PRINCE BUSTER’S ALL STARS WITH RAYMOND HARPER

African Blood (Prince Buster, 1962/ Blue Beat, 1963)

A great proto-ska anchored in New Orleans shuffle blues, African Blood is one of Buster’s most outstanding early instrumentals. Led by Raymond Harper’s plaintive trumpet melody, there is also an expressive solo from tenor saxophonist Stanley ‘Ribs’ Notice mid-way through; the title again references the Prince’s unwavering pride in his African heritage.