Photo: Jill Wachter
In 1985, Fishbone released their debut self titled EP, fusing ska, comedy, punk rock, funk and the kitchen sink into a potent musical punch that has continued to influence culture some 26 years after its release.
It's no mystery that the uber popular kids show Yo Gabba Gabba takes many cues from the 'bone, as it's creator is the singer for 3rd wave ska band the Aquabata, but you could've knocked the Fisher brothers over with a feather if you told them back in the day that they would influence Mama Doni: a Jewish-themed, female-fronted, children's music act.
Sure, Klezmer and Ska share tempos and instrumentation - but Fishbone's skanktastic influence (through the filters of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and No Doubt) is felt through the first half of "Shabbat Shaboom." There is more ska than you can throw a schtick at, and enough musical hybrids to fill up a Toyota dealership.
But while Mama Doni's musical roots are traceable to South Central LA, her subject matter is strictly kosher. Not since Woody Allen's "Radio Days", has American Jewish youth culture been celebrated with such a sublime mix of silly and substantive.
It's hard not to smile during "Chicken A La Tango," no matter how old you are. So when Mama Doni channels her Yen(ta) Stefani and boogies on "Sabbath Queen" - it's very easy to imagine 6-11 year old jewish kids throwing down at the JCC or during Hebrew school study breaks. And if they get any questions from their goyam friends about their heritage, they can throw on "Shabbat Shaboom" and have an edu-dance.
For more information on Mama Doni go to: www.mamadoni.com
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