New Zealand's Katchafire originated as a Bob Marley covers outfit that took its name from Catch a Fire, the Wailers' first album. The group later achieved recognition through original material, shaping a bright, upbeat strain of ska and reggae.
Formed in 1997, the five-piece began rehearsing in a Hamilton garage with frontman Logan Bell handling guitar and lead vocals, his brother Jordan Bell on drums, Thompson Hohepa contributing guitar and vocals, Tere Ngarua on bass, and Haani Totorewa covering keyboards and vocals. Their first original track, the single "Giddy Up," appeared only in 2002 and became that year's top seller, while the accompanying album Revival earned double-platinum status.
Under the guidance of Grenville Bell, father to Logan and Jordan, the band maintained an intense touring pace. Leon Davey joined on percussion and vocals, Jamey Ferguson added saxophone, keyboards, and vocals, and Ara Adams-Tamatea stepped in for Tere Ngarua on bass. For the 2004 release Slow Burning the lineup was further enlarged by a horn section drawn from the French group Mr Gang, broadening the ensemble's already expansive sound.
Continuing their near-constant road schedule, Adams-Tamatea stepped away from the stage to serve as booking agent, prompting Tere Ngarua's return to the bass chair. Thompson Hohepa also departed and was succeeded by manager Grenville Bell. This configuration traveled between Hamilton and Auckland's York Studios to record the 2007 album Say What You're Thinking.
