NEW YORK SKA-JAZZ ENSEMBLE – Step Forward – CD

Label: Brixton Records
Code: BR-026-CD
Format: CD, vinyl
Release: 2008

‘Step Forward’ was recorded in Brooklyn, New York, at HardLuck Studios in 2008, featuring two of the finest ska-jazz bassists of all time (Val Douglas, the legendary bassist with the Skatalites, and Kevin Batchelor, the current bassist with the Skatalites).

But the real secret behind this great album is that the current line-up of NYSJE is packed with outstanding jazz and reggae instrumentalists, and their performance is simply magnificent (Fred Reiter on saxophones and flute, Alberto Tarin on guitars, Yao Dinizulu on drums and percussion, Earl Appleton on organs and pianos, and Mark Paquin on trombone). Both the reggae-style covers of jazz classics and the original tracks are brimming with energy and imagination, and their fast-paced, sweet or mellow rhythms are always imbued with that New York flavour that has earned them a reputation as one of the world’s leading ska-jazz bands.

These musicians have thousands of concerts under their belts and have managed to form a tight-knit unit in the studio without the need for digital aids. Without a doubt, The New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble has taken a step forward with *Step Forward*, which could well be considered one of the finest albums of their entire career. It boasts a powerful sound, astonishing performance and composition, and meticulous production (including cover art by Charly Brown).