FORMER Prime Minister P J Patterson has credited late Skatalites member Lloyd Knibb with revolutionising Jamaican drumming and said that were it not for Knibb, the band — regarded as the greatest aggregation of musical talent ever assembled on a Jamaican bandstand — would probably not have existed.

Patterson, who once served as manager of the band, made the comments in a tribute to Knibb who died from cancer of the liver on May 12 at age 80.

Following is the full text of Patterson's tribute.

"In a truly amazing run, the Skatalites produced some of the most important and innovative music in the history of our nation. The engine behind that innovation and excitement was arguably the greatest drummer in Jamaica's history. Even his many accomplished contemporaries and all our drummers who came after him have readily acknowledged his influence.

"It is by no means hyperbolic, but a simple statement of fact that Lloyd Knibb revolutionised Jamaican drumming. Already an iconic figure in the studio, he broke new ground. In an era when metronomic timing was not exactly commonplace, Lloyd Knibb could be as steady as a rock, as frenetic as a hurricane and as soothing as a shower of rain.

"A number of previously published tributes have already traced the early development of Lloyd's skills. He sat at the feet of master jazz drummer Donald Jarrett and added the burru and nyabinghi drumming to his repertoire while jamming alongside Don Drummond with Count Ossie in the Wareika Hills.

"Herbie Miller and Carlos Malcolm, in well crafted articles, which are compulsory reading for lovers of music and students of the genre alike, have pinpointed the unique genius of Lloyd Knibb. His was the distinctive beat of an iconic drummer.

"My long and close association with the Skatalites enables me to highlight a number of special attributes which Lloyd Knibb brought to the greatest aggregation of musical talent which has ever assembled on a Jamaican bandstand.

"In a relatively short life span of 18 months, the Skatalites produced a musical portfolio which has been favourably compared famously, in both quality and prolific output, with Motown and Blue Note.

"No one can dispute that Knibb was crucial to the birth of ska, as it was largely his rhythmic innovation which shifted the emphasis from the first to the second and fourth beats of every measure. But for Lloyd Knibb, the Skatalite Band might not have existed. His was the first voice to suggest and eventually convince the founding members of the band that each musician would be better off coming together as one group rather than being a set of individuals who backed up others in the studio.

"It was he who persuaded the taciturn Tommy McCook to become the musical leader of brilliant musicians -- each of vastly different temperament and mannerism.

"Lloyd Knibb was the crankshaft, on and off the stage. When McCook and Alphonso got engaged in what at times threatened to be a deadly and endless display of their musical virtuosity, it was Lloyd Knibb who would take charge to let Lester Sterling in or allow Johnny Moore to soar.

"When volatile relations during the intermissions threatened to disturb the harmony, it was Knibb who would become the peacemaker so that the rivalry did not become physical, but would result instead in a musical duel to the advantage of the audience.

"I can still remember how Knibb would drive young women and men alike from the dance floor at the Bournemouth Club as he wanted everyone to watch his wizardry with his flying hi-hat cymbals and distinctive African drumming-inspired rolls. Thanks to his spiritual strength and enduring stamina, Lloyd Knibb took the glorious musical legacy of the Skatalite sound all over the world as he led the new grouping to his very end.

"The music of the Skatalites, anchored in the creative artistry of Knibb as a pop drummer, was part of the pride which helped a new nation develop self-worth and identity as we stepped out on the world stage for the first time. Ska was our music, our reflection in the cultural mirror and it spoke to our heritage, our talent and our aspirations, and Knibb controlled the engine with an infectious gusto.

"Knibb has deservedly received numerous awards, including the Order of Distinction, Officer Class (OD), the Prime Minister's Award and a Silver Musgrave Medal. In a later incarnation of the Skatalites he was twice nominated for the Grammy Award for the 1990s albums, Hip Bop Ska and Greetings From Skamania. His energy was astounding, allowing him to continue performing right up to age 80, his last live performance being with the Skatalites in Peru just last month.

"Now, he has gone to join Don Drummond, Jackie Mittoo, Tommy McCook, Roland Alphonso, Jerome 'Jah Jerry' Hinds and Johnny 'Dizzy Johnny' Moore in what will be a celestial Musical Communion.

"One of the most treasured pieces in my collection is the CD he sent me "from Pan's with love" inscribed. To the Honourable PJ - One Love".

"To Lloyd, I now reciprocate - "One Love, my Brother, as you jam with your Brothers.

"My sincere condolences to his wife Enid, and his children Merrick, Donna, Claudia, Dion, Mark and Conrad."

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