The Adjusters | |
|---|---|
 Live at the Metro in Chicago, 1997 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Genres | Ska |
| Years active | 1995-2003 |
| Labels | Jump Up! Records, Moon Ska Records, Grover Records |
The Adjusters were an American ska, soul and reggae band from Chicago, Illinois, United States, active from 1995-2003.
The band was known for its fusion of 1960s soul sounds with traditional ska & reggae [1] as well as its progressive political views. [2]
Formed in 1995 at the University of Chicago, the Adjusters first gained notoriety within the university community before releasing their first album on Chicago-based Jump Up! Records in 1997. [3] The band was notable both for bringing a political message into their music as well as incorporating soul music into the predominantly ska-punk sounds of the midwest ska scene at the time. [4]
The Adjusters played many shows during this period (1997-1998) throughout the midwest and east coast, most numerously with Detroit-based ska-jazz band The Articles and NYC-based The Slackers. The Adjusters' second album "Before The Revolution" was released on Moon Ska Records in 1998, produced by Victor Rice, with a foreword by author Thomas Frank, and several tracks mixed by Jon Langford of the Mekons. [5]
After the dissolution of Moon Records in 2000, the Adjusters' third album "Otis Redding Will Save America" was released on German label Grover Records in 2003. [6] This album was also produced by Victor Rice and the single "Can't See the Light" features German ska & dancehall artist Dr. Ring-Ding.
The band has been inactive since 2003. Drummer/producer Rench went on to front bluegrass-hip hop act Gangstagrass.
Daraka Kenric - Vocals
Joan Axthelm – Vocals
Jessica Basta - Vocals
Matt Parker - Organ (formerly of The Donkey Show)
Jason Packer - Guitar
Julien Headley – Drums
Josh Thurston-Milgrom – Bass
Nick Dempsey – Saxophone
Raphael Leib – Trumpet
Tom Howe – Trombone
Rench - Drums, Production
Studio albums
The Politics of Style - 1997, Jump Up! Records
Before the Revolution - 1998, Moon Ska Records
Otis Redding Will Save America - 2003, Grover Records
Singles
"Michael Manley" (7") - 1996, Rosa Luxemburg Records
"Rebel Jam" (7") - 1998, Black Pearl Records
Collections
Stormwarning - 2002, Grover Records
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