Is a 20-piece big band that creates and performs lush original compositions
and arrangements of songs from the rich, historic, and culturally-iconic
Jamaican music styles of ska, mento, rock steady, reggae, and jazz of the
1950s, 60s and 70s.
They blend the exuberant musical layers of the jazz big
band era, soul and R&B, with Jamaican roots music; effortlessly flowing into
a unique, accessible, joyous and danceable sound that audiences love.
NYC SKA ORCHESTRA is led by arranger, trumpeter, singer and educator
Kevin Batchelor; and features 87 year-young celebrated Jamaican
percussionist/vocalist Larry MacDonald, and Jamaican master drummer
Carl Wright.
Together they have recorded and/or performed with nearly
every great Jamaican music artist including Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Bunny
Wailer, Lee Scratch Perry, Skatalites, and Toots & The Maytals; and they
regularly work with the leading Jamaican artists today.
The orchestra also features singers Pallavi Gummalam and singer/arranger
Aida Brandies Hargrove, plus all top-notch pro players from NYC; which
combines for a hugely entertaining, danceable, unforgettable show.
