JaSkaMon returns with its "New Reggae” sound

June 12, 2021, marks the return to Cottage Grove of reggae dance group JaSkaMon at the Brewstation.

After spending 2020 “on ice” due to COVID-19 lockdowns, JaSkaMon is raring to go and eager to treat dancers and listeners to a fresh, hot serving of their unique musical recipe.

The Northwest’s premier exponents of “the New Reggae” boast a deep book of more than 200 original songs.

What, exactly, is “The New Reggae”? Guitarist Barry Klusman, who has fronted the band since 2013, prefers to let the music speak for itself - and with seven CD releases under his belt, the band clearly has a lot to say.

It’s a new sound for the new century

“It’s a new sound for a new century,” said JaSkaMon drummer I-Bob. “99% of the artists who fall under the broad umbrella of ‘Reggae’ rely upon a very thin slice of the Caribbean music pie. It’s either strictly Roots, or it’s more Dancehall/Rap oriented. You almost never hear Rocksteady, for instance. Many listeners observe correctly that it ends up sounding pretty much the same. JaSkaMon commands a much broader palette; we draw upon Meno, Soca, Rocksteady, Ska, Calypso, Country & Western - and, of course, that good old Rock & Roll.”

Azalea Jane holds a master’s degree in composition from the University of Oregon and plays keyboards.

Karl Sunquist handles the bass the way Reggae ought to be - like a rock.

Drummer I-Bob has been involved in the Reggae scene since the ‘70s, playing in seminal ‘80s SoCal Ska and Punky-Reggae groups the X-Streams and the Skanksters.

Lead guitarist Roger McConnel is one of the busiest session players in the Northwest, a key member of The Kos and other musical outfits.

For more information, call the Brewstation at 541-942-8770