Le Birrette: Gals Songs Only

Modern ska is not all Two-Tone cover band wannabees. Here is the proof… Le Birrette are ‘the new all-female ska sensation’ from Bologna, Italy. Since they got together in 2015, they’ve dug into the Jamaican rhythms from the ’60s and the ’70s: from ska to rocksteady, reggae and roots. Their inspiration comes from The Techniques, The Gaylads, The Pioneers and the instrumental session bands at Studio One and Treasure Isle. They’ve a beautiful combination between vocal harmonies and the groove of the instruments. The vocal does remind me of Amy Winehouse, but that’s no bad thing, there’s also the vibe of

Althea and Donna. Roots! They have toured Italy, Germany, the UK and Jamaica, sharing the stage with the likes of Johnny Osbourne, The Skatalites, The Aggrolites, Ken Boothe, Dennis Alcapone, Keith and Tex. And they’ve played at the London International Ska Festival, Berlin Ska Festival, Ocho Rios Jazz Festival and Dinamite Ska Festival. Jet setters!

Their LP debut Gals Songs Only was released with the video Jamaican Night, soon after, a second official video was released for Wounded Man, an original track against gender violence. They produce all their own recordings. The album and the EP were recorded live and direct on reel in a full analogue studio, in the typical style of ’60s Jamaica. They are a really good wave of freshness to the genre. More power to them.

Words: Rik

Images supplied by: Le Birrette