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The Skatalites in Oakland

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The Skatalites in Oakland

The Skatalites in Oakland

By Lee Abel on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 - Photos by Lee Abel - Comment

Echoes of Kingston reverberate in California on April 27, 2012 at The Uptown, Oakland, California.

The Skatalites in San Francisco

The original Skatalites only existed from 1964 to 1965, but left such an enduring legacy that the face of Jamaican music was forever altered. With reunion gigs in the 80’s and touring in the 90’s, a whole new generation of youth in America and Europe had the chance to see the aging pioneers. Tommy McCook and Roland Alphonso both passed in 1998, but the band, and the music, continued on.

The Echoes of Kingston Tour proudly showcased the last surviving member of the original band, Lester Sterling. (Sadly, Lloyd Brevett, stand-up bass player, passed just one week later on May 3^rd, 2012.) In Oakland, we also had the added pleasure of Norma Fraser’s lovely voice and spirit.

With such classic songs as A Message To You Rudy, Christine Keeler, James Bond, and Israelites, the current touring members of the band (below) did an excellent job and were well appreciated by the packed, enthusiastic crowd.