THE NEW YORK SKA-JAZZ ENSEMBLE – Live In Bilbao – DVD

Label: Brixton Records
Code: BR-30DVD
Format: DVD
Release: 26/07/2011

THE NEW YORK SKA-JAZZ ENSEMBLE’s DVD “Live In Bilbao” captures their landmark performance in Bilbao in the summer of 2006, as well as featuring numerous extras (including, amongst others, six tracks from the concert that NYSJE gave, also in Bilbao, last January 2011).

NYSJE was formed during a European tour by The Toasters in 1994. The idea was to create a band that, building on classic instrumental ska, would incorporate the rhythms and harmonies of modern jazz. Freddie Reiter and Rick Faulkner, two members of The Toasters, approached members of The Scofflaws and Devon James, guitarist with the legendary The Skatalites, to form their supergroup. They all agreed. More than fifteen years have passed since that initial idea, during which time they have become a true benchmark in ska music, performing all over the world and at the genre’s most important events. The line-up has changed so much that only Freddie Rocksteady Reiter remains, although their musical approach remains intact: performing jazz standards with Jamaican rhythms, covering a variety of tracks and incorporating their own compositions. With 11 albums to their name and an incredible live show, they are a sure bet not only for reggae and ska fans, but for all lovers of black music in general.