The Gladiators – Live In Paris

Picture: C+ Sound: C+ Extras: D Concert: B-

Reggae is alive and well, even with the shadow of Bob Marley cast over the entire genre. The Gladiators are a very good band who is continuing the genre uncompromised and their October 22^nd, 2002 Live In Paris concert is a surprisingly good, effective show that runs about 77 minutes, as the package correctly claims. Albert Griffiths is baked by the six band members and background singers that fill the stage, all showing as much fine musicianship and showmanship with the following songs:

1) Head To My Toe

2) Hug Me Up

3) Bongo Red

4) The Belly Full

5) Look Is Deceiving

6) Hello Carol

7) Jar Works

8) Something A Gwaan

9) Big Fish

10) Stick A Bush

The song Soul Rebel is also here, not as an extra, but as a part of the main program. With that said, the 1.33 X 1 image is sometimes letterboxed, but mostly in the full frame just the same. It looks like PAL analog video to some extent, but is often so dark I could not be for certain. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has hardly any surround activity, but has sound on the clear side. That is an acceptable combination for a good concert. Reggae fans will especially want to get this disc, just alone for being such a pure representation of the music, while I want to see and hear more of The Gladiators. This is a great introduction for those not in the know.

- Nicholas Sheffo