The Skatalites - Essential Artist Collection: The Skatalites (2LP Clear Vinyl)

During the early 1960’s, the sound of ska exploded upon Jamaica’s musical landscape, with the driving dynamic sound championed by arguably the greatest ensemble of musicians ever to have performed and recorded on the island. Fronted by legendary saxophonist Tommy McCook, the Skatalites also comprised a veritable who’s who of Kingston-based performers, their number including trombonist Don Drummond, tenor saxman Roland Alphonso, drumming supremo Lloyd Knibb and keyboard prodigy Jackie Mittoo. Following their creation in the summer of ’64, this powerhouse instrumental combo dominated the island’s music industry for 18 glorious months, the very best of their work produced by famed Treasure Isle Records boss, Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid.

The best of their output for the celebrated producer is showcased on the ‘Essential Artist Collection’, which sees issue on both as a 2LP vinyl set and a double CD collection, both of which provide the best introduction yet to the music of the incredible, multi-talented and hugely influential Skatalites.

 1. (Music Is) My Occupation (Ring of Fire) - Don Drummond, Tommy McCook & The Skatalites

2. Alley Cat Ska – Tommy McCook & The Baba Brooks Band

3. Cool Smoke – Don Drummond & The Skatalites

4. Garden of Love – Don Drummond & The Skatalites

5. Twelve Minutes to Go – Tommy McCook

6. Girls Town Ska – The Baba Brooks Band

7. Vitamin A – The Baba Brooks Band

8. Latin Goes Ska – Lester Sterling & The Skatalites

9. Alipang – Roland Alphonso, Don Drummond & The Skatalites

10. Lucky Seven – Don Drummond & The Tommy McCook Band

11. Musical Store Room – Frank Anderson & Roland Alphonso

12. Musical Communion – The Baba Brooks Orchestra

13. Sandy Gully – Roland Alphonso & The Skatalites

14. Doctor Dekker – Don Drummond & The Baba Brooks Band

15. Nuclear Weapon – Roland Alphonso & The Baba Brooks Band

16. Corner Stone – Roland Alphonso & The Skatalites

17. Knockout Punch (aka Cotton Tree) – Baba Brooks & Don Drummond

18. Don De Lion – Don Drummond & The Skatalites

19. Rocket Ship – Tommy McCook & The Skatalites

20. Feeling Fine – Roland Alphonso & The Skatalites

21. Mesopotamia – Don Drummond & The Skatalites

22. Eastern Standard Time – Don Drummond & The Skatalites

23. Thoroughfare (Treasure Isle) – Don Drummond & The Skatalites

24. Silver Dollar – Don Drummond & Roland Alphonso

25. Street Corner – The Skatalites

26. University Goes Ska – Don Drummond

27. Good News – The Skatalites

28. J.F.K’S Memory – Don Drummond & Tommy McCook