Toots & The Maytals @ The Arches

Frederick 'Toots' Hibbert could never be classed as giant. At just over five feet tall, this esteemed reggae dignitary is easily overshadowed by his lofty contemporaries. But what Toots lacks in height, he more than compensates for with the lung-busting muscularity of his gigantic Memphis soul boom. Filling the Arches to capacity, the legendary Kingstonian and his mighty rhythmic mainstays The Maytals transform the dank interior into a bubbling sphere of body-jerking exhilaration. Bouncing straight into the escalating groove of Pressure Drop, Hibbert concocts a enthralling display of melodic mastery and effervescent showmanship that belies his 63 years. From Funky Kingston's ebullient jinking skank to 54-46 Was My Number's ear-bruising regalia, every spirit-cleansing testament is lapped up by the venue's sweat drenched disciples. He may not be the most elevated of idols but, in the pantheon of reggae greats, Toots proves tonight he's as big as they come. [Billy Hamilton]