Name: Essential Artist Collection – The Skatalites
Brand: The Skatalites

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

4050538842968

Colour

Clear

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

28 Tracks. Housed in Gatefold Sleeve.

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-01-20

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Warner Music Group

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

Total Cap

2 / Clear / LP

4050538852301

50 Track Double CD Set housed in Digipack.

1 / CD

Artist

The Skatalites

Genre GB

Reggae / Dub

Label GB

Trojan

The Beginning:
On July 28th, 1967, the label Trojan was launched by Island Records, one of the UK's leading independent record companies. Created as a sub-label to showcase the productions of Jamaican producer Arthur "Duke" Reid, Trojan quickly became synonymous with reggae music. The label took its name from Reid's powerful sound system and Jamaican label active at the same time. Despite being short-lived initially, Trojan highlighted some of the finest music from Jamaica during the Rocksteady era. After its demise, Trojan was resurrected and went on to dominate the Jamaican records market in the UK.
In the 60s and 70s, Trojan Records successfully spread Reggae throughout the UK and beyond by licensing Jamaican recordings and producing UK-based acts. The parent company was sold to Allied in the 1970s, who continued releasing records under Trojan Records. In 2001, Sanctuary Records Group Ltd acquired the full catalogue of Trojan Records. Subsequently, Universal Music Group purchased Sanctuary in 2007 and later sold it to BMG in 2013. Since then, BMG has distributed Trojan Records in Europe through PIAS. Reissues on Music On Vinyl since 2017 are handled by Townsend Music.
Trojan continues to be a legendary label that has played a significant role in promoting reggae music worldwide.

The Skatalites are a legendary Jamaican ska band that formed in 1964. The original members, including Tommy McCook, Rolando Alphonso, Johnny Moore, Lester Sterling, Don Drummond, Lloyd Knibb, Lloyd Brevett, Jerry Haynes, and Jackie Mittoo, came together while studying at a prestigious music school in Kingston. After their initial success, the band faced a setback when Don Drummond was confined to Bellvue Hospital for the murder of his girlfriend. This led to the formation of two studio bands but did not deter The Skatalites from reuniting in 1983 and continuing their musical journey till today.
Throughout their career, The Skatalites have had a fluid membership with various musicians joining and leaving the group. However, Jackie Mittoo and Rolando Alphanso have been consistent presences within the band. Despite losing many original members over time due to unfortunate circumstances or death, The Skatalites remain active and continue to captivate audiences with their iconic ska sound.
Experience the timeless music of The Skatalites as they showcase their influential role in shaping Jamaican ska and leave an indelible mark on the world of music.

During the early 1960’s, the sound of ska exploded upon Jamaica’s musical landscape, with the driving dynamic sound championed by arguably the greatest ensemble of musicians ever to have performed and recorded on the island. Fronted by legendary saxophonist Tommy McCook, the Skatalites also comprised a veritable who’s who of Kingston-based performers, their number including trombonist Don Drummond, tenor saxman Roland Alphonso, drumming supremo Lloyd Knibb and keyboard prodigy Jackie Mittoo.

Following their creation in the summer of ’64, this powerhouse instrumental combo dominated the island’s music industry for 18 glorious months, the very best of their work produced by famed Treasure Isle Records boss, Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid.

The best of their output for the celebrated producer is showcased on the ‘Essential Artist Collection’, which sees issue on both as a 2LP vinyl set and a double CD collection, both of which provide the best introduction yet to the music of the incredible, multi-talented and hugely influential Skatalites.

Essential Artist Collection – The Skatalites

Music GB