The Rhythm Express        You’re Wondering Now       featuring Selena Evangeline    7Arts

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/therhythmexpress3

Every once and awhile you come across a classic song that sticks to the inner walls of the brain like sweet candy. Such is the case for Rueben “Andy” Anderson and Joanna “Joey” Dennis’s, “I’m Wondering Now,” released on the C and N - J.A Records in 1964 as the duo, Andy & Joey with backing from one time band members of the original Skatalites – Lloyd Knibbs, drums and Nerylynn Taitt, guitar.

The song caught our attention two years back when searching for great material for the Rhythm Express and pairing songs with our front line singers; Selena Evangeline, Gavin Hope and Stacey Kay. There’s a terrific, yet brief version from the V festival in 2009 with the Specials, who recorded the song on their debut, The Specials produced by Elvis Costello in 1979. It is said, the album was a” defining moment in the UK ska scene,” and guest, Amy Winehouse, who herself recorded and released as a single in 2007.

The “Queen of Ska” Doreen Shaffer teamed with the Skatalites in 1994 and recorded on the Grammy nominated side, Hi-Bop Ska. Shaffer fought the hard battle in a male dominated genre opening the way for singers Phyllis Dillon, Dawn Penn and Hortense Ellis.

The Rhythm Express is ever evolving. In keeping with 2015 and the band’s scheduled “one single” a month concept – “You’re Wondering Now” feels like the perfect May warm up to summer - the kind of song and performance that makes rolling down the windows and welcoming a warm transitional breeze, most desirable. It’s the ceaseless groove and three part harmonies, which lingers long after the song fades.

Selena Evangeline sings this, – the harmonies and lead vocal backed by the rhythm section – Everton “Pablo” Paul drums, Jesse “Dubmatix” King bass - Shane “Shaky J” Forrest guitar, and Bill King – arranger/keyboards, Christopher Butcher of the Heavyweights Brass Band – trombone – newcomer to the Express – Rebecca Hennessy, trumpet and Bobby Hsu, alto saxophone.

We’d also like to welcome singer Michael Dunston to the collective. In the coming weeks and months Michael will be featured on several classic sides with the band.

Writer(s): Lloyd Brivett, Lester Sterling, Johnny Moore, Thomas McCook, Don Drummond, Joey, Skatalites, Roland Alphonso, Lloyd Knibb, Andy, Jerome Haynes, Donat Roy, Jackie Mittoo.


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The Rhythm Express - You're Wondering Now (The Specials)

Music by Michael Lee and Shaun LaForce. Lyrics by Dustin Reed.

This song, to me, has the anthem feel. A long guitar solo at the end was used at live shows for introductions of the band and to finish the set. A lot of fun to play, and it never sounded exactly the same.

Never Again

Aaron Schmidt

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