Live Show
Review
Israel Vibration w/Roots
Radics
June 10, Fox Theatre
Boulder, Co
Pictures by
Carlie
Kenton for Reggae Movement
The
legendary vocal duo Israel Vibration made a stop on the
Fox Theatre on
their latest tour across the United States.
Each and every time
Israel Vibration takes the stage, they never cease to inspire awe, and
to encourage all to reach for as high as they can go. Plagued by polio
as youths, and encountering many hardships along the way towards their
current place, the sight of Skelly and Wiss hitting the stage on their
crutches serves notice to anyone who may feel compelled to complain
about their lot in life.
Skelly and Wiss have
balancing styles, which is immediately apparent after the first few
songs. While Skelly is more upbeat and trying to encourage crowd
reaction with energy and stage antics, Wiss is more subdued and sings
more methodically. While one can dance and get excited as Skelly picks
up the pace, one can relax and enjoy the quality of both Wiss’ delivery
and message against oppression and discrimination.
Skelly, as always,
opened up the night with On the Rock – The “rock” referring to the
island of Jamaica, and Wiss followed with some of his favorites as well,
most notable “Soldiers of Jah Army”. Israel Vibration has been known to
be fairly predictable over the years in their song selection, but this
year it seems they have done a great job of breaking that expectation.
Offering a more di
verse selection, including a crowd favorite cover of
Grateful Dead’s Black Marty River, I Vibes mixed up the set with an
interesting song selection.
This
night, however, a more powerful force overshadowed Israel Vibration, The
Roots Radics, long known as one the top studio bands to ever come out of
Jamaica, is always impressive as the polished and powerful support
behind Israel Vibration. Led by Flabba, the bassist and lone member
left from
the original Radics of the 70’s, The Roots Radics started the night with
the familiar rift of “Rock Fort Rock.”
The Roots Radics are
as entertaining as they are talented, and Flabba, always a joy to watch,
leads this band with effervescent stage charm. With obvious
leadership, Flabba commands attention as he leads The Roots Radics from
one rhythm to the next, and, on this night, he may have stole the show
with his entertaining style on stage.
As always, Israel
Vibration and the Roots Radics put on a memorable performance. With the
Fox Theatre
soundsystem and the Roots Radics, one is always thankful to be a fan of
reggae, and really has to question why anyone would not be there.
Larry Leiber,
ReggaeMovement.com
Comments can be sent to
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