Natty Frenchy, an Interview with Rob Smittix – Xperience Monthly

Natty Frenchy (The Skatalites )

The Skatalites have been one of the most influential ska groups of all time. The group was formed in 1964 and began as a ska group but also embraced subgenres such as Rocksteady, Reggae, 2tone, Third Wave, Ska-Jazz, Ska-Punk, Ragga, and Dub. The Skatalites have been called Jamaica’s Greatest Band and if you’ve had a chance to see them over the last six decades, you can easily understand why that is. I am overwhelmed with excitement that I had the opportunity at Albany’s Alive at 5 on July 20th to speak with guitarist Aurelien Metsch aka Natty Frenchy of The Skatalites. Here is our conversation.

RRX: We are here with Natty Frenchy of the Skatalites at Alive at Five. There were a lot of people yelling Frenchy in the crowd. Thank you for coming here and playing for us.

NF: Thanks for having us, it was a pleasure to be here to play the ska, reggae and rock steady for the people.

RRX: Definitely! So you joined the band in 2009?

NF: Yes.

RRX: The band has been around since 1964 or something like that?

NF: That’s right.

RRX: That’s crazy, I wasn’t born yet, and I don’t think you were either.

NF: No. (Laughs).

RRX: 2009 is still a long time to have been in the group.

NF: Oh yeah, it’s been fourteen years.

RRX: What has the experience been like for you?

NF: Beautiful. I’m honored to play with the original Skatalites. The first time I played with the Skatalites I got goosebumps. Lloyd Knibb was the drummer, I mean c’mon. We also had Lester Sterling it was incredible.

RRX: You guys just came off a two-month European tour?

NF: More like a month and a week or so.

RRX: After this show are you taking a break or anything for a little bit?

NF: We won’t have anything until next month but it’s okay, we’re getting ready for the 60-year anniversary next year.

RRX: Wow, isn’t that something?

NF: We’ve got work to do.

RRX: You do. What do you guys do in your downtime when you have time off?

NF: Family and children time for me, you know? I have to take care of the youths and then production, music and studio. Also we’re working on the project for the 60th anniversary.

RRX: 60 years! Wow man, not a lot of bands get to say that.

NF: Unfortunately, we don’t have any more originals. Lester Sterling passed away a couple of months ago. His burial was last Tuesday. Rest in peace Lester. Doreen Shaffer is still around but not touring with us right now. But hopefully, Doreen, wherever you are, we love you.

RRX: You’ve been playing with Larry too, right?

NF: Larry McDonald couldn’t make it today but it’s a joy to have Larry, he joined the band a couple of years ago. Beautiful, legendary Larry always has a good vibe.

RRX: Now a lot of people don’t know the difference between ska and reggae. They can’t tell the difference. How would you describe the difference?

NF: Ska is different from reggae the tempo is different. The message is a little bit different in reggae too.

RRX: Then you’ve got rock steady in there too.

NF: It’s in between.

RRX: It’s like in between, yeah.

NF: The change between ska, rocksteady to reggae and even with dancehall you can hear Skatalites.

RRX: Yes you can.

NF: Earlier the DJ was playing Stephen Marley doing a Skatalites tune. Doo Doo Doo Doo, Doo, Doo, Doo, Doo… Yeah, Skatalites!

RRX: Oh yeah! I’m a big Stephen Marley fan too. Stephen came to town a few years back and I was very excited to see him perform. He played all Bob Marley songs, which was a crowd pleaser for sure, but I actually wanted to hear Stephen play more of his own material. I think of Bob Marley and how we lost him. The cancer was discovered under his toenail. I know it was part of his Rastafarian faith, so he refused to have his toe amputated as advised by doctors but… I always thought someone from the hierarchy within the Rastafarian culture, should have given Bob a pass. He was a national treasure, and he could’ve been around longer, spreading his message of love through music.

NF: Everybody has their choices, you know?

RRX: But he stuck to his guns and his beliefs, you’ve got to respect that. So, when you travel can you bring your weed with you?

NF: (Laughs) Weed is everywhere all over the world we find it. It’s just a matter of time, some governments still frown on it.

RRX: Weed is everywhere, go ahead support your local weed dealer, don’t always give your money to the dispensaries because that’s just giving money to the government. But do support my friends at Stage One in Rensselaer.

(Both Laugh)

RRX: Any words of peace or wisdom for our friends out there?

NF: It’s all about love, you know what I mean? It’s about music, we keep the tradition going with the Skatalite music! Despite politics, we are here doing the work. Rastafari, the message is love. Come together and let’s do some work! Bless.

RRX: Thank you for your time, Frenchy everyone!