Meet the people!
JaSkaMon, whose name is derived from "Jamaica-music-people" and "spirit-music-humanity" is a Northwest US band led by singer-songwriter-guitarist Barry Klusman. The group's attributes are a catalog of catchy original tunes mixed with popular covers, rhythmically charged for dancing, employing tight harmony singing and infectious guitar and keyboard lines. They are known for their unique combinations of blending American pop with Caribbean beats.
JaSkaMon has produced seven albums since their inception in March, 2013: "Sword and Plow", "All The People", "432", "Spirit, Music, Humanity", "Good Feeling", "Could-a, Should-a, Would-a", "The Best Of", and “2000 Years Later”. Ska, reggae, and soul calypso (soca-reggaeton) beats dominate in lively songs about our relationships to each other as well as to the planet.
In 2020 the group released their seventh album, "The Best Of", which features a selection of some of the most popular recordings from previous albums in chronological order.
2022 saw the release of a new set of 12 tunes from the studio, the record “2,000 Years Later”, including “Set The People Free”, “Chances Are”, “Johnnie Gunman”, “No More Time”, and “Tan Caliente”. Seven recordings are refined remakes from past albums, do-overs of favorite hits.
In 2024 work began on the SALUTATIONS album with help from reggae producer Reinaldo Garcia from Argentina.
JaSkaMon has many music videos to watch and enjoy. "Take Me Home" (2014) is a tribute to founding member and drummer Marv Bauer who passed away that year. “All The People” and "Save Your Land" (2017) are environmental wake up calls for humanity, and videos featuring the modern dance skills of Chenise Crockett. "Much Too Much" and "All Along The Watchtower" are tunes from the "Could-a.." album, and “Set The People Free”, “Tan Caliente” from 2,000 Years Later.. still others are in the making at this writing.
JaSkaMon continues to explore new approaches to the ska-reggae genre, to hone their upbeat, live performances, and prepare recordings for a new album.
THE PLAYERS:
Barry Klusman, songwriter, vocalist and southpaw guitarist is one of the last original members from 2013 inception. He is presently the executive producer of the project.
Louis “Bam Bam” Butts, bass player, vocalist
Michael Nolley, keyboard
Ryan Killpatrick, trap drums
Greg Shuett, rhythm guitar
Jim Harder, misc. percussion
Hector and Keri Zima, technician, tambourine, keyboard, video
Snail and Pam Cadwell, horns and vocals
Phuong Klusman, accounting, merchant manager, equipment packer, cook
Dylan Crawford, guitar, vocals, trap set
Raymond Rios, misc. percussion, timbales
