The band started getting shape at the end of 1993, Jampara and Aston ‘Familyman’ Barett, the leader of the legendary Wailers, started talking about forming a new reggeaband. Soon Jampara was looking for a bass player, and was lucky to find one in the form of Robby Skipper. The Batalion as a band was born.
Originally the band existed of five people: Ras Jampara (lead singer and solo guitarist), Robby Skipper (bass guitar and ‘chief in command’), Captain Anthony (rhythm guitar), Professor Moha (drums) and War Watanga (lead guitarist). Now the Batalion performs mostly with 8 to 10 musicians, with changing additions to the core of the band. The Batalions first gig was a double bill with Burning Spear at the Paradiso in Amsterdam (Netherlands) in 1995.
Jampara and the Batalion went to Jamaica to record their first album ‘Free like a bird’. This album was released in 1999 and established the Batalion as a good, International roots reggae band and it earned them recognition and respect.
Recently (October 2009) Jampara’s new single Margarita was released. In the beginning of november Jampara is doing the preshows for Alpha Blondy. The show in Paradiso, Amsterdam (November 3 2009) is also the official releaseparty for the new single!
Jampara is a very experienced musician. His show with The Batalion band and the Burundi drummers will get the crown movin’. Fire in the Wire!
More info
VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjeQ5rqeN34
