The Scorchers

The Scorchers

The Scorchers are a ska group formed by Mush One on trumpet and vocals and Luis Zuluaga on drums. Both had previously been involved with The Slackers, and after leaving that band around 1999–2000, Mush One continues to work in a range of New York projects before bringing the Scorchers together with Zuluaga.

Formation and line-up

The band begins as a hard bop jazz project and grows from the addition of Red Hook Warriorz members Paul Defiglia on upright bass and Ben Shanley on trombone. The core line-up is later strengthened by saxophonist El Michels, who also contributes to the group’s analogue recording approach. Vocalist Alicia Williams makes her debut with the band; she is the daughter of Jamaican big-band singer Garland Phinn of the Sonny Bradshaw Orchestra.

Style and influences

The Scorchers draw on Jamaican musical roots, combining ska, reggae and jazz elements with vocal harmonies and instrumental passages. Their sound features an upright bass and ska drumming, a four-piece horn section, and three-part female harmonies that recall Motown and the Soulettes. The group also includes updated interpretations of songs by Burt Bacharach and by Bob and Rita Marley.

Recording

Their debut album, Stuntin’, appears on Jump Up Records in 2005 and is mixed by John Squicciarino. The album includes 17 tracks and runs for nearly 60 minutes. It features arrangements such as an updated version of “Walk On By” and “Play Play Play.”

Related projects

Mush One remains active in several other New York-area projects, including Fireproof, the Hungry March Band, the Washington Square Stomperz, later renamed the Red Hook Warriorz, and Tunnel One Ska Radio on WNYU 89.1 FM in New York City. His work with Fireproof includes Sister Nancy Meets Fireproof on Jammyland Records/Special Potato in 2002, and his recordings with the Hungry March Band include On the Waterfront and Critical Brass.