From Marco on the Bass
Interview With Dunia Best: Original Member Of The Slackers Founds Third Wave NYC Ska Band Agent 99
In an early 90's New York ska scene dominated by men, Dunia Best was a breath of fresh air. Like Pauline Black of The Selecter (who is definitely a vocal influence), Best's voice would help define the many bands she would sing with, going from strong to vulnerable, soulful to sweet, breakneck to languid and then lovely. Even more impressive was her ability to match her vocal style to the diversity of the songs she was singing, be it ska, reggae, punk, soul or new wave.
While she was there at the founding of The Slackers in the early 90's, she made her name with Agent 99, a seminal but short-lived New York ska band built around a core of musicians who have all gone on to other high-profile projects since their short tenure together in the mid-90's. Featuring Best on vocals (fresh off of singing on The Slackers first cassette-only release -- 'Do The Ska With The Slackers' -- released in 1992) and future Slackers, guitarist Jay Nugent and drummer Ara Babajian and his Leftover Crack co-member Alec Baillie, Agent 99 was notable for their ability to play many diverse musical styles well, and still maintain a consistent ska feel.
Continued...
https://marcoonthebass.blogspot.com/2011/06/interview-with-dunia-best-original.html
Performer Composer Lyricist
