Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

Strangejah Cole (left) sings as Yardbeat band's hornsmen (from left) Vivien Scott, Barry Bailey (right) and Everton Gayle play at Temple Hall Estate, St Andrew, on Sunday evening. Bassist Larry Silvera is partly hidden. - Contributed

It's rare to hear an extended, undiluted ska concert in Jamaica today. It is priceless to get the music in an intimate setting at Temple Hall Great House, St Andrew, along with the soft glow of multiple candles and comfortable seating.

Although it rained heavily on the afternoon of the most recent staging of the Sunday ska jam 'Skavovie', a clutch of faithfuls turned up hear the Yardbeat band and special guest Strangejah Cole. For those who came from the Corporate Area it was well worth the easy ride up into the hills, Yardbeat starting out with Freedom Sounds, then dropping Feelin Fine and Trottin In, among the songs coming before the closing Tear Up.

Interestingly enough, the setting did not require multiple microphones, most of the horns that carried the melodies unamplified, while the soloist took pride of place at the microphone. The original trio of hornsmen, Everton Gayle on saxophone, Vivien Scott on trumpet and Barry Bailey on trombone, took solo turns for a very appreciative audience.

Bass

Sparrow Martin was on drums, T-Bird played keyboards, Gizmo handled the guitar and Larry Silvera played bass guitar.

Stangejah Cole was dapper in a dark suit with red shirt, acknowledging bassist Lloyd Brevett, who was in the audience, several times during his set. His voice was at best lukewarm as he opened with the request to "let me in", but the movement and the vocals soon got going through Rolling On, which at parts was a jolly singalong, and When I Call Your Name.

Cole wheeled happily on Bangarang. "This one is very popular in Jamaica, because it is in the house of Parliament," he said, before the song started again.

Bangarang ended on a bang and he closed with Rough and Tough. An encore was required and Cole said "another hit again" and duly delivered to bring up intermission

Green Island

After the break, MC Herbie Miller said he had heard Green Island and Occupation being mentioned, so he knew the musicians were in tune with his favourite Don Drummond on their second set. This time around, though, there were more hornsmen, Scott tootling a welcome to fellow trumpeter Mickey Hanson and saxophonists Lester Samuels, Tony Greene and Kingsley DePass among those joining in the sweet Skavovie at Temple Hall Estate.