(HUDSON, N.Y.) – Upstate New York’s ska-reggae outfit the Big Takeover brings its Jamaican riddims to Club Helsinki Hudson on Saturday, August 22, at 9pm. The group’s third album, “Children of the Rhythm” boasts the band’s signature blend of upbeat, horn-inflected ska, deep, funky reggae grooves, soulful melodies, and dub dropouts. Mad Satta will warm up the crowd for Big Takeover.
Born at SUNY-New Paltz in 2008, the Big Takeover is fronted by Jamaican-born and raised vocalist NeeNee Rushie. Claiming influences including Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Delroy Wilson, Alton Ellis, Michael Jackson, Fela Kuti, the Specials, and Aretha Franklin, the Big Takeover has shared stages with such reggae royalty as the Wailers, the Skatalites, the Slackers, Yellow Man, Inner Circle, Eek a Mouse and Sister Nancy.
Guitarist Jose Lopez adds stinging leads to the group’s sound, answered by the two-man horn section of trombonist Andrew Vogt and saxophonist Chas Montrose. As with any reggae group worth its salt, the secret to the Big Takeover’s success relies in the telepathic communication between bassist Rob Kissner and drummer Hector Becerra.
Openers Mad Satta are a future-soul band based in New York comprised of eight members who strive to bring original, positive, eclectic, thoughtful music to a wide array of listeners. This ultra-tight outfit is held down by edgy bass lines and a sophisticated mix of guitar, organ, drums and horns that surround and support the powerful, smoky vocals of front woman Joanna Teters.
For reservations in The Restaurant or in the club call 518.828.4800.