Thursday January 12, 2023 – 6:30 p.m. – Taught By Author and Musician Charles Benoit

In the late 1950s, a handful of Jamaican musicians set out to create a new sound that captured the island’s personality. Combining elements of traditional Caribbean folk tunes and African drumming with American jazz and R&B, these musicians created what a young Jamaican guitarist dubbed “ska.” That guitarist went on to become the legendary jazz great, Ernest Ranglin, and that new music style – inspired by ska pioneers like Bob Marley, Toots Hibert and Jimmy Cliff – led to reggae. At the same time, Jamaican musicians like pianist Monty Alexander and trumpeter Sonny Bradshaw brought that ska sound to jazz, infusing an unmistakable – and irresistible – island vibe. It’s a story filled with competitive (and sometimes combative) studios, gun-toting record producers, a diminutive nun with an ear for bebop and a love of boxing, and the tragic ending of a musical genius whose mournful trombone helped start it all.  

Join ska journalist, ska-band leader and former Jazz90.1 DJ Charles Benoit as we explore the deep roots of ska-jazz as well as its current, and growing, worldwide appeal.

Tickets available HERE.