Ball of Fire is an album by the Jamaican band the Skatalites, released in 1998 in the United States. The band supported the album with a North American tour, including shows with several Hellcat bands.
Production.
The eight-piece Skatalites recorded "Ball of Fire" with four original members. The band reinterpreted some of their older instrumentals—which had been hits in the United Kingdom—stretching them out and giving them a jazzier sound, with longer guitar and horn solos. Ernest Ranglin played guitar on some of the tracks. The title track was written in the early 1960s.
Critical reception.
"The Austin Chronicle" wrote that "Ball of Fire" "is nothing less than a live, in-the-studio recording with a sparkling sound... Here is one of the greatest 'groove' bands of all time at the top of their form." "The Independent" stated: "Ultimately, you're left with the feeling that it's being done for their benefit, rather than yours. That's jazz, I guess." "The Atlanta Journal-Constitution" determined that Ranglin "contributes lightning quick bebop lines, taking the music beyond its structural limitations."
"Rolling Stone" deemed the album "a casual, disarmingly sweet trip through the band's storied songbook." The "Los Angeles Daily News" opined that "the current lineup recaptures the original energy and jazz roots." "The Indianapolis Star" determined that "enough cannot be said about the strong, smooth solos on trumpet (Nathan Breedlove) and alto sax (Lester Sterling)."
AllMusic wrote that the album "finds a reunited Skatalites reworking their greatest hits, playing long, extended passages that allow the band to demonstrate their substantial instrumental abilities."
References.
 ;templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" / ;