A documentary called Brooklyn Rocksteady: The Roots, The Scene & The Culture is being made by Samuel Gursky that is an exploration of NYC Ska and Rocksteady music since 1981 up until 2011, including interviews from members of The Toasters, The Slackers, The Pietasters, Westbound Train, Victor Rice, The Forthrights, Royal City Riot, The Hard Times, The Frighteners and more!
There is a Kickstarter project set up to fund the rental of equipment and help to cover travel expenses to document big events this year involving these bands outside of the NY area. You can support by donating as well as view a trailer for the documentary HERE
The documentary is set to be released in Fall 2011
Brooklyn early-reggae band The Forthrights played a show this past weekend at The Knitting Factory, sharing the bill with reunited Boston ska band Westbound Train. The Forthrights posted this video on Facebook of their song “Other People” which included guest vocalists King Django and Westbound Train frontman Obi Fernandez.
The Forthrights have just released their new 7″ Camp Birdman on Panic State Records. It is available HERE
Brooklyn early reggae band The Forthrights have posted a video promoting their brand new 7″ Camp Birdman, featuring the song “Nocturne (in black and gold).” They’ve got the pre-sale up right now via Panic State Records with a great deal for everyone that orders now.
Brooklyn reggae crew The Forthrights have a hot new 4-song 7-inch coming soon called Camp Birdman. Like real soon. But the good news is that sometime this week you can preorder it via Panic State Records for $5! The band has 500 pressings (100 Black, 100 White, 300 White w/ Black Haze) and will include the digital download. The first 50 copies of the presale will receive a 12″ limited screen printed jacket and 1 lucky winner will receive a test press.
The Forthrights are a four-piece group based out of Brooklyn, NY. Featuring former members of The Pinstripes and The Fad, they take a fresh take on the sound of traditional Rocksteady and Ska. In a few short years they have solidified their place in the New York Reggae Scene and have collaborated with such acts as Vic Ruggerio, Chris Murray, Mr. T-Bone, King Django, Jeremy Pena, Maddie Ruthless, and Matt Wixson.
A couple months ago, I received a pack of CD’s in the mail from the famed Jump-Up Records “CD of the Month” series. One of the great albums was this instrumental compilation put together by Mr. T-Bone from Italy called Instrumental Sessions – Vol. 1. The concept behind the album was taking some great reggae, rocksteady, and ska tunes, changing up the melodies, and having numerous guest instrumentalists on each track. As you can tell by the video, the album is phenomenal from stem to stern. The music comes from bands like The Slackers (NYC, USA), The Bullets (Los Angeles, USA), The Caroloregians (Charleroi, BE), The Moon Invaders (Charleroi, BE), The Ratazanas (Oeiras, P), The Soul Captive (San Francisco, USA), The Forthrights (NYC, USA) and The Heatmakers ( Marseille, FR).
Guest musicians include Larry McDonald from the Rocksteady 7 & Dub Is A Weapon on percussions, David Hillyard from The Slackers & the Rocksteady 7 on tenor and baritone sax, Kincaid Smith from Hepcat on trumpet, King Django, Roger Rivas from the Aggrolites and the Bullets on organ, Buford O’Sullivan from the Easy Star Allstars on trombone, Tommy Tornado from Rude Rich on tenor sax, Rich Graiko from Westbound Train & Void Union on trumpet, Paolo Parpaglione from Mr.T-bone Allstars & Bluebeaters on alto and tenor sax, and Cecio Grano from the Young Lions on tenor sax and flute.
If that wasn’t enough, the whole album was mixed by the legendary Victor Rice! It is a fantastic instrumental album and I hope there are more follow-up volumes to come.
We’re back! Not only has the show returned from a small break, but Sammy Krajkowski from The Forthrights has also returned to talk about the upcoming releases and tours of his band. Courtney also discusses the differences in cost of living in the Midwest compared to New York with regards to cheapest booze, the pros and cons of going vegan, and why items you can double-fist are definitely better than those you cannot. Sammy brings us up to speed on what the past year has been like for The Forthrights by sharing stories about their tour with Chris Murray and Vic Ruggiero, recording the tracks for the upcoming full-length and 7″s, and the band’s first legitimate “rockstar moment.” This interview is for those who love Bruce Springsteen and all things Jersey (except the Jersey Shore…that’s a tale for another day).
Be on the lookout for The Forthrights on the Ska Is Dead 7″ of the Month release and a 4 song 7″ this year and 2 U.S. tours to support their upcoming full-length in 2011.
Do you want instant access to the Flyover Ska Show? Then get the free Stitcher App already! All the rude boys and girls are doing it.
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You can download this episode HERE or subscribe to the show on iTunes.
The New York ska scene seems to be kicking into full-gear lately, so it’s only appropriate that we take time to check in with Sammy Kay from the sizzling Brooklyn rocksteady band The Forthrights. Sammy and host Courtney Klos chat about growing up in the Long Island ska scene, why King Django College should be an accredited educational institute, and even get to some questions asked by our listeners.
You can check out The Forthrights HERE and on MYSPACE. You can head over to Stubborn Records to buy their record.
Intro track: “Liquor Store” by The Forthrights Outro track: “Other People” by The Forthrights
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You can download this episode HERE or subscribe to the show on iTunes.
Babylon Party Machine (aka Matt Wixson) recently joined NY band The Forthrights on stage in Chicago to perform their mashup song “Did It All For The Reggae.” The mashup is off the Babylon Party Machine recent EP called Mash Up Bashment and mashes the song “Other People” by the Forthrights with the song “Nookie” by Limp Bizkit. Doing his best Fred Durst impression, Matt Wixson hopped on stage for a rare live treat. It’s amazing how late 90′s crappy rap-rock mixes so well with laid back reggae grooves. You can check out the video on the Forthrights’ FACEBOOK page.
Be sure to check out my interview with Matt Wixson on the Midwest Ska Moment podcast from last month HERE.
You can download Mash Up Bashment and other Babylon Party Machine albums for FREE(but donations are always accepted).
