Jesse Wagner With Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra Bluebeat Holiday
Release Date: November 17, 2023
Label: Nu-Tone
Aggrolites lead singer, Jesse Wagner joins forces with Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra for Bluebeat Holiday, a Jamaican jazz spectacle for Christmas. Get ready to rock steady around the tree!
Prepare to immerse yourself in a festive fusion of Jamaican jazz, big-band brilliance, and ska vibrations this Christmas as Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra ring in the season with Bluebeat Holiday. Featuring the sensational vocals of Jesse Wagner from the Aggrolites, this California supergroup, which boasts over 20 musicians, delivers a rock-steady Holiday experience that will have you dancing and celebrating not just this Christmas, but for years to come.
Recorded at the exclusive Penrose Studios, Bluebeat Holiday reinvents 10 Christmas classics with a Jamaican jazz twist, bringing a raw, powerful, and in-your-face musical experience to the Holiday season. The limited "Ever-glo" color vinyl adds a touch of exclusivity to this festive offering, making it a must-have for fans and collectors alike.
From the infectious beats of "Happy Christmas" and the playful vibes of "Dominick The Donkey" to the jazz-infused renditions of "Let It Snow" and "Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town," Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra injects new vitality into the perennial favorites. The sheer energy of this 20+ piece collective elevates the Christmas soundtrack to new heights, infusing the timeless tunes with a contemporary twist that defies genre boundaries.
Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra, with a horn section three times larger than most ska groups, is a musical spectacle and Southern California institution that breaks barriers and expands the imagination of what is possible. The hard-hitting groove of this Jamaican jazz ensemble keeps audiences on their feet while blending the spirit of early Jamaica with the modernity of big-band jazz. By infusing elements of jazz into the mix, the group, comprised of Jamaican jazz virtuosos, revitalizes the music of yesteryear and catapults it into the future.
Leading the proceedings here is Jesse Wagner, known for his role as the lead singer of the Aggrolites. Emerging from the ashes of two Los Angeles reggae and ska bands, the Aggrolites have been a force in the city since 2002, having served as the backing band for a list of legends including Phyllis Dillon, Scotty, Joseph Hill of Culture, Prince Buster, and Rancid’s Tim Armstrong.
As they reimagine the music of the past into the future, this Holiday album promises to be a timeless addition to festive playlists, delivering a one-of-a-kind celebration that combines tradition with contemporary flair.