"I had a vision last night / That I was walking on a street of pure gold." In 1968, The Gladiators auditioned with Clement S. Dodd, the legendary soundman and founder of Studio One. Out of this session came "Hello Carol," the band's seminal hit and opener for its debut, Presenting The Gladiators. Produced by Dodd aka the "Father of Jamaican Music," the record is full of timeless, enduring numbers like "Rainy Night In Georgia," "Jah Jah Go Before Us," "Roots Natty Roots," and "On the Other Side," with this deluxe edition also featuring previously unreleased disco mixes of songs like "Peace Truce and "Roots Natty / Natty Chalaw." With Albert Griffiths (guitarist / singer) handling a bulk of the songwriting and Clinton Fearon (bass / singer) and Gallimore Sutherland (rhythm guitar / singer) churning out harmonies alongside him, the Gladiators "made for one of the genre's greatest vocal trios" in the '70s, and the sweet vibe and sound the group curates on this LP is a sure-shot for roots reggae fans. All materials have been remastered, a total of 7 previously unreleased tracks, digital download included.

• includes 7 previously unreleased tracks
• digital download
• music label: Studio One 2018

reviewed by rei kwondo 08/18