AMG Review of Authentic Ska Sound of Tommy McCook

Joslyn Layne
All Music Guide

Authentic Ska Sound of Tommy McCook finds the lead tenor saxophonist surrounded by other ska legends including other members of the Skatalites (keyboardist Bill Smith, bassist Lloyd Brevett, trombonist Will Clark) and early Jamaican studio musicians (drummer Aston Henry), but the group also includes third-wave ska musicians such as Toasters trumpeter Brian Sledge. This album was recorded during the summer of 1997, one year before McCook's death, and released by Moon Ska the following year. In addition to the traditionals, "Secret Love" and "Loving Princess Diana," are decent renditions. Also included are McCook's own "Yelling King Bravo" and a cover of Wynonie Harris' "Bloodshot Eyes," here titled "Blood Clad Eyes." Most of the songs feature vocals by either Lord Tanamo (who also wrote a couple of songs on this album) or King Bravo.