Here's
some music from the Caribbean to warm you
up. Reggae became popular and Ska faded into the background. Now it has come
alive, stronger than ever. There are now British and American Skas as well. I
prefer the original Ska to Reggae, both of which are from Jamaica and identified
under the same classification.
The writer has vacationed and worked in
the Caribbean, and can report that it is a great place to visit, and the music,
people, sun and beaches are fantastic. When the music plays, who cannot move a
muscle? It is impossible to stay still, and the Jamaicans can sure show you how
to move, if you're the dancing kind. And remember if you go there: stick to
fruit juice! (Rum: for medicinal purposes only, and I don't mean preventative
medicine.)
Ska is so infectious that it spread
all over the Caribbean, so you will find either Ska or Reggae in any of those
islands. Warm up by listening to a few samples. Can you hear the difference
between Ska and Reggae? My favorite Ska song is Wings of a Dove, by Byron Lee, but I couldn't find a sound clip but here's one by the Blues Busters. If anyone can tell me who's version was playing in 1967, please let me know.
Folk, country/cowboy songs are a
part of American and Canadian cultures. We also take a look at the good ol'
American music.
