Combining the classic '60s soul sound of the Motown and Stax labels with traditional ska and roots reggae, the Adjusters were formed in Chicago by vocalist Daraka Kenric and bassist Clay Harper, who were soon joined by guitarist Jason Packer, saxophonist Karl Shaefer, trombonist Carter Green and drummer Julien Headley.
A series of lineup changes resulted in all but Kenric, Packer and Headley exiting within the next few months, with an infusion of new Adjusters -- among them vocalists Joan Axthelm and Jessica Basta, bassist Joshua "Skilly" Thurston-Morgan, organist Matt Parker, trombonist Tom Howe and trumpeter Raph Lieb -- arriving in time to record their debut LP, The Politics of Style. Upon signing to the Moon Ska label, the Adjusters issued their sophomore LP Before the Revolution in 1998. ~ Jason Ankeny