There are bands that are not just listened to, they are experienced. The North East Ska Jazz Orchestra (NESJO) is one of them. Since its inception in 2012, this Italian band has achieved something difficult: combining the sophistication of jazz and swing with the street pulse of ska and rocksteady.
The band is currently holed up in the studio bringing their next tracks to life. As a preview, we’re sharing this video of their recording session last November, offering an intimate glimpse into the workings of one of Europe’s most vibrant orchestras.
Seeing NESJO is witnessing a display of musical power. With a line-up of nearly 20 professional musicians, their horn section is a veritable wall of sound which, together with their three vocalists, moves naturally from the deepest soul to the most hypnotic dub.
Their career is no accident. They have earned their place in the ‘premier league’ of the Jamaican scene, rocking iconic festival stages such as Rototom Sunsplash and Iboga Summer Festival. What’s more, their discography — from the now classic Stompin’ & Rollin’ to the recent and ambitious Sulla Rotta dei Venti — proves that they know how to collaborate with the best, including legends such as David Hillyard and Fred Reiter.
If you want to delve deeper into his world or keep up to date with his upcoming dates, you can explore NESJO’s catalogue at Brixton Records.
NORTH EAST SKA JAZZ ORCHESTRA – Sulla Rotta dei Venti – LP
NORTH EAST SKA JAZZ ORCHESTRA – Sulla Rotta dei Venti – LP