Lawrence’s premier reggae group, The Blue Riddim Band, are now operating out of Chicago. They wee recently back in town and played several shows to enthusiastic audiences. We talked to drummer Steve “Duck” McLane before they left again to get a historical perspective on the group and its members.

Talk Talk: How long have you all been together?

Steve McLane: In various forms, over 13 or 14 years, going back to high school and playing in soul bands – me and Scott and Andy and Howard have played together since then. And since then, in all different combinations in all kinds of bands; jazz, country, R&B.

TT: And how long have the Blue riddim Band been together? Three years?

Steve: No, two years this August.

TT: I remember an earlier form – The Rhythm Funktion? That was your first name, right? Then you went to Pat’s Blue riddim Band?

Steve: Yes, same rhythm section, we just added horns.

TT: You recorded and album for Mango?

Steve:  Yes. It will be a miracle if it ever comes out.

TT: So did they give you money or did Blackwell hear you play?

Steve: No he never heard us. Just word of mouth. He managed to hear that it was something to record. So we did. Five originals, tow of three ska covers, a couple of New Orleans covers. We don’t play much New Orleans stuff live, but we’re really interested in it. We have enough ideas for materials for about 20 bands. Two years ago we played about half R&B, one tenth ska, and tow or three calypso tunes, and maybe 30 percent reggae. Now we play 60 to 70 percent reggae and 25 percent ska and funk tunes. It is always changing.

TT: What about Robert Zohn?

Steve: He was in Rhythm Funktion and then went to Florida after it broke up. We were a couple of years ahead and actually played steady in Kansas City, something you can’t even do today, unless you are a top 40 disco, country western, pop group. He recorded some and came back when Howard and Jack had to exit for a while. And it all worked out for the better and made the band real strong. Now Jack is back and Howard will be soon.

TT: So you are moving to Chicago tomorrow?

Steve:  Well, yes. We will be based out of there. Moving? – we are taking the blender, soup pans, winter coats. If you want to call that moving. There isn’t much room for much else. Eventually we want to be based out of New York. We want to go to Jamaica in January and record. We want to get some tracks together on our own, regardless of what Mango / island does. There was never any contract.

TT: So the tapes belong to you?

Steve: No, they belong to them because they paid for them. They probably would be glad to sell them. I don’t know what they want to do… We have had it off and on about six times.

TT: Do you see any major changes in the direction of the band?

Steve: Right now, the way Jamaican music is evolving is almost towards American funk. There is some with a straight :oomph oomph bup.” We are going to get into more of that, plus more of the old stuff, kind of keep our roots balanced out. Plus we are going to work up a Motown thing and a Stax thing, a medley of three tunes. Just because it is music, ancient music now, but it is the best.

TT: Have you noticed in the past year getting more support, since reggae has started to get it’s second wind?

Steve: Oh for sure. The new wave of people have definitely made a difference in the acceptance of the ska. Pretty soon people will be ready for every Skatalite tune ever made. I would someday like to see the Skatalites or Soul syndicate get the recognition they deserve… maybe go on the road with them. That would be slick.

TT: The band is set up for a tour now?

Steve: We’ve been playing Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Canada, whatever, just a scoop around the north.

TT: Who writes your songs?

Steve: It’s overall. Bob Zohn comes up with all the lyrics, and changes. And the band embellishes ti with horn parts and breaks and turnarounds and whatnot.

TT: And David the Rasta, how did he come about joining?

Steve: He came up to Lawrence for the Bob Marley concert and saw us on the show and made the connection. Then about nine months later we played Wichita and he came around before the show, introduced himself and then just started bring his drum around. It was kind of a natural evolution.

TT: Is he going to Chicago with you?

Steve: Yes

TT: Is Pat?

Steve: Yes. It is hard to pick up the roots and pull them out but it is happening. Plus this DJ we are working with up there is as good as any DJ I have heard on record. His name is T-Jacks. He might come back with us next time.

TT: Do you have any dates lined up already?

Steve: We have the next two months booked.

TT: and you will be back in Lawrence October 18 and 19. That will be good