Israel Vibration - Fox Theater, 6/12/03
Reviewed
by Jeremy Caplan for The Reggae Movement
The
incomparable roots reggae of Israel Vibration continued its almost
annual Colorado stint at Boulder’s Fox Theater Thursday, June 12, with a
heartical performance of the music that’s made them legends throughout
the world.
Backed by
bassist Flabba Holt and the Roots Radics Band, Cecil “Skelly” Spence and
Lacelle “Wiss” Bulgin performed many of their newest songs from the
current release, “Fighting Soldiers” produced by Ras records.
Both
stricken by polio since their youth, Skelly and Wiss always deliver an
emotional hour and fort-five minute set that’s reminiscent of reggae’s
golden days when roots was a fairly new concept. Both probably near their
late forties or fifties, Skelly and Wiss continue to pack crowds
throughout the world and produce chart-topping singles that help
strengthen modern roots in a time when dancehall seems to reign supreme.
Songs like
“Lick and Kicks” and “Greedy Dog” echoed through the Fox in revolt against
Babylon while the infamous hit, “Same song” called for unification of all
Rastafarians throughout the globe.
New songs
such as “Wish you were here” and “Fighting Soldiers” gave the packed house
a taste of I-Vibes’ newest material that holds true to their legendary
roots sound.
I-Vibes
always sings a message of true love and consciousness while delivering
some of the heaviest one-drop rhythms and Ska-like beats still alive in
modern roots today.
The Roots
Radics introduced first, played a short melody of their original tunes and
I-vibe instrumentals. After sliding in to the Nyabingi rhythm, Skelly and
Wiss hit the stage and showed Boulder why reggae music is truly the
“strength of their lives.”
The crowded
theater erupted when, using their canes, Skelly and Wiss did their famous
rockers steps and even got the Roots Radics to join in.
Not only are these vocal legends inspirational
but they always seem to uplift the crowd in their own unique way. Israel
Vibration has always been a staple in roots since they dropped on the
scene with “Why Worry.” Most recently, “Fighting Soldiers” is just
another example of how this vocal trio now a duo has managed to overcome
trial and tribulation and continue to stay a prominent force in reggae
music.
I-Vibes played the Mishawaka a few days
after the Fox and then will move on to California to finish out the
“Fighting Soldiers” summer tour.
This vocal duo truly are soldiers in Babylon.
Trodding through these serious times overcoming polio, holding true to
their definitive roots sound, and continuing to call upon the name of
Rastafari to give them guidance and wisdom Israel Vibration will maintain
a reggae icon for many years to come!
Their new album shows us that roots music is
alive and well in these modern times and still gives voice to the troubles
of today’s youth and oppression of the dominant societal forces that hold
all of us down.
If you missed this one don’t worry, they’ll be
back next year!!!
Comments or suggestions can be sent to
Reggae@reggaemovement.com
