Let me just get this out of the way immediately. Introducing … Mr. Kingpin is so good. To be quite honest, it’s probably the most solid debut I’ve heard all year – not just from a ska band, but from anyone. First albums just aren’t this good usually. It makes sense that this debut is though, considering the pedigree involved with its creation.
For the uninitiated, Mr. Kingpin isn’t a new face in the ska scene. It’s the alter ego of ska scene vet, Jon E. Bravo. Before creating this solo project, he performed with the 2 Tone inspired Rude King. After more than a decade as part of that band, he’s striking out with his own solo project. Of course, you can expect some 2 Tone-esque music on Introducing …, but it’s so much more.
Immediately after listening to Introducing …, I was hit with just how good the music sounded. Of course, Mr. Kingpin is an amazing musician and songwriter. But, props are also in order for producer Esteban Flores. Aside from doing an amazing job behind the board, Flores also contributed his signature organ sound to the project. I’m a sucker for a good keyboard in ska, and Esteban is one of the best. Keys add such a warm tone to any ska song, and the key-heavy tracks on this album are no exception.
Musically, Mr. Kingpin takes the best elements of some of the heaviest hitters in modern ska music today, and spins them into his own dynamic sound.
While there’s some 2 Tone flavor here, Introducing … really draws more on that traditional ’50s and ’60s Jamaican ska sound. If you like trad ska, rocksteady, and even reggae, then this debut is a must listen. There’s a certain grit and soul present in Bravo’s voice, that just make the love songs that much better. Also, sticking with the overall flavor of traditional ska music, each and every song on this album will make you want to get up and dance. If they don’t, then you might be dead inside.
People keep referencing ska’s resurgence in 2021, but they’re really only focusing on ska punk, which is a mistake
This has been an absolutely amazing year for ska music. I haven’t felt this much excitement surrounding my favorite kind of music since the mid-late ’90s. One thing journalists hyping the “rebirth of ska” are making a mistake about is the focus on one type of ska. For the most part, ska punk is getting much of the focus. Only focusing on one type of ska is really doing the entire genre a disservice though. Bands like The Tellways, The Freecoasters, and now Mr. Kingpin, are out there putting out iconic albums too.
Much like a band like The Slackers, Mr. Kingpin’s sound can’t be pigeon-holed into one small box.
You’ll get some dirty reggae reminiscent of The Aggrolites. Hell, Roger Rivas even guests on a track! Rivas isn’t the only guest appearance. The best saxophone player in the scene today, David Hillyard of The Slackers, plays on “Actions Speak Louder.”
Other bands that also immediately popped into my head during my playthroughs of the album include the aforementioned Aggrolites, Slackers and Tellways. Joining them are folks like Hepcat, Deal’s Gone Bad, and Green Room Rockers. So, as you can see, I’m really not blowing smoke when I say Mr. Kingpin really is that talented. When I’m already comparing him to the pedigree of some of the best in ska music today, there’s really no explainable reason for you to ignore this debut.
Solid tunes through and through with absolutely no filler, Introducing … Mr. Kingpin needs to be in every ska fan’s collection. This is essential listening for anyone who loves the genre. If you’re new to ska music (welcome!) and want to hear just how good traditionally-inspired ska music can be. The album releases on bandcamp this week, with a future vinyl release on Jump Up Records in the very near future.