Ska: because jumping while playing music is just too easy
Ska music is a genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It is a blend of Caribbean mento and calypso music with American jazz and rhythm and blues. Ska is characterized by a walking bass line, accented guitar or piano rhythms on the offbeat, and brass and woodwind instruments.
But let's be honest, the real hallmark of ska music is the energetic, high-impact dancing that accompanies it. Ska enthusiasts, known as "rudies," can often be seen jumping, twisting, and skanking to the fast-paced beats of ska music.
But why do we love ska so much? Is it the infectious beats that make us want to dance? Or is it the sense of camaraderie among skankers that draws us in? Whatever it is, one thing is for sure: ska is here to stay.
In this article, we're going to take a deeper look at the world of ska music. We'll explore its history, its subgenres, and its influence on modern music. So strap on your checkerboard Vans and get ready to skank the night away.
The Origins of Ska Music
Ska music originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was a product of Jamaica's post-war boom, which saw a surge in tourism and the rise of music venues and dance halls. The first ska records were produced by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, who founded Studio One, a recording studio and record label that would go on to become one of the most influential in Jamaican music history.
Ska music was influenced by a number of different genres, including mento, calypso, jazz, and rhythm and blues. The sound of ska was characterized by a fast-paced rhythm and a walking bass line, which was often played by a double bass or an electric bass guitar. The guitar or piano would provide staccato, offbeat rhythms, while horns and woodwinds would add melody and color to the mix.
The first wave of ska music lasted from 1960 to 1966. This period saw the rise of ska legends such as Prince Buster, The Skatalites, and Toots and The Maytals. It was also a time of great political and social upheaval in Jamaica, with the country gaining independence from Britain in 1962. Ska music provided a soundtrack for this period of change, with its upbeat, celebratory sound reflecting the optimism of the Jamaican people.
After the first wave of ska music, the genre evolved into a number of different subgenres, including rocksteady, reggae, and two-tone ska.
Rocksteady
Rocksteady emerged in Jamaica in the mid-1960s. It was a slower, more soulful version of ska, characterized by a deeper bass line and more laid-back rhythms. The guitar and piano would still provide offbeat rhythms, but the horns and woodwinds were replaced by harmonies and vocal groups.
Reggae
Reggae music emerged in Jamaica in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was a slower, more introspective version of ska and rocksteady, with a heavy emphasis on bass and rhythm. Bob Marley and The Wailers were the biggest names in reggae, bringing the genre to a global audience with hits such as "No Woman, No Cry" and "Stir It Up."
Two-Tone Ska
Two-tone ska emerged in the UK in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was a fusion of ska, punk, and new wave, characterized by fast-paced music and socially conscious lyrics. Two-tone ska bands such as The Specials, The Beat, and Madness were hugely popular in the UK, and the movement had a huge impact on British culture.
The Influence of Ska Music
The influence of ska music can be seen in a number of different genres. Punk rock, for example, was heavily influenced by two-tone ska, with bands such as The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and The Ramones citing ska as an inspiration. Ska has also had a huge impact on modern pop music, with bands such as No Doubt and Sublime incorporating ska rhythms and horns into their music.
The influence of ska music can also be seen in fashion. Ska enthusiasts often sport checkerboard Vans, pork pie hats, and fitted suits with skinny ties. The iconic checkerboard pattern, in particular, has become synonymous with ska music and culture.
In conclusion, ska music is a genre that has had a huge impact on music and culture. Its infectious rhythms and high-energy dancing have made it a beloved genre around the world. Whether you're a devout rudy or just a casual listener, there's no denying the power of ska music. So put on your dancing shoes and let's skank the night away.