The Skatalites at WOMAD 2010 Taranaki

Since its inception in 1963, The Skatalites has always been the seminal ska group.  Most of the original members came from a big band jazz background, though together they began to explore unchartered territories when they cut the groundbreaking album Ska Authentic in 1964.  Within14 months they had revolutionised Jamaican music, laying the foundation for rocksteady, reggae, dub, dancehall and raga, with their own music.

The key figures of the original band reformed in 1983, making a huge hit at the Sunsplash festivals in Jamaica and London and inspiring the band to continue.  Although founders McCook and Alphonso both died in 1998, original duo Lloyd Knibb (drums) and Lester Stirling (alto sax) remain at the core of a new nine-piece outfit that continues to provide the irresistible Skatalites beat.

This video shows The Skatalites playing at the Brooklands stage of WOMAD 2010 in New Plymouth, Taranaki, on 14th March.

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Credit: Sneeze