Who said ska isn’t hardcore?! photo by kim moenich

If you’ve followed me for the last few years, you know that my love for punk rock is followed closely by my love for ska. Some of my earliest show memories are going to see The Toasters and The Specials, Skamageddon, or listening to The Bodysnatchers. The catchy tunes made me happy in a way that other music did not. And I loved the history of rocksteady, mod culture, how it was a space for all races and genders, again, in a way punk was traditionally not (although it always said it was.) Living in London in the late ‘90s, I spent a good deal of my time in Brixton, one of the places where modern ska was born (if you don’t know your history, google the Windrush Generation). I met Alton Ellis, saw The Selecter and The Specials play small clubs, and soaked in all things ska and rocksteady.

**Jackie Mendez** and the boys performing at The Underline. photo by kim moenich

This love has only matured as I have grown older, and I have spent the last several years making sure to catch every ska show I possibly can. Nearest and dearest to my heart was always The Specials, and it was a very hard blow when we lost Terry Hall. So when the amazing Donick Cary announced his Musack Rocks charity show would be a memorial for Terry and that Lynval Golding and Horace Panter from The Specials would be playing it, I knew I had to attend. This is where I first found and fell in love with The Aggrolites, as they were the backing band for Lynval and Horace. Since that time, I’ve seen them play so many times that I’ve lost count, and I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know their amazing guitarist, Eric Blackbird, and their incredibly talented drummer, Krees Borbon.

Eric recently announced that he was recording and producing an album for Jackie Mendez, so I knew I had to check it out. What I heard was absolutely gorgeous, and I couldn’t wait to see them when they came to D.C. on the album release tour. Eric and Krees were joined by several other friends as the supporting band for Jackie. I managed to catch the show at an intimate speakeasy in downtown Washington called The Underline. It was packed with locals coming out on a Wednesday night to show support for this L.A.-based crew, and the vibes were immaculate. Everyone was dancing, singing, and having the greatest time as Jackie belted out her beautiful tunes. While the stage was small, the boys did their best to keep the energy high, and you could feel that energy in the room.

I was lucky enough to get the Jackie Mendez album before it comes out on May 1, and I haven’t been able to stop listening to it. It dropped on streaming platforms April 24, and you had better do yourself a favor and go find it right now. You can thank me later!

Fast forward a few years, and both Jackie (now solo) and Eric (now with The Delirians) found themselves on tour together once again when The Delirians backed Jackie on the Angel City Record Revue. During one tour stop in Belgium, Eric had the brilliant idea to ask Jackie about trying to create a rocksteady version of the great Barbara Lewis tune, “Baby, I’m Yours." The two sat down on the farm, with Eric playing guitar, and created the arrangement for this absolutely beautiful tune.

**Jackie** and the boys really had the crowd moving. photo by kim moenich

Years once again passed, and in 2019 Eric began Black Bird Records as a creative outlet for his love of recording and producing music. He was playing with The Steady 45s at that time (PLEASE check them out if you can; I've seen them several times, and they are easily one of the best bands in the scene right now), and Eric put out the band’s “Swing and Sway” on his label.

**Eric** giving us the groove. photo by kim moenich

In 2021, Jackie reached out to Eric about recording “Baby, I’m Yours," and the rest is history. They laid down that track and a couple of others, and Eric started playing with Jackie again. After a while, they realized they had enough songs recorded to create a full length album, and “This Is Jackie Mendez” was born.

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Albums are out not. Get yours while you can! photo by kim moenich

Not only do I suggest you keep your eye on Jackie, because I predict she’s about to explode, but I also suggest you follow Black Bird Records, because Eric has an ear for what’s hot, and is going to continue to do amazing things in the future.

Even on a tiny stage, you can still feel the power and the soul. photo by kim moenich

From Eric:

“Recording and producing is my passion and calling. Whether it’s my own music or collaborating with other artists and bands. Over the years, I’ve built a deep archive of recordings, a kind of living vault that stretches across time and sessions. Within it are not only my own projects but also rare rehearsal recordings with Jamaican greats like Pat Kelly, Roy Ellis, The Pioneers, Keith Rowe, Rudy Mills, and Derrick Morgan, among others.

Through Black Bird Records, I have plans to continue bringing more of this work into the light. Some of the recordings I’m most proud of have yet to be released.

To me, this process is about more than just making records—it’s about preserving moments, documenting musical history as it happens, and creating a space where artists can express themselves and connect with people world wide”

In my humble opinion, as the kids say these days, THIS is what our scene is all about. Remembering where we came from and building on it to create new, beautiful, and meaningful music. This is why I go to shows; this is why I listen to music. Thank you, Eric and Jackie, (and Krees, of course!), for creating this gorgeous album to make us dance and fill our hearts!