. Original alto sax man Lester “Ska” Sterling leads the energetic ten-piece ensemble and continues to bestow his wisdom on a younger generation of musicians. This record is dedicated to Lloyd Knibb, Lloyd Brevett, Jerome “Jah Jerry” Haynes, and John “Dizzy Johnny” Moore, who have all passed since the last Skatalites recording. Check out “Desert Ska” and don’t miss the band on tour.
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