Melbourne Ska Orchestra @ TheCorner, Melbourne (28/06/08)

Sat 5th Jul, 2008 in Gig Reviews

Tonight was a special event for two reasons, it was the annual gig for the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, but more importantly it was a reunion for the Caribs, a group of Aussie ex-pats who played with many of the original Ska groups in the late 50’s and early 60’s, recording with Coxone Dodd (the founder of Studio One, probably the biggest of all Reggae labels) The sound mixer for the night, Graame Goodall, had also lend his skill s to many classic reggae recordings.

The Caribs hadn’t played together in 45 years and it would have been quite an emotional reunion, but time hadn’t phased these guys at all. They were still so tight and they had played so well and the crowd were loving every bit of it; making you want to dance and skank, the whole venue was vibrating from the energy these guys had on stage.

The Melbourne Ska Orchestra gigs are special because it only happens once a year and for this reason alone it makes them the all more exciting. The Ska Orchestra comprises of Melbourne’s finest musicians from various Ska groups including Area 7 and the Porker’s. The Corner Hotel ignited as these guys hit the stage and they didn’t disappoint, pumping out hit after hit from the likes of Bob Marley and other Reggae artists. One of the hardest working musicians in Melbourne Nicky Bomba had the pleasure of conducting the band for tonight and didn’t disappoint adding his usual flare to the event. Nicky can work a crowd like no other; he just has that kind of charm.

It’s a damn pity these guys only play once a year.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS HERE