Skatalites Live at Lokerse Feesten

The World's most influential reggae group, The Skatalites have been producing music of the finest caliber for over forty years, either as a group or individually as players on countless reggae classics. The two performances making up this DVD, filmed at the Lokersee Festival in Belgium in 1997 and 2002, are clear evidence of their brilliance. Formed in Jamaica in 1964 by several of the island's finest session musicians, The Skatalites' unique fusion of boogie-woogie, R&B, Jazz, mento, calypso and African rhythms introduced the World to ska, which in turn evolved into today's modern reggae sound. The original group broke up in 1965 after a short eighteen months of existence, leaving its members to pursue solo careers for a number of years. Their recording of 'Guns Of Navarone' even made the U.K. singles charts in 1967, becoming one of the first-ever ska hits. The group reformed for the first time in 1975 and several times again in the years since, playing concerts throughout the World and recording a series of critically-acclaimed albums - they were Grammy Award-nominated in both 1996 and 1997 for best reggae album. Not surprising for a group of its size and longevity, The Skatalites has seen a number of personnel changes over the years, yet has always maintained its superb level of musicianship and has prided itself in carrying on the innovative spirit of the original group.