Jamaican Shuffle

[Bobby G]

I was channel surfing on the radio the other day, and discovered this musical genre which was referred to as Jamaican Shuffle, which seems to have been around in the late 50s/early 60's. It is a kind of 'pre-reggae' where you can hear the typical reggae/ska beat as it started to emerge from the r'n'b at the time. It's definitely a music caught in a state of development - all the elements are there, if only half-formed; the choppy guitars, the horns etc.

That's the history of it, and I heard maybe 4 or 5 tunes along the way, but I didn't catch the names of any of the artists. Any ideas?

Cheers, Bob

 

[Jules]

I used to have a compilation CD of Jamaican R&B which pretty much matched your description- the only name I remember was The Baba Brooks Band (the whole thing was great fun.. lots of bands and players I'd never come across before or since).

 

[Pete Thomas]

The names:

Byron Lee & The Dragonaires
Laurel Aitken
Rudy & Sketto
Keith & Enid (seriously!)
Errol Dixon
Prince Buster

It is rumoured that during this time jamaican radio could be picked up in New Orleans, you can here a lot of similarity with Professor Longhair & Fats Domino (Keeps Rainin and Raining).

 

[Bobby G]

Laurel Aitkin, that rings a bell. I know they were talking about how Coxsone set up his studio...

It's all good stuff, anyway.

Thanks, Bob

 

[Pete Thomas]

Here a few more names and CD info:

 

[Jules]

any of you guys familiar with The Topcats? Brixton band who specialize in this kind of stuff. We gig with them quite a bit and they're one great party band (can frequently be found busking in variuos parts of South London or Brighton).

 

[Bobby G]

That's brilliant Pete, thanks for that. I wonder if Bobby and Laurel Aitken are related?


Cheers, Bob

 

[Saxlicker]

Having once almost had the opportunity to tour with Laurel Aitken

My interest was such that I wanted to find out who this C Campbell was on the list that Pete has posted.

So I did some google-ing.. for those of you wondering, its none other than Prince Buster himself.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I could read that if my neck wasn't still suffereing from playing Rhys's bass.

talking of ailments, when I first saw this thread, I though a Jamaican Snuffle might be a West Indian flu virus.

 

[Linky Lee]

Just so long as they don't go start fusing it with the Texas shuffle we'll all be safe.

 

[Saxlicker]

If you do get the snuffles and even inherit the wind, maybe you should get some soul stew down you and if that hasn't done the trick by the wee small hours...... You may wonder What does it take? you could go one step beyond and take a shot of Tequilla. Better still, take five.

Sorry :whistle:

 

[dave_q]

BOB Have a look at this web site www.mentomusic.com very interesting site regarding pre reggae jamaican music. Also check the video of sugar belly playing his homemade bamboo sax. DAVE

 

[Bobby G]

Thanks Dave.

I think Saxlicker needs one of his pills and a ttle lie down, it's all been too much for him.

Cheers, Bob

 

[mfox]

ska is one of my favorite music forms..i've played in upteen ska bands and just can't get enough.. i have over 100 albums of this stuff.. in my opinion you should listen to..
Roland Alphonso
Tommy McCook
baba brooks

remember when soloing over this sort of stuff you are restricted some what on which scales you can use..

 

[Bobby G]

Restriction can be good mfox, it kind of focuses the mind. Also I've always loved the sound of the typical reggae horn section of trumpet/sax/bone and how it fits the tunes. I'm aware of Roland Alphonso, is he part of the much later Jazz Jamaica thing as well as this early stuff?

I'm intrigued by this Jamaican r'n'b thing, I have small amounts of Jamaican music, things like the Skatalites, Toots & the Maytals, Jimmy Cliff (I love Jimmy Cliff), maybe not strictly ska But what is referred to round these parts as sh*tkickin reggae (that;s a compliment, as is s-kickin jazz), and a bit of the 70's dubby stuff, but the Jamaican take on r'n'b is something different again. You can almost feel the reggae trying to emerge.

Cheers, Bob

 

[mfox]

yeah i know what you mean..pre ska was generaly called blue beat..post ska was reggae..the blue beat feel is almost swing , shuffle.. but not quite.. i think its the drums.. they seem to be playing prety strightish while the guitars piano are heavy swing