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The Review - MUSIC - grooves with RóISíN GADELRAB
Published: 12 March 2009

Classic ska show: Jamaican stars gear up for a revival

PREVIEW - THE HEPTONES
JAZZ CAFÉ

THEY were the archetypal ska band of the 1960s, forming the sound that would put the Jamaican music scene on the global map – and now the superb Heptones are bringing their soaring trumpets and spiritual harmonies to the Jazz Café in Camden Town next week.
Leroy Sibbles, Earl Morgan and Barry Llewellyn met in Kingston in 1965 and were nurtured under the watchful eye of legendary reggae producer Coxsone Dodd at his Studio One hit factory.
Under his guidance they quickly released a series of singles that all sold well and became one of the most popular ska outfits in the Caribbean.
And, as with so many bands of the period, they were joined by other musicians at Studio One, and their backing bands included artists who were famous in their own right – Alton Ellis would occasionally guest on bass. But while The Heptones have come to epitomise the vocals of 60s ska bands, they gradually developed into one of the most highly rated reggae bands of the period.
As ska gave way to 70s roots reggae, they kept up their output, working in 1977 onwards with Lee “Scratch” Perry. The gig at the Jazz Cafe promises to re-live their finest moments.
Featuring a full backing band and horn section, this is a chance to catch three of the most important and influential singer-songwriters and musicians in reggae music.
DAN CARRIER

• The Heptones play the Jazz Café on March 20

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