Skalars create ingenious ska with 'Skoolin'' release

Thinking about starting a band? Wondering what the results will be if you and your friends use the musical talents you've been keeping down for so long? Then you may be inspired by the example of Isaac Green and the Skalars. Starting with a dream and a riff, the band has gone on to tour nationally and has become one of Moon Ska Records' featured acts.

In the early years, the group was more of a hobby for members of the group.

"The band wasn't really serious for a year, just a crazy college ska band," trombone player Evan Shaw said in a recent. "But there was always a vision in mind. Isaac influenced the music and knew where he wanted to take the band."

After its founding, the band became a powerful force in the St. Louis ska scene. Their current lineup features the lead vocals of Jessica Butler. Her angry yet melodic voice gives the Skalars an easily distinguishable sound.

The band is led by Isaac Green, who is dubbed the "Steps and Shouts" man.

"A lot of people don't understand what he does," said Shaw. "But he's a very viable presence on stage."

While generally labeled a ska band, the Skalars' music combines many different playing styles. Shaw commented that "Our music is post-traditional. It uses the influences of traditional Jamaican sounds, especially rock steady - not as slow as reggae, and not as hyped as traditional ska. We've incorporated a lot of modern stuff as well; we also have a crossing influence with jazz and punk rock."

Shaw also added that "I think we have a very good idea of what our sound is right now and we want to push that as far as we can."

The band is currently promoting its first release, "Skoolin' With the Skalars." The 12-track album was released last winter on the Moon Ska label. Overall, the album is a solid example of what the band is capable of achieving musically. It contains mostly upbeat tracks that showcases the raw abilities of the band. The angry words of "Spoiled Brat" seemed to best feature Butler's style: "I have no sympathy for your problems / Just take a look at me / And stop whining / I don't want to hear about it." Also, the band recently completed shooting a video for the song "High School."

Judging by the small crowd at the Skalars' recent show in Detroit, it appears the band is still reaching for a fan base. The group plays an upbeat, fast-paced show, and has a distinct sound as well.

Much like the Jamaican ska bands of the '60s, the Skalars' strength comes from its horn section. Even though the band has recently been without a trumpet player, and feature fewer saxophones in live performances than on the album, Shaw's trombone and Butler's alto sax really carried the music.

Another high point of the show was the energy that the band put into its performance. It consisted mostly of material from the band's CD as well as some newer songs. Tunes like "Phat Steaks" and "Junbok," put the band in its best form, as these songs mixed horns and vocals.

"We want to push people to see ska bands live because we think that's where the real element of it is. Essentially it is a live music," commented Shaw. "We really enjoy touring and we want to keep it going as long as we can. That's what we really enjoy more than anything."

The band just finished touring nationally with The Articles and Magadog. In the coming months the Skalars will be returning to the studio to begin work on a second album, due out early next year. One of the band's goals for this album is to add a trumpet to its already dynamic horn section.

With this new release backing up "Skoolin' with the Skalars," in the year to come Isaac Green and The Skalars should establish itself as a major player in the world of ska.

Even if you're not planning on starting a band, this one is definitely worth checking out.

10-16-97