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The Skatalites
In Orbit Vol. 1
Grover Records
www.grover.de
GRO-CD 093

The Skatalites should need no introduction, the foundation Jamaican band from the sixties, of course. Given the global nature of the music these days it is fitting that a famous German ska label has released this set, recorded live in Argentina in September 2005, and although any attempt to make the band’s acquaintance must necessarily start with those essential recordings from four decades or so ago, the group’s many, many fans, and indeed all those who have witnessed the band live over the last fifteen years will truly welcome this release.

The last few years have not been kind to the band and the only founding members to be found on this set are alto saxman Lester Sterling and drummer Lloyd Knibb, though singer Doreen Shaffer – here present on four numbers – worked frequently with the original outfit too. The sound however remains as distinctive as ever, which is hardly surprising given that such colossi of the Jamaican music biz as trombonist Vin ‘Don Drummond Junior’ Gordon and tenor saxist Karl ‘Cannonball’ Bryan help out alongside long-time ‘reformed’ Skatalite guitarist Devon James and others.

Musically, the set is both powerful and subtle, a fine example of how the band sounds right now. There are no real surprises, but the ‘Skatalites go dancehall’ medley of ‘Real Rock/ Rockfort Rock’ is notable, particularly for some wonderful Jackie Mittoo styled organ playing from Ken Stewart.
In short, this is a fine set, and apparently there may be more to come – I for one cannot wait! - Norman Darwen