One of the best of the traditional reggae bands, Albert Griffiths’ band The Gladiators have two of their best albums finally reissued. Boy, do they sound fresh!
1982’s Symbol of Reality includes Griffiths with Clinton Fearon/b, Gallimore Sutherland/g, Clinton Rufus/g, Audley Taylor/key and Stanley Bryan/dr, but the real joy here is the supplemental horn section that adds texture and soul to the R&B ish “Small Axe” and peppy “Bumpy and Boring.” Griffiths voice is warm and rich on ballads like “Watch Out” and he saunters on the title track. A real winner.
From 1984, Serious Thing has the same core, but there are even more horns along with added keyboards, percussion and guitar. Griffiths’ messages are more serious this time around, with messages of holiness and righteous living displayed on “Good Foundation” and “My Thoughts.” The horns are in a great mood as on the upbeat “After You” while “Freedom Train” is a rich gospel anthem. Definitely worth looking for!