Subtitled "Miss Jamaica Meets
The Skatalites", this recording is a fascinating union of ska and gospel. The Supersonics, here backing Tricia, was a late 60s, proto-reggae group formed by
Tommy McCook when he left
The Skatalites. The reference here is more of homage than reformation. Miss Jamaica is vocalist Tricia Grant. Grant wore that ribbon in the 1996 pageant. The seven main musicians here are not only Skatalites, but much else besides in ska history. Tricia is backed up and was coached here by Skatalites vocalist Doreen Shaeffer. There are some great instrumental answers to Tricia's amateur but endearing voice here. On these cuts, the melody lines ably handled by Toasters trumpeter Brian Sledge. This is an authentic new recording of roots ska. ~ Tom Schulte