| …The
first reason is the Skatalites.
In 1963 a loose collective of musicians began backing the A-list of singers on Coxsone Dodd’s Studio One label to produce a string of ska hits - Jamaica’s first truly home grown music. By May 1964 they were calling themselves the Skatalites and, in the short time until their demise in 1965, they had created a legend that defined ska and left an indelible imprint on the development of reggae. It is only a mild exaggeration to say that every notable tune from that era involved them.
Among their formidable number were Tommy McCook, Johnny “Dizzy” Moore, Lester Sterling and Don Drummond, all of whom learnt their craft at Alpha Boys’ School on South Camp Road in Kingston, Jamaica. The Alpha Boys' School was
founded in the
1880's, and is run by Roman Catholic nuns as a home for boys in need of
care and protection. Abandoned, abused, orphaned, incorrigible -
it provides these boys with a home, an education and practical
training.
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For
many this training comes in the form of the school’s musical
programme.
After the arrival of Sister Mary Ignatius Davies in 1939 the programme
matured and went on to gain a unique stature during the jazz-era of the
1940s and '50s. It was during this period that McCook, Moore, Sterling
and Drummond gained their apprenticeship at the school.
Some more reasons why the school needs our money: Alpha graduates - Rico Rodriquez, Vin Gordon, Bobby Ellis, Leroy Wallace, Cedric ‘Im’ Brooks and former Alpha bandmaster Lennie Hibbert. All of whom have made their own important contribution to reggae’s greatness. Alpha Boys’ School’s place in the history of Jamaican music is assured but it can’t survive and produce future generations of musicians without funding. Alpha's Sister Susan Frazer: “Alpha
needs money URGENTLY at this time. Continuing with these severe
financial
problems will not be possible without some serious and consistent level
of financial support. We are working now to build a trust that will
secure
Alphas' future into the next century. I'm grateful for any help
that Mash
it Up!
may be able to give. God knows right now we need it.
For more information on
Alpha, to give
a donation or to buy some of the nice things they have for sale, check
out the official Alpha Boys School website at:
www.alphaboysschool.com/
For more on the incredible roll-call of Alpha's musical graduates, - for information about forthcoming Alpha-related events - and/or to become a virtual friend - please see the unofficial website I have built at: www.myspace.com/alphaboysschool otherwise you can always go: |
• Tenor saxophonist Tommy McCook, leader of the Skatalites who also featured in Lee Perry’s ‘Upsetters’ • Legendary trombonist Don Drummond, whose minor-key arrangements and solos brought greater fame to the Skatalites. Their influence was incalculable. Their 1964 debut Ska Authentic ruled Jamaican airwaves throughout the year, and in addition to leading sessions with all of the island's top solo artists, they also helped launch the careers of newcomers including Delroy Wilson, the Wailers, Lee "Scratch" Perry and Ken Boothe. • Skatalites founding member Johnny "Dizzy" Moore who remains with the band today and has retained links with Alpha. • Vin Gordon who played trombone on classic albums such as The Upsetters - Super Ape, Burning Spear - Marcus Garvey, Culture – Two Sevens Clash, The Heptones – Party Time • Current Skatalites saxophonist Cedric ‘Im’ Brooks who played on countless Studio One sessions and also played on Bob Marley’s ‘Kaya’ album. • Trombonist Rico Rodriguez, a soloist who has collaborated with groups as diverse as Jools Holland’s Big Band, The Specials, Toots and the Maytals and U Roy. • Drummer Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace who has recorded with such notables as Augustus Pablo, Beres Hammond, Frankie Paul, Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, The Abyssinnians, Prince Far-I and Sugar Minott. • Lester Sterling
aka Mr Versatile,
founding member of the Skatalites and still in their line up today on
alto
saxophone and trumpet.
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