Roland Alphonso was a towering figure in the world of ska and reggae music, hailed as one of the founding members of the influential group The Skatalites. Born on January 12, 1931, in Havana, Cuba, Alphonso moved to Kingston, Jamaica at an early age where he would eventually make a profound impact on the music scene. Known for his virtuosic skills on the tenor saxophone, his style blended rhythm and blues with the traditional mento and calypso sounds, contributing significantly to the early development of ska in the 1950s and 60s.

Alphonso's tenure with The Skatalites solidified his status as a key player in the genesis of reggae music, with his instrumentals becoming anthems of the genre. Throughout his career, he remained prolific, not just with The Skatalites but also as a solo artist and with other musicians, consistently releasing music that pushed the boundaries of reggae and ska. With albums and recordings such as "Reggae Instrumentalists" alongside Lester Sterling and Tommy McCook, "Max's Skansas City," which captured lost recordings from the iconic New York City club, and "ABC Rocksteady," which showcased his effortless fusion of rocksteady grooves with jazz influences, Alphonso's contributions to music have been both enduring and deeply influential. His EP "Hornsman Style" is another testament to his mastery over the saxophone and his ability to craft infectious melodies. Sadly, the music world lost this legendary figure on November 20, 1998, but his legacy within ska and reggae music continues to resonate with musicians and fans alike.

Genres

Early Reggae

Jamaican Ska

Rocksteady

Ska Revival

Latest Release

Dreamland: The Beverley's Singles 1966-1968

Roland Alphonso

Album - 22 Tracks - Released March 15, 2024