THE Melbourne Ska Orchestra draws musical influences from around the globe to give its unique take on the Jamaican genre.
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Ska had its origins in 1950s and 60s Jamaica and orchestra leader Nicky Bomba says the band’s make-up, which ranges from a dozen to more than 30 members, is its strength.
"What I think makes it different from other ska orchs is that we have a really big multi-cultural mix,” Bomba says.
“There's people from Venezuela, Jamaica, Malta, England, Ireland, Scotland so we've got a really fantastic eclectic mix in the band.
"So that's why I see it as international Ska, we've really embraced that multi-cultural global ethics.
“It appeals to lots of people and we try to mix music up so it’s fresh and new and you can dance to it.
“When people hear it for the first time people think it’s fantastic and want to dance.
"It's universal music."
The Melbourne Ska Orchestra makes its first Albury appearance this weekend when it hits the main stage at the SS&A Club, Albury, on Saturday.
It’s a venue familiar to Bomba, who is looking forward to the show.
"I had a look at the stage when I played there with my other band, Bustamento, recently and it's a really big room to play in, it'll have a good vibe," he says.
"It's going to lots of fun, a special gig.
“And it's the first time we've played in Albury so it'll be good.”