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The Rice Thresher
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Robert Reichle The next time ska has a surge in popularity (probably 20 years from now), which groups will be remembered as the great instrumental ska bands of the past? The Skatalites, of course, and perhaps the New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble or the Articles for their jazzy take on traditional ska. If not for their late arrival on a comatose ska scene, the Second-hands would be second only to the Skatalites on this list of all-time greats. The Secondhands' recent album The Same Trains is a smooth cocktail of trad ska and reggae with jazzy temperament and country sensibilities mixed in. The group hails from Lawrence, Kan., which perhaps explains the wide-open Western feel to the album. In concert, this down-home, little-known group has more fun and gets more involved in its act than most big-name bands. Dueling rhythm and lead guitars (which sometimes shift into country slide guitar), alongside thick organ stylings, lay the groundwork for the Secondhands' sound. But the group is most notable for the spine-tingling trombone work of Tom Johnson. With time, this guy could rival the trombone skills of Vinny Nobile or even the legendary Don Drummond - he really is that good. Johnson really lets go on "Bullride," an easygoing ska number with a hint of country flavor. Given the chance, this song could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a classic like Drummond's "Man in the Street" any day. "Red All Over," the track with the heaviest country influence, features solid guitar instrumentation over a rocksteady beat. "Cost of Living" is the album's other highlight - it's a heavy-handed reggae song, reminiscent of the Skatalites' "Rockfort Rock," and it even includes a top-notch melodica solo. While the Secondhands hit the ska scene at a bad time, they're as good as or better than any jazzy instrumental ska/reggae group that came before them. If there were still a market for this type of music, they'd be millionaires. - Robert Reichle
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This document may be distributed electronically, provided that it is distributed in its entirety and includes this notice. However, it cannot be reprinted without the express written permission of: The Rice Thresher, Rice University MS-524, PO Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251-1892, USA. The Thresher Online Project -- ethresh@listserv.rice.edu |
