THE SELECTER Interview and Concert Review (Regent Theater)

I had the chance to briefly chat with Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson of the Selecter before their show in front of a packed crowd at the Regent Theater in Los Angeles on October 11, 2016.

In addition to her various past music, t.v. and theater projects, Pauline has also become a regular voice on the BBC, respected for her music expertise and commentary. In fact, this Friday she is featured in Don Lett’s BBC documentary about Skinhead culture in Britain, so check out what is sure to be an insightful and thought provoking exploration of this topic.

Opening for the band was East L.A. group The Delirians who warmed up the crowd with their infectious sounds and classic Ska and soulful music. As an added bonus, the members of Fishbone surprised the audience by jumping up on stage and performing a rendition of classic calypso singer Sir Lancelot’s “Shame & Scandal” alongside the Delirians.

The Selecter’s performance was amazing and the energized audience skanked and moshed in kind. The Selecter played songs from their first album (“Too Much Pressure”) along with some other great encore tracks. Pauline’s stage presence was mesmerizing. Gaps’ spry, soulful vocal stylings and dancing abilities were unmatched. I’m not sure what kind of vitamins these folks are taking but all I know is that I want to buy some too! All of the band members brought their “A game” for this show, working up the crowd into a feverish, sweaty frenzy up until the final encore track.

If you have the opportunity, don’t hesitate to select the Selecter for your listening and concert-going pleasure. You will not be disappointed.