Skavolution

biography

"You hum it, we'll Ska it"

That's the motto held firmly in the grasp of this eccentric and anarchic troupe! Skavolution is a meeting of huge talent that makes a new sound out of an old style.

Long black and white checked overcoats; shades; checked trousers; pencil-thin white ties; flying hats; all this might create a cartoon effect, but this is serious stuff. They open with a seriously pounding groove from the rhythm section before the gradual appearance of the brass signals the start of the show.

From the opening bar, the expectant crowd instantly know a night with Skavolution is going to involve some serious dancing. Skavolution's predecessor, Little Chief, a much-respected one time backing band for the late great Laurel Aitken, championed traditional Jamaican Ska in Leeds and across the North of England.

Skavolution have built on that legacy but this is the classic model, brass and drums, with a paint job and more than a few custom features. They have pimped my Ska with banjo, sousaphone, megaphones and accordian, this acoustic twist means Skavolution can play anywhere.

Their unique appeal comes from classic tunes (Swan Lake, Scooby Doo, Ring of Fire, The Hall of the Mountain King) cleverly arranged into exceptionally imaginative medleys combined with an unstoppable rhythm section. To see how Ska has evolved catch Skavolution; "you hum it they'll Ska it"; just don't forget your dancing shoes!