Ball of Fire

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."

Personnel

Lloyd Brevett – Electric upright bass

Lloyd Knibb – Drums

Devon James – Guitar

Lester Sterling – Alto saxophone

Roland Alphonso – Tenor saxophone

Will Clark – Trombone

Nathan Breedlove – Trumpet

Bill Smith – Piano, organ

with Special Guest Ernest Ranglin – Guitar

Produced by Nathan Breedlove, Bill Smith, Shay & the Skatalites

Engineered by Danny Kadar

Assistant engineer – Jen Wyler

Mastered by John Dent at Loud Mastering

Designed by Michael + K8 @Intro

Liner notes by Jon Preston