Feel Good Festival: Baked A La Ska

Baked A La Ska

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Rochdale Online caught up with Frank ‘The Skank’ and Kuntri Ranks, vocalists with Baked A La Ska shortly after they finished a 45 minute set of ska music on the Feel Good Festival’s main stage on Saturday.

Baked A La Ska are described as 'the heavy heavy sound of Manchester, a super charged 11-headed ska monster on a rampage through the dance floors of the UK leaving a trail of skanked out bodies in their wake'.

Frank 'The Skank' said: “It was fantastically beautiful with good souls, spirit and energy. It’ll take two days to wind down. The audience was unbelievably, outrageously warm and welcoming. We’ll do it again any time but for longer next time.

“It was a sheer delight in every way. We were treated like little gods by the Council and couldn’t have asked for better. Manchester Jazz Festival needs to take a lesson.”

Saturday’s setlist featured their own original material plus quirky covers such as The Beastie Boys’ ‘Intergalatic’, served with a ska twist.

Kuntri commented: “It was a pleasure to play here. Coming here, it was very receptive with steady vibes and the festival is going on very well.

Since they were founded on 1 April 2008, Baked A La Ska have released four acclaimed albums, including a Christmas album ‘Ska of Wonder’ and are currently finalising their fifth album, a Halloween-themed concept set for release in – when else? – October.

Familiar with performing at sell-out shows and festivals including the Manchester Jazz Festival, Kendal Calling, Manchester’s Band On The Wall, Matthew Street and Saddfest, their upbeat anthems had Rochdale skanking like never before.

They are a band of assembled oddballs and pranksters, fronted by an un-holy trio of singers: Frank “The Skank”, Tommy Robot and Kuntri Ranks, who combine with the soft lilt and harmonica magic of Robin Sunflower.

Joining them are Basil Padrik and his keyboard, ‘Bulldog’ Morel and Kenji Fenton on the saxophones, Heider ‘El Presidente’ Nasralla on the trombone, Armitage Shanks on the double bass, Wilkinson Sword on guitar and last, but by no means least, drummer Dubble D.

Baked A La Ska will be playing the Great Northern Ska Festival next weekend.