Episode 1
A recording tribute to
THE Skatalites
Is Ska Still a “Thing” in Jamaica? Welcome to Episode 1, where the team explores the role of ska today - in Jamaica! To cut straight to the chase: we believe it absolutely is. And to prove it, Tip-A-Top Records producer Jay Schaetz set off in the summer of 2024 on a journey to Kingston, Jamaica, with the goal of recording local jazz musicians for a tribute to The Skatalites. The session took place at Tuff Gong Studio - formerly Federal Recording Studio - the legendary site where many of the original ska recordings were made during the early 1960s. Despite interruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl, the team successfully captured 15 instrumental tracks, which were later mixed at Moonlitegroover Recording Studio in Switzerland. To mark this special occasion, co-producer Herbie Miller - director and curator of the Jamaican Music Museum - assembled a lineup of distinguished local musicians. Mr. Miller is a respected historian, ethnomusicologist, and former producer for both Peter Tosh and The Skatalites, having produced their iconic “Stretching Out” live recording in 1983. During the same week, a second session was held featuring a brand-new eight-piece ska band made up of some of the top young jazz talents in Jamaica. Their recordings of rare 1960s instrumental tracks are set to be released on vinyl as Episode Two, expected this autumn. Stay tuned for more details.
the musicians
Avory Crooks
TROMBONE
Avory is a specialist for the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. As a trombonist, Avory is known for her contributions to the island's jazz and reggae scenes.
Clayon Samuels
drums
Senior Instructor at Alpha School of Music, Clayon is a passionate and dedicated music educator with over 15 years of experience inspiring young musicians. Recognised for excellence in teaching, mentorship, and ensemble leadership, Clayon blends deep knowledge of traditional Jamaican music with modern pedagogy.
Everald Gayle
TROMBONE
Everald is a seasoned reggae, jazz, and soul musician. Everald entered Alpha age 11 and got his musical start under the tutelage of then Alpha bandmaster Ron Wilson. As a young musician, Everald took inspiration from American trombonists such as JJ Johnson and Urbie Green as well as fellow Alpharians Don Drummond and Tommy McCook.
Everton Gayle
TENOR SAX
Everton "Sarge" Gayle is the brother of trombonist Everald, a veteran saxophone player who is also skilled on the clarinet and flute. Everton's first instrument was the clarinet which he learned from his then bandmaster, Lennie Hibbert. He joined the Jamaica Military Band in 1973, attended the Royal Military School of Music in England and was awarded most improved student.
Hopeton Williams
TRUMPET
Trained at Alpha School of Music, Hopeton has been touring and recording with Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Alborosie and Gentleman.
Kenroy Mullings
guitar
Kenroy "Shortman" Mullings graduated from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. One of Jamaica's finest guitarists, he collaborated to various projects, including recordings with Buju Banton and Rising Roots label.
Leon Duncan
bass
Leon is a bassist and musical director with over 20 years of experience performing, recording, and arranging for top Jamaican ensembles. Leon combines traditional Jamaican basslines with jazz and funk influences.
Oshane Love
TENOR SAX
Oshane is a two-time Grammy-nominated Jamaican tenor saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and music educator. With a Bachelor of Music Education, he has cultivated a diverse musical skill set, encompassing performance, production, arrangement, and transcription. His dedication to music education complements his dynamic presence in the performance arena.
Isax
ALTO SAX, FLUTE
Richard "Isax" Howse, also known as Isax Injah, is a Canadian-born alto saxophonist who developed his musical foundation through formal Jazz studies in Texas and New York. His exposure to reggae music ignited a passion that led him to immerse himself in Toronto's reggae scene. He's currently living and performing in Jamaica.
Romeo Gray
TROMBONE
Romeo honed his musical skills at Jamaica Combined Cadet Force. He is one of the lucky first to be awarded a scholarship to attend the school of music Cultural Training Center after the JCCF band won the JCDC band festival. He has maintained a distinct voice among the more stylised musicians on the Jamaican scene. He has performed with Sonny Bradshaw, Fab.5, Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, The JaMM Orchestra and the Wareika Trombone Choir. When not on tour, Mr. Gray maintains a ubiquitous studio.
Tafawee Buchsaecab
BARITONE SAX
Tafawee aka Tafane, is a Jamaican baritone saxophonist. An alumnus of the renowned Alpha School of Music, leading him to further his studies at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.
Vivian Scott
TRUMPET
Vivian "Scotty" Scott is a Jamaican trumpet player known for his contributions to the ska and reggae music scenes. He is the son of Ossie Scott, the famous Jamaican saxophonist.
Jay Schaetz
Piano, arrangement
Producer, composer, musician, ska connoisseur and record collector, Jay is on a misson to capture and re-create that vintage analog sound we all love. He is also the bandmaster of Swiss authentic ska band The Skatanauts that took the ska world by surprise in 2020 with their infectious instrumental "Covid-19 Special".
IMAGE Gallery
photos by walter grossenbacher
videos
meet the TEAM
Herbie Miller
Producer, director of the jamaican music museum
Herbie Miller is a Jamaican historian and ethnomusicologist specialising in Caribbean culture and identity. As the curator of JaMM, Miller is responsible for preserving and showcasing Jamaica's rich musical heritage. The museum serves as a cultural repository, housing artifacts, recordings, and exhibits that chronicle the evolution of Jamaican music genres such as mento, ska, reggae, and dancehall. He served as Peter Tosh’s manager during a pivotal era in Tosh’s solo career. In 1983, Miller was also instrumental in reuniting the original members of The Skatalites, facilitating the band's return to the studio after years apart. This reunion led to the recording of the iconic "Stretching Out" live album.
jay schaetz
producer, OWNER OF TIP-A-TOP RECORDS
Jay was inspired to apply his musical and technical background in order to build Moonlitegroover Studio, using vintage analogue equipment as well as applying early and traditional recording techniques to reproduce the purity and excitement of those vintage recordings he so loved.
Alex Baillod
Graphic designer, editor
Alex is an infamous graphic designer and a videographer. Involved in Switzerland's cultural scene in the realm of music and event organization, he is a ska and reggae enthusiast from an early age.
WALTER GROSSENBACHER
photographer
Walter is a Swiss amateur photographer who loves world music, especially Caribbean tunes. He specializes in portrait photography and capturing live music moments. Walter feels very fortunate to have attended over 10 live concerts by The Skatalites during the 1990s and early 2000s.