The Deltones
This UK ska/R&B group were formed in 1985 and comprised mainly an all-women personnel with the line-up fluctuating variously during their existence—sometimes the line-up amounted to 11 members. Early musicians included Jacqui Callis (vocals, ex-Delta 5 and later the Renees) and Sara McGuinness (keyboards). As contemporaries of the ska group the Potato 5, they often appeared on the same bill, becoming mainstays on the London ska scene. The group often drew praise from luminaries such as Lloyd Coxsone and were popular on the European continent leading eventually to the release of NANA CHOC CHOC IN PARISon the Unicorn (UK)/Boucherie (France) label. The line-up on the album comprised Penny Leyton (trumpet, ex- Bodysnatchers and the Belle Stars), Serena Parsons (guitar), Anna Keegan (saxophone), Nicky Ford (saxophone), Julie Liggett (keyboards), Anna Risler (bass), Jeremy Brill (drums) and Amanda Fenn, Dill Hammond and Verona Davis (all vocals). In later years the Deltones have pursued a less hard-line ska attitude, opening up to other styles and although activity from the group has been quiet during the early '90s, the Deltones survive as a unit and perform whenever commitments allow.