The Adjusters

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 a ska, soul & reggae band from Chicago, active from 1995-2003.

The band was known for its fusion of 1960's soul sounds with traditional ska & reggae[1] as well as its progressive political views.[2]

History

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.

Band members

Daraka Kenric - Vocals
Jessica Basta - Vocals
Matt Parker - Organ (formerly of The Donkey Show)
Jason Packer - Guitar
Rench - Drums, Production

Discography

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

Further reading

http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/skas-lost-cause/Content?oid=896881
http://www.spacecityrock.com/issue3/adjusters.html

References

  1. ↑ "All Music Guide".
  2. ↑ "Chicago Sun-Times". December 13, 1998.
  3. ↑ "Jump Up! Records".
  4. ↑ "Chicago Tribune". Jan 2, 1998.
  5. ↑ "All Music Guide".
  6. ↑ "Grover Records".
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