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The Skatalites began performing in Jamaica in May 1964. The group was so hot that their first rehearsal became a show. So many people had lined up outside the venue, they decided to just charge admission and let everybody in! They were the top musicians on the island at the time, having come together after playing in different bands and on various recording sessions. These records were made to be played at the many competing sound systems around the island. The band became legendary, backing all the developing artists of the day, such as Toots and The Maytals, Prince Buster and “The Wailing Wailers” featuring Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. These groups were all recording on the new beat called ska, which had an infectious rhythm that was catching on like wildfire.
Eventually, the beat slowed down into rocksteady, and then reggae. This wildfire spread unstoppably around the world, developing into a huge musical tree with many stylistic branches, including lovers rock, dub, dancehall/ ragga, ska-punk,, and others. Hugely popular groups, like The Police, The Clash, The Specials, The English Beat, Sublime and No Doubt, all have their roots firmly planted in the music of The Skatalites. Since reforming after an almost 20 year
hiatus in 1983, and beginning regular touring as a unit in 1989, they have not stopped thrilling audiences in every corner of the globe. Even after 48 years, and various lineup changes as members leave one stage for another, the band continues to perform and record new music in the inimitable Jamaican style, like only they can. The road has been long and hard, and sadly, seen most of the original members pass on. Often asked “when will you stop?” and “how do you keep doing it after all these years?”, the answer is simple: never – It’s the love of the music and the way our fans respond that keep us going Forward! Featuring original alto sax man Lester “Ska” Sterling and vocalist Doreen Shaffer, along with the current lineup of outstanding musicians they have chosen to accompany them, the band proudly presents live the music of Jamaican Ska. Forever indebted to the inspiration and talent of Roland Alphonso, Lloyd Brevett, Don Drummond, Jerome “jah jerry” Haynes, Lloyd Knibb, Tommy McCook, Donat “Jackie” Mittoo, John “Dizzy Johnny”Moore, and Lester Sterling, collectively known as The Skatalites.
Eventually, the beat slowed down into rocksteady, and then reggae. This wildfire spread unstoppably around the world, developing into a huge musical tree with many stylistic branches, including lovers rock, dub, dancehall/ ragga, ska-punk,, and others. Hugely popular groups, like The Police, The Clash, The Specials, The English Beat, Sublime and No Doubt, all have their roots firmly planted in the music of The Skatalites. Since reforming after an almost 20 year
hiatus in 1983, and beginning regular touring as a unit in 1989, they have not stopped thrilling audiences in every corner of the globe. Even after 48 years, and various lineup changes as members leave one stage for another, the band continues to perform and record new music in the inimitable Jamaican style, like only they can. The road has been long and hard, and sadly, seen most of the original members pass on. Often asked “when will you stop?” and “how do you keep doing it after all these years?”, the answer is simple: never – It’s the love of the music and the way our fans respond that keep us going Forward! Featuring original alto sax man Lester “Ska” Sterling and vocalist Doreen Shaffer, along with the current lineup of outstanding musicians they have chosen to accompany them, the band proudly presents live the music of Jamaican Ska. Forever indebted to the inspiration and talent of Roland Alphonso, Lloyd Brevett, Don Drummond, Jerome “jah jerry” Haynes, Lloyd Knibb, Tommy McCook, Donat “Jackie” Mittoo, John “Dizzy Johnny”Moore, and Lester Sterling, collectively known as The Skatalites.
Vin Gordon a.k.a. Trommie, Don D. Junior Vin Gordon aka Trommie, Don D. Junior, born Aug. 4, 1949, in Jamaica is a gradudate of the worlds legendary Alpha Boys' School in Kingston Jamaica, where he learned to play trombone and string bass by his talented music tutor the late Lennie Hibbert OD, and other students of the school band. After graduating from Alpha Boys' School he played with the Salvation Army band for a while in Montego Bay before he joined his other fellow schoolmates such as Headly Bennett, Cedric Brroks, Bobby Ellis and the notorious Leroy "Hourse-Mouth" Wallace etc., at Studio One and become a part of awell known backing band where he backed all the famous Jamaican artist from the Wailers to Burning Spare during the rock steady and reggae span.
While living in the UK, he played and toured with the Wailers band for five years and work and toured with Aswad. He is best known in the UK for his hit tune "Warrior Charge" with Aswad band. While in the UK Vin Gordon also work with his schoolmate, record producer and song writer Mr. Milton Morris Moore of M&M MUSIC, Vin Gordon’s album "The Melody Moods of Vin Gordon" is one of the many project he did with M&M MUSIC, Vin Gordon is currently working on new materials with Alpharian producer Milton Morris Moore aka "Country Bop" of M&M MUSIC, Vin Gordon also now works and tours with the Skatalites.
Mr. Vin Gordon is a representative and member of the Alpha Old Boys Association.
While living in the UK, he played and toured with the Wailers band for five years and work and toured with Aswad. He is best known in the UK for his hit tune "Warrior Charge" with Aswad band. While in the UK Vin Gordon also work with his schoolmate, record producer and song writer Mr. Milton Morris Moore of M&M MUSIC, Vin Gordon’s album "The Melody Moods of Vin Gordon" is one of the many project he did with M&M MUSIC, Vin Gordon is currently working on new materials with Alpharian producer Milton Morris Moore aka "Country Bop" of M&M MUSIC, Vin Gordon also now works and tours with the Skatalites.
Mr. Vin Gordon is a representative and member of the Alpha Old Boys Association.