melbourne ska orchestra

Biography

The Melbourne Ska Orchestra (MSO) is a large ska ensemble formed in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, led by bandleader Nicky Bomba, known for his work with Bomba, Bustamento, and the John Butler Trio. The group originated from a world-record attempt for the largest number of horn players performing the ska-skank at St Kilda's Gershwin Room, which evolved into an annual event celebrating ska's history, starting with Millie Small’s 1963 hit 'My Boy Lollipop'. Comprising 17 to 35 members from diverse multicultural backgrounds including Scottish, Venezuelan, Trinidadian, Maltese, and English influences, MSO blends traditional ska, rocksteady, and ska punk with original compositions and unexpected arrangements, drawing from Jamaican origins, UK Two Tone, and Latino ska for a uniquely Australian sound full of cinematic energy and powerful horns.[1][2][3][5]

MSO's career gained momentum through sold-out shows, festival appearances like WOMAdelaide, Byron Bay Bluesfest, and Splendour in the Grass, and international tours including the UK, US, Mexico, and Turkey. Their debut self-titled album arrived in 2013 via Four Four Records, followed by Sierra Kilo Alpha in 2016, which won an ARIA Award for Best World Music Album. Subsequent releases like Saturn Return (2017), Ska Classics (2018), and singles up to 2024 solidified their reputation, with nominations and wins at ARIA Awards highlighting their live energy and genre innovation.[1][2][5]

MSO's legacy lies in revitalizing ska in Australia, capturing raw live energy in recordings while experimenting with hybrids that reflect local stories, such as Melbourne's underbelly in tracks like 'Lygon Street Meltdown'. Their multicultural lineup and commitment to both covers and originals have made them a fixture in the ska and reggae scene, influencing contemporary audiences with vibrant, foot-stomping performances.[1][2][5]

Fun Facts

• MSO originated from a 2003 world-record attempt for the most horn players ska-skanking onstage at St Kilda's Gershwin Room, though no one verified if the record was set.[2][3]
• The band features a multicultural mix including Scottish, Venezuelan, Trinidadian, Maltese, and English members, contributing to their diverse sound.[1]
• Their 2016 album Sierra Kilo Alpha won an ARIA Award for Best World Music, with multiple subsequent nominations.[5]
• MSO has performed at high-profile events like TEDx Melbourne and international venues such as BB King’s Blues Bar in New York.[5]

Members

• Nicky Bomba - drums (drum set), guitar family, lead vocals, original (from 2006)
• Elvis Aljus - membranophone, percussion
• Rebecca Ari - lead vocals
• Laurie Bongailas - baritone saxophone, tenor saxophone
• Rob Calvert - tenor saxophone
• Michael Caruana - piano
• Paul Coyle - trombone, trumpet
• Patrick Cronin - trumpet
• Barry Deenick - electric bass guitar
• Sally Ford - alto saxophone
• Justin Forster - tenor saxophone
• Piers Gooding - tenor saxophone
• Cam Hassard - tenor saxophone
• Michael Havir - glockenspiel, Hammond organ, melodica, piano
• Sarah Heffernan - trumpet
• David Henry - trumpet
• Tony Hicks - alto saxophone, clarinet
• Dean Hilson - tenor saxophone
• Lennox Jordan - steelpan
• Dave Joseph - membranophone, percussion
• Ted Kazan - trumpet
• Wally Maloney - trombone
• Antonio Milillo - guitar family
• Pete Mitchell - alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, cor anglais
• Steve Montgomery - lead vocals, spoken vocals
• Steve Phillips - membranophone, percussion
• Rodrigo Pino - guitar family
• Pat Powell - lead vocals
• Kynan Robinson - trombone
• Jake Savona - Hammond organ, piano
• George Servanis - drums (drum set), percussion
• Peter Slipper - trombone
• Dorian West - trumpet

Original Members

• Nicky Bomba - drums (drum set), guitar family, lead vocals, original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Prince Buster - Key stylistic influence in ska history discovered by Nicky Bomba (Early ska records) [1960s]
• The Specials - Initial inspiration via Two Tone label for Nicky Bomba ('Message to You Rudy') [late 1970s-1980s]
• Toots and the Maytals - Caribbean ska and reggae antecedent influencing Bomba's immersion (Classic ska/reggae tracks) [1960s-1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Nicky Bomba - Bandleader and frontman (All albums including Sierra Kilo Alpha, Saturn Return) [2003-present]
• Mohair Slim - PBS DJ and co-founder, Jamaican music historian (Formation events and debut album) [2003-2013]
• Robin Mai - Engineer (MSO self-titled album (ARIA nominated)) [2013]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz