CD: Island 40^th /Island /PolyGram 524 392-2 /US

released in 1997

Tracks:

1. Prince Buster & The Skatalites: King Of Kings (J. Cliff)
2. Skatalites: Magic Star (R. Alphonso)
3. Doreen Shaffer & The Skatalites: Can't You See (D. Wilson)
4. The Toasters: The Stage (Tennors)
5. Fishbone: Crazy Baldhead (R. Marley)
6. Ernest Ranglin backed by Jump With Joey: Honky Tonk Ska (B.Doggett/Shepard/Scott/Butler)
7. Dan-I And Jump With Joey: Barefootin' (R.Parker)
8. Hepcat: Penny Reel (L.Power)
9. Ocean 11: Stop That Train (C.Campbell)
10. Rico & Freetown: Take Five (D. Brubeck)
11. Laurel Aitken & Freetown: Rudy Girl (S.Burke)
12. Dr. Ring-Ding & The Senior Allstars: Shame & Scandal In The Family (Lord Melody & Sir Lancelot)
13. The Determinations: Housewife's Choice (D.Morgan)
14. The Ska Flames: Kiss Bam Bam (B.Aitken)
15. The Trojans: Keep On Running (3:39)

 

Ska Island features legendary Jamaican artists who defined the ska style and contemporary artists from Britain, Germany, Japan and the U.S.A., who help to maintain its popularity. This album is a tribute to where it all started almost 40 years ago on a little Ska Island.

Ska is a musical style developed in Jamaica that has remained popular in one form or another for over thirty years. By the late '50s, West Indian musical styles like calypso and mento had been eclipsed by a home-grown shuffling rhythm loosely called 'Jamaican Blues' or 'Blues Beat', a Jamaican interpretation of R & B. Very soon after, the off-beat rhythm supplied by the piano or guitar became more precise and prominent, and by the early '60s, the R & B feel had given way to a distinct new style called ska.

Many people immediately associate ska music with Island Records. Island has been involved with ska since its beginnings. Some of the most successful and well-known ska songs in history have been released by Island, including tracks by most of the original Jamaican artists who introduced the genre. The first worldwide ska hit was an Island release - Millie Small's "My Boy Lollipop".

Today there is a big 'SKA SCENE' on every continent and in most major cities throughout the world. This compilation reflects the creativity of many artists, including legendary Jamaican artists who defined the style and contemporary artists from around the world who help to maintain its popularity. For more ska, please visit Moon Ska.

Gaz Mayall - The Making Of Ska Island

Ska Island Artist Profiles:
Gaz Mayall
Laurel Aitken
Jump With Joey
Rico Rodriguez

Gaz Mayall - Home
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