Texas Two Step Meets Jamaican One Drop
Swingin' and Skankin' album cover
SWINGIN’ and SKANKIN’ by RAY BENSON
BY SISTA IRIE
September 29, 2024
The love and history of Country and Western music and its influence on the island of Jamaica extends back to the 1950s when Jamaican radio listeners heard top tunes from Miami and New Orleans. In fact, to my surprise, it was the first radio music I heard when arriving in Jamaica in the late 1970’s. Country and Western music, especially the use of banjos and fiddles, was woven into early Jamaican music including mento, ska, rock steady and reggae. The appeal was further emphasized by the heritage of American Country music and R&B meeting the receptive consciousness of Jamaican society. Favorite artists, both black and white, country and blues were widely embraced, including Fats Domino, Aaron Neville, Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, Dolly Parton, Skeeter Davis and more.
On August 30th, 2024, Ray Benson, frontman and founder of Asleep at the Wheel, released what he calls a ‘mash up’ album of Texas Swing with Jamaican Ska and Reggae, entitled Swingin’ and Skankin’. Big up to Dr. Dread of R.A.S. Records who co-produced this exquisite album ensuring some of the best Jamaican musicians were included. Meanwhile Ray guaranteed top notch musical interpretations bringing both genres into exceptional sync. Of special interest to note, Willie Nelson, at age 91, is included as guitarist on the track “On the Road Again.” Although every track radiates professional production and delivery, some of my favorite tracks include a genius mix of Easy Snappin’/Easy Skankin’ (originally recorded by Theophilus Beckford and Bob Marley and the Wailers); “Boogie in My Bones” (Laurel Aitken); “Put it On” (Bob Marley and the Wailers) and the instrumental “Got Riddim” with a guest appearance by Stanley Jordan. The album rounds out with extraordinary country reggae renditions of tracks such as “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” (Nat King Cole); “Highway 61” (Bob Dylan); “Boogie Back To Texas” (Asleep At The Wheel); “Bubbles in My Beer” (Bob Willis and the Texas Playboys) and “Happy Trails” a vintage classic by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
In my opinion, Swingin’ and Skankin’ is an album that should be celebrated by reggae fans worldwide, and surely deserves special attention by Jamaican radio stations. Swingin’ and Skankin’ ties together the rich musical legacy that is deeply embedded in the soul of Jamaican music lovers. It is a testament to the fact that the musical blending of cultures should be embraced and promoted, especially when the music maintains the creativity and quality demonstrated by this album. It is a true collector’s item.
Asleep at the Wheel was the first concert performance I saw when arriving in Austin, Texas in 1981. Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel are legends in Austin, and certainly contributed greatly to the city motto “Live Music Capital of the World.” They are recognized regionally and internationally through 54 years of performances and recordings. ‘Swingin’ and Skankin’ reinforces the concept that music cannot be contained in a box. It is the medicine of the soul with an international language. I was honored with the privilege of conducting a very interesting interview with Ray Benson recently. (link to listen) His story is of immense value, as is his accomplishments that include 25 albums and 9 Grammys. He has many more accolades but you will need to hear the interview to get the full picture.
Ray Benson, frontman for the Texas Swing Band, Asleep at the Wheel.
Photo by Lisa Pollard from Texas Highways
‘Swingin’ And Skankin’, was recorded at Anchor Recording Studio in Kingston with legendary drummer, Sly Dunbar; keyboardist Robbie Lyn, saxophonist Dean Fraser, guitarists Dwight Pinkney and Steve Golding. Bassist Tony Garnier, (former member of Asleep At The Wheel and Dylan’s band), and guitarist Warren Haynes (The Allman Brothers Band and Gov’t Mule) also played on the set. Swingin And Skankin’ is distributed by Tafari Music, a label owned by Gary “Dr. Dread” Himelfarb. Merchandise is also available at the Asleep at the Wheel official website. https://store.asleepatthewheel.com/collections/ray-benson-merch
Left to Right - Gary "Dr. Dread" Himelfarb - Co-Producer, Robbie Lyn - Keyboards, Steve Golding - Guitar, Dwight Pinkney - Guitar, Ray Benson, Sly Dunbar - Drums, Tony Garnier - Bass, Delroy Pottinger - Engineer @ Music Works Studio, Kingston, Jamaica
Photo by Jay Trachtenberg