Rico – Jama Rico

Emmanuel “Rico” Rodriguez was a Cuban-born Jamaican ska and reggae trombonist. He is known as one of the first ska musicians and has worked with The Members, The Specials, Jools Holland, and Paul Young. His second outing on The Specials’ music director Jerry Dammers’ Two-Tone Records, Jama Rico features a star-studded supporting cast including the rhythm brothers Robbie Shakespeare & Sly Dunbar, their frequent collaborator guitarist Mikey Chung, Noel “Scully” Simms, Carlton “Santa” Davis, Winston Wright, and others. Our pick of the bunch, A1 “Destroy Them,” kicks off the album with powerful Wareika percussion, thundering Simmons SDS3 electronic drums, and latin-infused rhythms and horn melodies.

Recommended – Full Listen