DON DRUMMOND
Genres: Dub, Ska, Reggae • Jamaica

Without the exceptional creativity of trombonist Don Drummond, reggae as we know it simply would not exist. As the most musically innovative member of the Skatalites, Drummond was one of the most important architects of ska, a genre which helped to lay the foundation for reggae and dancehall. Playing behind every artist of note during those years, he also provided crucial input that helped along acts like Bob Marley and the Wailers. (Drummond was largely responsible for the musical arrangement of “Simmer Down,” the initial Wailers outing that made such a dramatic impact.) Indeed, it is fair to say that, during the early ‘60s, Drummond’s mastery of the trombone was unparalleled. But Drummond also suffered repeated bouts of psychiatric disturbance, resulting in prolonged stays at Bellevue, Jamaica’s sole mental hospital. Channelling his frustrations into music, which accounted for the sombre undercurrents of songs such as “Burning Torch” and “Green Island,” Drummond read more...