Le Birrette

Formed in Bologna, Italy, in 2015, Le Birrette brings together a large all-female ensemble devoted to Jamaican music of the 1960s and 1970s. The group moves between ska, rocksteady, soul, reggae and roots, developing a sound defined by vocal harmonies and arrangements inspired both by vocal trios such as The Soulettes, The Techniques and The Gaylads and by the instrumental line-ups associated with studios like Studio One and Treasure Isle, including The Skatalites, Soul Vendors and Sound Dimension. On stage, Le Birrette has played numerous clubs and festivals in Italy, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium and Jamaica, sharing bills with artists such as Johnny Osbourne, The Skatalites, The Aggrolites, Ken Boothe, Dennis Alcapone and the duo Keith and Tex. Le Birrette’s approach is based on a deliberately vintage sound, with recordings made live in an analogue studio. In 2024 Le Birrette released the album Wanted, which pays tribute to figures like Jackie Mittoo and Prince Buster while presenting original compositions ranging from ska and rocksteady tracks to soul passages and roots atmospheres.