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Skatalites, From Paris With Love (Celluloid)
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Reggae Nucleus, Skatalites, From Paris With Love (Celluloid) >>
The Skatalites are an international phenomenon. Such is their touring schedule that they somehow find the drive to pass through th US, Asia, Latin America and Europe at least once a year. The issue of their age (most members are well past the federal retirement age) is a whole different matter. During one of their last visits to Europe, France in particular, the group recorded their latest masterpiece "From Paris With Love" at the Davout Studios. Reuniting original trumpeter "Dizzy" Johnny Moore with original riddim duo Lloyd Knibb and Lloyd Brevett on drum and bass, respectively; the band sets le france afire with new arrangements of ska and rocksteady standards. "River to the Bank" and the James Bond classic "From Russia with Love" are revisited for the first time since the band's 60s glory days. The latter, from which the album takes its name, blasts off with a tight Cedric "Im Brooks" sax solo before landing for the classic melody and bridge. Both a ska and reggae version of "Rockfort Rock" coupled with Tommy McCook's anthem, "Freedom Sounds" make this new release as good as anything from the past. Keyboardist Ken Stewart offers an explanation: "This album is perhaps the closest thing to the original raw sound of the Studio One recordings." Unlike some of the bands Shanachie work, there are no overly zealous production tricks. The band recorded the collection almost entirely live with few overdubs. Knibb's drum kit is left open and his snare head is tightened to the master's desire. You can hear the sound of "Dizzy" Moore's embouchure and warm, uncleansed timbre as he recounts the glory of the late Clifford Brown. But the highlight of the session belongs to original vocalist Doreen Shaffer's haunting rocksteady numbers. The horn section gives us a wicked vamp to "When I Fall in Love" while Doreen promises to "never fall in love again." Shaffer then revives the spirits with a gorgeious version of the standard, "Thinking of You" which should be added to the bands regular set. Whether in its third, fourth or fifth wave, the masters of the ska universe ride the riddim high above all others. -Ernesto Arce 06/01/03
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