In 2003, the time was right.
A world-record attempt to have the largest number of horn players on stage at the same time playing the ska-skank saw a slew of musicians take the stage at St Kilda’s Gershwin Room, and although nobody remembered to check if the record had actually been set, from this sold-out performance the Melbourne Ska Orchestra was born.
Assembled from some of Australia’s preeminent names in Ska and Reggae and fronted by inimitable frontman Nicky Bomba (Bomba, Bustamento, John Butler Trio), the soaring popularity of the band is seeing the MSO fast becoming a fixture of Australia’s musical landscape.
Now, after more than a decade of sold-out shows and electrifying festival appearances the MSO has come together to produce a different kind of record. Their self-titled debut album showcases the versatility of a genre that has influenced some of the most venerated names in music, from Bob Marley to Gwen Stefani, as well as demonstrating a uniquely Australian vision of the exuberance and freewheeling colour of contemporary Ska.
Their performances have been described as, thrilling, a wonderful ramshackle, almighty, crazy, beyond energetic, musical madness and so much more… MSO with over 30 members on stage at once has to be seen to be believed. It is the culmination of years of passion and performance from one of the most energetic and inspired ensembles currently winning over audiences right across the country.
People will need to be quick to grab tickets for the album tour, because once they’ve wowed audiences at their upcoming Golden Plains, WOMAD NZ and Bluesfest performances this March, MSO fans old and new will be lining up to join the fun. This is music at its most entertaining; vibrant, surprising, and with a beat to shame the Devil. This is Ska.
Melbourne Ska Orchestra 2013 Australian Tour
Friday 3rd May The Metro Theatre, Sydney
With AuSkas & Mista Savona (DJ Set)
Tickets $30+bf from www.ticketek.com.au
Doors open 8pm
Saturday 4th May The Forum Theatre, Melbourne
With very Special Guests Strange Tenants & Savona Sound System
Tickets $30+bf (inc booking fee’s) from www.ticketmaster.com.au
Doors open 7.30pm
Saturday 11th May The Tivoli, Brisbane
With Cheap Fakes & Mista Savona (DJ Set)
Tickets $30+bf (inc booking fee’s) from www.ticketek.com.au
Doors open 7.30pm
