Description
The musical scene was undeniably revitalized in 2011 with the emergence of a soulful album, launched by a musical artisan of unique calibre, Little Axe. Popularly known as Skip McDonald, the American musician donned the infamous moniker while vividly churning out blues-enriched tunes that remain evocative to date. McDonald’s album “If You Want Loyalty Buy a Dog,” debuted for the first time in the domain of vinyl, etching the exceptional touch of Little Axe into the hearts of millions.
Little Axe’s unmistakable journey soared in the realm of music as an embodiment of his alter-ego, Skip McDonald. Born Bernard Alexander in September 1949, McDonald honed his musical skills from his father and ventured into the dynamic world of Jazz, doo-wop, and gospel at an early age. His initial days of struggle paved his path and put him on the map as the revered member of dynamic groups such as The Sugarhill Gang and Tackhead, having left indelible prints in the On-U Sound back catalogue.
The transition from hip hop to blues saw a prophetic change in McDonald’s musical ventures. His deep and immersive understanding of musical genres like R&B, gospel and jazz, aided his transition, contributing to the creation of a differentiated blues form under the pseudonym, Little Axe. His signature style, dabbling in an array of musical influences, led McDonald to form the group Wood Brass & Steel in 1973. The group carved out popular tunes, finding a consistent voice over two albums, before parting ways in 1979.
The turning point came post-Sugarhill, igniting a collaboration between McDonald, Wimbish, and Keith LeBlanc where new synergies were explored, creating the industrial/dub group Tackhead. McDonald continued to work effortlessly, breathing life into other various projects such as the African Head Charge, albums by Mark Stewart, and the prolific collaboration with Mauritanian musician Daby Touré.
Little Axe made a stunning re-entry into the musical sphere with his album “If You Want Loyalty Buy a Dog” in 2011. Backed by Dub Syndicate and Roots Radics, featuring mesmerizing blues lyrics and lacrymose slide guitars. The awe-inspiring lyrics struck a chord akin to the timeless classics of Nine Inch Nails and Living Colour, whose profound influence is still echoed in McDonald’s harmonious expeditions.
As Little Axe, McDonald continues to touch hearts with his compelling and expressively poignant compositions, beautifully integrated into the blues-filled soundscape. Exemplifying ethereal notes of authentic American music mingled with Jamaican roots tunes, Little Axe holds the torch high with an extraordinary rendering of sounds that are deeply, movingly melancholic and sublimely entrancing. The lyrical genius continues to astound fans and fellow musicians around the globe, carving out an impressive niche in the captivating world of music.
