JazzBo is devoted to the Jamaican ska-jazz of the 60s, – a kind of music that makes you dance and which changed music history as a forerunner of reggae and British ska. Today 60s Jamaican Jazz is part of the cultural world heritage and bearing worldwide sympathety. JazzBo belongs to the few bands playing ska-jazz in it`s unspoilt form – an exception in Europe`s ska scene.
JazzBo stands out not only due to the decade long jazz-ska experience of the horn section and the virtuosity and presence of all the musicians, it is also because of the exceptional concept: JazzBo is a five-man combo – playing strictly unplugged. The result is the true sound of ska-jazz: rough, tight and groovy.
In 1997 JazzBo was founded by five musicians from Berlin – all of them had been active in Ska-Bands long. This pool of know-how became the basis of the JazzBo concept. Up to now the band has given hundreds of concerts – always catching the audience: in clubs, at private events and at huge festivals.
In 1999 JazzBo released the first records (7” and 12”), some tracks appeared on compilations, a further CD is coming soon. Besides, JazzBo is still a live Band, enjoying the interaction on stage and between audience and band members.
Musicians
·Waki Johannsen (trombone) and Detwin Johannsen (sax)
The legendary Johannsen Bros., since the 60s engaged In numerous New Orleans jazz-bands, in 79 founders of Europe`s first traditional ska Band Yebo.
Supports/backings: Derrick Morgan, the Skatalites, Laurel Aitken, Rico ...
·Robert Schwill (drums).
Initiator of the Skampis (88-95), drummer of Time Tough (95-00) and Mother`s Pride (temporary), with R&B-offbeat and drive in the Jamaican tradition of Lloyd Knibbs.
·Daniel Dückers (piano).
Vital member of the Ska-Band Engine 54 (92-98), founder, singer and composer of the rock steady band Time Tough (95-00), organ player of Yebo (since 95) and Lions Club, Supports/backings: Toots & the Maytals, Laurel Aitken, Makka B., Desmond Decker, the Skatalites ...
·Martin Barteles (contrabajo).
Founding member of the Berlin ska specialists Wood In Di Fire, many concert tours (France, Spain, ...), his walking bass represents the tradition of American R&B and Jamaican beat.
Discography
·A Tribute to Rico and The Skatalites, single 7 , Monkey Business,
1999.
·X, LP, Monkey Business, 1999
·VV. AA. ‘Searching For The Young Soul Rebels, Monkey Business
2000.
·VV. AA. ‘Searching For The Young Soul Rebels vol. 2, 69 Records
2001.
·Black Friday, LP/CD, Liquidator Music 2003.
