Reel to Reel: Legends Of Ska

Legends Of Ska celebrates the music, culture and enthusiasm of Jamaica as a newly independent nation more than 50 years ago and chronologically explores the history of the times and the island’s musical impact worldwide. In the spirit of the Buena Vista Social Club and 20 Feet From Stardom, this documentary focuses primarily on the years 1962-1966 by interspersing vintage and contemporary concert footage, authentic tourist 8mm home movies, photographs, newsreels, artifacts and rare interviews, all of which illuminate the facts and myths surrounding the music. Ska was Jamaica’s first popular musical export, which sprang from the jazz clubs and dancehalls of Kingston to spawn a worldwide dance craze. Without Ska, there is no Reggae. The film’s story highlights the living pioneers of ska, who were assembled in Toronto during the summer of 2002 for a special weekend of concerts called the Legends Of Ska. 30 singers and musicians were selected to participate in the biggest original Jamaican ska reunion of all time. Backed by the thirteen piece All-Star Skatalites Orchestra, the performers included internationally famous names like Prince Buster, Alton Ellis, Derrick Morgan and Patsy Todd. Joining the line-up were once forgotten vintage artists such as Stranger Cole and Lord Creator. After the screening, Filmmaker Brad Klein along with Keith Scott (Early Jamaican music historian), Phil Chen OD (Banjo man from the Legends Of Ska concerts) and Alex Desert (Film narrator & ska singer) will participate in a panel discussion moderated by two-time GRAMMY winner Native Wayne Jobson.