The very name conjures up all kinds of heady associations for music lovers: The Skatalites, Don Drummond, Lenny Hibbert, Roland Alphanso, Johnny "Dizzy" Moore, Eddie 'Tan Tan' Thornton, Rico Rodriguez.
All alumni of the famed Alpha Boys School, and the South Camp Road institution has for many years attracted musical wanderers hooked by the Jamaican sound. The latest are France's Dub Inc, representing the international tapestry of drum n' bass since 1997. The members of the band swung by during their Jamaican "lay-over" - during which they've recorded with the likes of Capleton and were featured at the Friday live series "Plug n' Play" at the Wyndham's Jonkanoo Lounge.
But on Friday afternoon, it was all about honouring the roots and the fruits. Gudied by Director, Sister Rosie Chung, the Frenchmen saw an alpha in transition and git the cherished opportunity to hear the future greats via an impromptu 'mini-concert' that included renditions of "Slide Mongoose" and "Linstead Market" as well as a ska classic like 'Java" and the Bob Marley anthem "One Love"
Interaction complete, they also presented the school with some much-needed instrumental gifts, and then it was back to their accommodations to prepare for the scintillating Plug and Play set later that night (into the wee hours of Saturday).
With Dub Inc's Alpha swing, another thread has been woven into the expanding global quilt that is the Jamaican music experience. There's more to come.
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