Stanley Jacobs on the Official Music of the Virgin Islands: Quelbe [Behind the Scenes Documentary]

Stanley Jacobs, co-founder/bandleader of Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights and retired psychiatrist, shares his history and experiences with quelbe music. Though once overshadowed by other musical styles from America and the Caribbean islands, quelbe climbed the social ladder as the Virgin Islands focused on instilling the cultural heritage. Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights continue to play the traditional music 40 years later.

'Quelbe! Music of the U.S. Virgin Islands' is available on CD and Digital.

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Stanley Jacobs and the Ten Sleepless Knights wrap the old-time Virgin Islands quelbe sound of squash (gourd rasp), steel (triangle), flute, and banjo uke, in the contemporary trappings of electric keyboard, drum set, conga, and electric bass. The distinctively Caribbean, yet uniquely Virgin Islands, sound of quelbe music is an old but new dance music. Declared the “official” music of the United States Virgin Islands, classic songs such as “Queen Mary” and “LaBega Carousel” tell of historical events on the island of St. Croix, while other pieces accompany the local traditions of quadrille dance.

Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights
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