The Atomic Fireballs

In Detroit during 1996, John Bunkley and James Bostek launched the Atomic Fireballs after an introduction arranged by Bostek’s wife, who had been employed alongside Bunkley. Though the ensemble specializes in its distinctive high-energy swing style, its cited inspirations stretch from Louis Jordan to Black Flag. The current roster features Bostek on trumpet, Bunkley handling vocals, Tony Buccilli on trombone, Duke Kingins on guitar, Shawn Scaggs on double bass, Eric Schabo on tenor sax, and Randy Sly on piano. Their debut effort, the independently issued Birth of the Swerve, appeared in 1998 and attracted sufficient attention from major labels to secure a deal. Consequently, the band’s next release, Torch This Place, arrived in 1999 under the Atlantic imprint.