Joe Ferry

Producer Joe Ferry oversaw both the Skatalites' Greetings from Skamania and Hi-Bop Ska albums, so it's no surprise his own solo sets have been heavily influenced by the legendary Jamaicans, with 55:22 a virtually homage to the band. "I Remember Tommy" is a tribute to the group's late saxophonist Tommy McCook, and is performed twice within. It's first delivered in traditional ska style, albeit with a jazzy, Skatalites-esque bent and the emphasis on the pumping rhythm and expansive sax solo. The "Ballad Version," in contrast, puts the song in a pure jazz setting, and fills the grooves with a smoky ambience. "Christine Keeler" just smokes; a vibrant cover of a popular Skatalites number, it's paired with a rollicking take on the Clash's "Rock the Casbah." Both numbers were recorded live and feature fiery scat vocals from Cyrille-Aimee Daudel. The Skatalites were experts at reinventing other people's songs in their own inimitable fashion, and Ferry proves himself as adept as the masters, not just with "Keeler" and "Casbah," but also with the exhilarating "Johnny the Don," a grand adaptation of Mozart's Don Giovanni. The Caribbean standard "Jamaica Farewell" is also given a fine makeover, providing plenty of opportunities for the brass players to strut their stuff. "Skaramozza" is a Ferry original but, ripping another page from the JA playbook, he slyly incorporates into it the hook from the Peter Gunn theme, giving an R&B twist to a jazzy trad ska piece. And without going back to the originators, you just can't get more traditional than 55:22. Throughout, the album features top-notch performances from the large cast of musicians, excellent arrangements, subtle mood shifts, and an undertow of energy that infuses even the smoothest and most laid-back numbers, much as one finds on the Skatalites' later albums. Still, fans will easily detect the differences -- the drummers here are in no way beholden to Lloyd Knibbs, for starters. However, even though in some ways this is a highly derivative set, Ferry still gives the music and arrangements his own distinctive sheen, and 55:22 will invariably find favor among ska fans young and old. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide