The Skatalites – Ska-Boo-Da-Ba

Before rocksteady and reggae emerged in Kingston, ska was the euphoric sound of newly independent Jamaica, and The Skatalites were its undisputed master architects. Recorded at Studio One under producer Coxsone Dodd and released in 1966, this instrumental set showcases Don Drummond's soulful trombone, Tommy McCook's tenor sax and Roland Alphonso's fiery horn leads over Lloyd Knibb's propulsive upbeat drumming. The jazz-steeped brass solos and buoyant skank rhythms make this an essential document of Caribbean musical genius.