The Skatalites - Greetings from Skamania (1996)

GREETINGS FROM SKAMANIA was nominated for a 1997 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.

1996's GREETINGS FROM SKAMANIA continues the winning streak of the reunited Skatalites, and also sets something of a band record; the group had stayed together for more than three years straight, the longest any incarnation of the Skatalites had ever lasted! This album builds on the ideas of its predecessor, 1994's HI-BOP SKA, without the free-jazz squalling of that album's guest star, Lester Bowie. Continuing with the ska-jazz fusion of the previous album, GREETINGS FROM SKAMANIA is half brand-new band originals and half reworkings of classic ska tunes of the '60s. Most of those old favorites are adapted into extended jazzy solo showcases, like the eight-minute "El Pussycat" and a fantastic six-minute version of the classic "Phoenix City." Of the new material, the slinky "Have A Good Time" is the highlight, featuring vocals from part-time Skatalite Doreen Schaffer.
Recorded at The Loft, Bronxville, New York.