Current Landscape
When you assess the current landscape of music in the here and now, there’s no denying that the game fosters “star culture”. Which is to say that the Doechii’s, Dua Lipas, and Bad Bunnys’ of the world would likely not be household names if they languished behind other singers or a band. Chalk that up to the evolution of the entertainment world in general or simply the record label’s desire to squeeze every single solitary dollar out of their cash cows as they can. I do however think it’s fair to say that music fans have largely accepted this reality and are content to buy albums (or streams), attend concerts and otherwise shill for their favorites exuberantly. Ah, but for those of us who remember what a BAND looks and sounds like, we will forever continue to act as torchbearers and laud such assemblages of talent.
Super Talented Band
Literally no form of music would exist if it weren’t for the desire to gather musicians and singers with the goal of creating songs that would ultimately defy time and serve as masterpieces in their particular genre. I don’t have enough space in this column to even begin to provide examples of some of my own R&B or rock favorites *cough* (Earth Wind and Fire, The Impressions, The Doors) but for the sake of all of us reggae fiends, let’s take a gander at a few groups that have brought us to this point in the music. Rock steady alone is rife with some of the biggest heavy hitters. The Heptones, The Clarendonians, The Paragons case in point. Too far back? Okay, then how about Culture, The Mighty Diamonds, Steel Pulse, and let’s not forget that the greatest of all time was part of a super talented band called the Wailers. It’s insanity to not acknowledge the contributions of Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh and the crew to “Marley” being permanently synonymous with the genre. In essence we need to always put some respect on these bands’ names and hold them in the esteem they deserve, even as the game continues to lift up and highlight the solo performer.
Amazing Dexterity
The Gladiators are a prime example of the need to do so. With a career spanning 4 decades, they have managed to navigate the evolution of reggae music from roots to ragga with amazing dexterity. The fans get a vivid reminder of this with the release of Roots Natty, a nice compilation of some of their early chunes during the zenith of the roots era. Featuring original members Albert Griffiths, Clinton Fearon and Gallimore Sutherland, this collection is an enjoyable recollection of an era worthy of spotlighting. From the opening track Give Thanks And Praise, there’s no mistaking, this is the essence of fine Jamaican music. Griffiths pure vocals grip you by the collar and remind you lest you may have forgotten, just how amazing this group was, and follow up bangers Holiday Ride, Eli Eli, and Nyabinghi Marching On incrementally amp up the enjoyment levels in the process.
Assemblage Of Scorchers
While I enjoyed the songs chosen for this assemblage of lava heat, I found myself not at all envying the curators of Roots Natty and their task of choosing which tracks to feature. When a band has been as prolific as the Gladiators have been, deciding which songs make the cut is enough to drive one to drink. This assemblage of scorchers is no doubt to contain a cut or two you’ve never heard before. Most fans of the group are familiar with one of their most blazing tracks on this album, Jah O Jah O with its filthy bassline and instantly recognizable chorus, but perhaps only more staunch supporters will have heard the expertly harmonized (and viciously dubbed!) selections Till I Kiss You or the herb anthem Light Up Your Spliff. I, by no means am a Gladiator scholar so if I’m wrong, certainly drop a comment under the review, but I had never heard either and was more than pleased to have been introduced. Regardless, this is as solid an entry to one’s collection of not just Gladiators music, but top shelf roots reggae itself. It’s a little brief at only 11 tracks overall, but I love everything about this release. Great vocals, coupled with some of the best production and sound engineering this side of Errol Thompson and Joe Gibbs. Toss in a few bonus dub versions of Give Thanks and Nyabinghi Marching, and you’ve got a 1st quarter of 2025 compilation worthy to be praised.