It’s hard to write about reggae vocal trio the Abyssinians without mentioning “Satta Massagana.”
A runaway hit song that was originally rejected by legendary Jamaican producer Clement “Coxsone” Dodd in 1969 for being too subversive, the tune, which translates to “He Gave Praise” and was eventually released on an album of the same name, has become a defining song of the genre. Though the band’s lineup has changed over the decades, it remains a giant of Jamaican music, and a favorite of reggae fans around the world. The current lineup includes founding member Bernard Collins.
INFO: 9 p.m. Saturday, July 21. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $25/adv, $30/door. 479-1854. WANT TO GO? Go to santacruz.com/giveaways before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 11 to find out how you could win a pair of tickets to the show.
