Ska 18 Items

Kultural Grooves is thrilled to unveil Shakedown Unlimited’s inaugural album, a masterpiece crafted amidst the vibrant cultural backdrops of Italy and Spain. This album is a testament to the eclectic talents that are part of the contemporary European Reggae, Funk, Soul, and Jazz scenes. Steering this sonic expedition are the adept Michal “Michu” Krygiel, also known as Baodub, and the inventive Davide “Deez” Di Sauro. Michu, a stalwart in the dub sound system and electronic scene, not only anchors the album with his foundational drum beats but also takes the helm in mixing and recording. Davide, with his creative spark, orchestrates the album’s arrangement and composition, weaving in his unique bass rhythms that echo his past work with The Officinalis and Napoli Rockers Syndicate, alongside the pulsating beats of Afrodesia’s ‘Episode One’. Their artistry is amplified by the spirited strumming of guitarists Andrea Farias and Alessandro “Sugar / Papa” Rizla, and the percussive precision of Giosuè Perna, whose collaborations with Periodica Records and Aloe Vera have refined their collective harmony, enriching the musical journey with a diverse palette of auditory hues. The album’s vocal prowess is delivered by Payoh Soul Rebel, whose voice stands unrivaled in the European reggae and soul landscape. The icing on the cake is undoubtedly the presence of Andres Balbucea, the singer, composer, and pianist of the breakout Disco/Afrobeat band, Parlbleu. A fellow member of the Napoli Rockers Syndicate, like the pianist Giulio Neri, Andres is entrusted with the entire composition of the organ sound for this album—an indispensable element of offbeat music—imbued with his unmatched touch. The brass arrangements, a soul-stirring element of the album, are the brainchild of jazz maestro Enrico Fumo, with the alto saxophone melodies woven by the esteemed Jah Wind, a name synonymous with reggae aficionados. The fusion of these musicians and their diverse styles, rooted in a strong reggae foundation yet infused with Soul, Funk, Latin, and Jazz, is visually encapsulated by Riccardo Corda. Corda, a visionary designer whose work has graced albums like ‘The Mauskovic Dance Band’ by Soundway Records and ‘Bar Mediterraneo’ by Nu Genea, lends his artistic signature to this album, further solidifying its place as a modern classic. The trumpet and trombone are in the capable hands of the Valencian duo, Jonas Sanchez and Manuel Pardo, masters of brass who bring a vibrant soul to every note. Shakedown Unlimited’s debut is more than an album; it’s a musical journey enriched by the essence of the Mediterranean, a reggae anthology that resonates with the soulful rhythms and vibrant influences of its heritage. We are beyond delighted to present this auditory treasure, a testament to the enduring spirit of reggae and its universal appeal.

A cover of the hit song "I'm In The Mood For Love," sung by Frances Langford in the movie "Every Night At Eight" and later released in many versions as a standard. This take, which was not very successful in Jamaica, was loved in the UK and is now one of the most popular ska anthems and Tanamo's most popular songs. The Jamaican version was pressed in small quantities by Down Beat, and a UK Ska Beat version is in distribution, but it too is rare. The combination of Tanamo and Skatalites is excellent. The coupling is a bright and simple melody sung by the mysterious one-hit wonder Orville Alphonso, and nice ska vocals backed by a vigorous rhythm.

Inspired by Skatalites, Ska-talows creates instrumental reggae arrangements of Jamaican Oldies, Soul, Jazz, folk songs, and other Good Music from the old and the new. The famous reggae riddim "NO NO NO" and an instrumental cover of the classic Japanese folk song "Tankobushi" are both available now on this double-A-sided 7-inch!!

Jamaica's ska originators celebrate their 60th anniversary with two new songs on a limited edition 45! Both tracks are midtempo ska groovers, with cool lyrics and hot horns. Beautiful old skool label art designed by Chema Skandal, big hole black vinyl DJ friendly press of 1000 copies. (

Jump UP and Detroit producer Eric "super Tiger" Mazurak create a twelve trax rots reggae sampler with vinyl exclusives from John Bunkley (gangster Fun), Gain Stages, JAH Ques, Leaving Lifted, Rachael Stokes (the Tellways), plus Jade Tremba of Rude Girl Revue & Scotch Bonnets. White wax ltd 250 copies.

Record Store Day 2023 limited run of 650 copies.
During the final two years of the original Jamaican ska era, producer Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid released arguably his finest works in the genre. The popularity of his work from this time is reflected in the high demand for his productions from this period, with most of the 7” singles he issued between 1965 and 66 now fetching three figure sums on the collectors market. ‘Ska La-Rama’ brings together 14 of the Duke’s most elusive works from this golden era, with half of the tracks on the album appearing on vinyl for the very first time. Among those that have previously seen issue are a number of recordings widely regarded as being among the finest ska productions of the period, notably, the title track, ‘True Confession’ and the hugely collectable ‘Renegade’ by the Zodiacs. Pressed on Colored Vinyl and boasting an insert featuring a fascinating essay on the recordings by esteemed music historian Tony Rounce, this limited edition collection album comes housed in a stylish, retro-style sleeve, which captures the exciting spirit of the original ska era. An essential addition to the collection of any self-respecting fan of ska and Duke Reid’s inimitable sound.

Foundation. Rock Steady version of the much covered classic. A total beauty!! Back with another great one from the amazing Joy Landis.

A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.

Two fire Ska cuts.. A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.

The A side is an unreleased Uptempo Ska Vocal cut with a fire instrumental on the flip.

A premium series of limited edition Japanese pressed 7"s - featuring unreleased and impossibly hard to find gems from the Duke Reid archives.

Japanese pressing with obi.