Ball of Fire

The Skatalites were together for only 2 years, but in their wake the band left a rich and vital legacy, the effects of which are still being felt today. Ball of Fire, the ultimate testament to the Skatalites' never ending appeal, is a collection of re-worked band hits and classics. Label mate Ernest Ranglin, Jamaica's guitar supremo, makes a special guest appearance on the album, in a reunion of very special talents. Tracks include "James Bond Theme," "Confucious," "Ball of Fire," "Ringo," "Freedom Sound" and more.

The Skatalites' return to a major label was long overdue. For a band whose original incarnation had only lasted 14 months in the '60s, their influence had been tremendous. Resurrected in 1983, they were definitely jazzers with a ska beat these days. Ball of Fire was made up of old Skatalites material, all reinterpeted by a band that included four founder members, and it taught a lesson in sophistication and swing to all aspiring ska instrumentalists. Everything had a groove; the solos were fluent and never self-indulgent. In other words, it was everything they ever aspired to be, and glorious fun, too. Chris Nickson