by Steve HueyHigh-quality ska-jazz fusion played by an all-star band (members of the Toasters, Skatalites, and Scofflaws), Low Blow is about evenly divided between group originals and covers of jazz (Coltrane's "Naima," the Crusaders' "Yo' Mama") and R&B (Otis Redding's "Mr. Pitiful," Ruth Brown's "Teardrops from My Eyes") chestnuts. The musicianship is top-notch, far above what one has come to expect on the average '90s ska release, and the combination of improvisational fire and infectious ska rhythms makes the New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble one of the best groups on the late-'90s ska scene. Guest vocalists include Steve Jackson of the Pietasters and Caz Gardener of the Checkered Cabs.