A huge project called Western Standard Time is being undertaken in the name of authentic Jamaican ska.  This West Coast All-Star Ska Big Band pays tribute to early 1960′s Jamaican Ska originators, The Skatalites. Pooling from the best-of-the-best Ska musicians from the last 20 years, from bands like Hepcat, See Spot, Jump With Joey, and Mobtown, Western Standard Time is a groundbreaking project commemorating 50 years of musical heritage. With the shear size of the group, the power and harmonic depth will be revolutionary but at the same time the music and feel will be grounded in its original roots.  Members of this band include Joey Altruda, Gil Sharone, Korey Horn, Brian Dixon, Kincaid Smith, Eitan Avineri, Brian Wallace, David Ralicke, Allen Mezquida, Marques Crews, Ulises Bella, Tony Luna, Benny Golbin, Bobby Cressey, Tom Cook, and Bill Purdy.

In this video, you see the group doing some recording sessions at Bridge Recording Studio in Glendale, CA.  Huge sound playing Skatalites arrangements by Benny Golbin.

You can check out this video on YouTube HERE

Lots of covers by MNSKA bands today!  The Dropsteppers stripped down their ensemble for their cover of Hepcat‘s song “Comin’ On Strong.”  Enjoy!

You can watch the video on YouTube HERE

Hepcat played in San Francisco at Slim’s earlier this year and there are some great videos of the show hitting the net. One in particular has the fans excited as it is a new tune “Leaving” that sounds like another classic in the making. The song makes one wonder if new material is in the works for a new possible record. If the ska gods shine on us in 2011 it will happen!

You can check out the video on YouTube HERE

Southern California’s legendary third-wave ska band Hepcat has been laying down grooves for a long time.  Here is a video that was hidden deep within the Conan O’Brien archives from over 10 years ago of Hepcat performing their song “I Can’t Wait” from their album Right On Time (Hellcat Records).  This episode originally aired on February 20th, 1998.

Let’s start off the week on the right foot, shall we?  Today’s video comes from legendary rocksteady group Hepcat.  This is a video of the band performing “Come Out” live in the KXLU studio last December.  It’s best to do what they say and put on your dancin’ shoes.