Gladiators / Albert Griffiths Gladiators At Studio One: Bongo Red CD

This superb collection, which consists primarily of rare tracks, shows Albert Griffiths and his band at the height of their powers in the early to mid-'70s. The core of the album is fifteen tracks recorded at Clement Dodd's Studio One, and there's a surprising variety of sound in evidence, from the drum machine-driven version of "Roots Natty" to the dark and reverb-drenched setting of "Bongo Red." While the Gladiators were a harmony trio along the same general lines as the Mighty Diamonds and Culture, they distinguished themselves from their peers by being accomplished instrumentalists as well; they play with a tight assurance that underscores their vocals nicely. As a special bonus, this album is appended by two songs ("Time" and "Ungrateful Girl") recorded with Lee Perry at his legendary Black Ark studio. "Ungrateful Girl," in particular, shows a powerful synergy between the Gladiators and the Upsetter; the singing is top-rate and Perry achieves a guitar sound that is both perfect and slightly bizarre. This is an unusual but essential reggae document. ~ Rick Anderson

/Albert Griffiths.

Producers include: Lee Perry.

THE GLADIATORS AT STUDIO ONE: BONGO RED contains rare and previously unreleased tracks from the vaults of Jamaica's historic Studio One label.

Personnel: Albert Griffiths (vocals, guitar); Clinton Fearon, David Webber, Errol Grandison (vocals); Rick Frater, Clinton Rufus (guitar); Gallimore Sutherland (gut-string guitar); Robert Lyn (piano); Richard Ace (organ); Audley Taylor (keyboards); Benbow, Joe Isaacs, Phil Callender, Noel Benbow, Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace (drums); Denzel Laing (percussion).

Liner Note Author: Chris Wilson.

Recording information: Black Ark, Kingston Jamaica; Jamaica Recording & Publishing.

Photographers: Judy West; Chris Wilson.