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Rocksteady 7 | |
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Background information | |
Origin | New York, New York |
Genres | Reggae, rocksteady, Jamaican jazz |
Years active | 1992 | –present
Labels | Brixton Records, Hellcat, Do Tell Records |
Members | Dave Hillyard Larry McDonald Will Clark Jeremy Mushlin Mike Bitz Dave Hahn Eddie Ocampo Dave Wake |
Past members | Sheldon Gregg Jayson "Agent Jay" Nugent Victor Ruggiero David Hahn Chris "Squantch" Sears Rolf Langsjoen Kincaid Smith Christian Vela Jimmy Boom Clint Sobolik Charlie Francis |
Website | www |
The Rocksteady 7 also known as David Hillyard & the Rocksteady Seven, are an American Ska and Jazz band from New York, New York that formed in 1992. Since the early 1990s the group has consisted of tenor saxophonist and band leader Dave Hillyard as well as percussionist Larry McDonald. In live performances, they are supported by a rotating cast of musicians, including drummer Eddie Ocampo and Dave Wake on keys among others.
Given reggae's globally reaching influence, the Rocksteady 7 holds true to the genre's roots and the self-described "Jamaican Jazz" sound combines ska, rocksteady and reggae with extended jazz improvisation, intricate melodies, and complex harmonies. The group incorporates many diverse elements of world music with rocksteady rhythms, including ska, jazz, calypso, as well as early African and American jazz influences.
As of late 2012, the Rocksteady has released seven studio albums and has seen some success, particularly in Europe and on United States college radio stations. They are currently signed to Brixton Records with previous releases on Hellcat and Do Tell Records.