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A living lesson
in “rising above” life’s
adversities, international
reggae group Israel Vibration
success began humbly. In the
mid-1950”s, Jamaica had an
epidemic of Poliomyelitis, and
members Cecil “Skelly” Spence
and Lacelle “Wiss” Bulgin
contracted the illness. Polio
attacks the Central Nervous
System, and after high fever and
flu like symptoms, can result in
muscular atrophy (especially in
the extremities) or even death.
Most notably for having the
disease was Franklyn D.
Roosevelt, the 32nd President of
the United States.
Thankfully, both Skelly and Wiss
survived and met as children
while at the Mona Rehabilitation
Center near Kingston Jamaica.
This is where the music began,
learning to play instruments and
singing too! Along with the
other kids at Mona, their first
band was the “Hot Lickers”. As
teenagers, each went their
separate ways. Skelly played on
Jamaica’s wheelchair basketball
team, winning a bronze metal
with his team at the British
Common Wealth Games in New
Zealand, and Wiss; training and
pursuing a career as a tailor.
During this time, each
discovered their faith.
Following Ras Tafari was not
widely accepted in Jamaica at
this time, and Skelly was kicked
off the basketball team. Wiss
went out to lunch one day, and
when he returned, his machine
was all closed up. He no longer
had work. These were hard times
for the young men. Living on the
street; Wiss and Skelly met once
again and found Albert “Apple”
Craig (a childhood friend and
Mona rehab alumni) and they
began to sing together. Often
times, they sang to ignore the
hunger in their bellies.
Gaining inspiration from Bob
Marley’s “Rastaman Vibration”,
and their spiritual belief that
Israel belongs to all God’s
children, the group became
Israel Vibration. Searching
around Kingston, the three had
no luck convincing the studios
to listen to them. Finally, a
friend, Mr. Mawall introduced
them to the owner of Channel One
Studios, Earnest, and he gave
them some rhythms. Israel
Vibration put down “Bad
Intentions” on these rhythms;
and while not released, everyone
loved the tune. In 1975/76,
backed by the Twelve Tribes band
and on their label, “Why Worry”
was recorded and released as
their first single. Gaining
fierce local support, word
spread of Israel Vibration’.
Well known Jamaican producer
Tommy Cowan brought them to the
studio to record their first LP
“The Same Song”. This album was
picked up by EMI in England, and
the group started to gain
international recognition.
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In 1979, Israel Vibration
recorded “Unconquered People” at
Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong studio.
Many of the Wailers played on
this album, and Bob was a fan!
In an interview around that
time, Mr. Marley named them as a
favorite band of his. Prior to
this; as fellow members of the
Twelve Tribes, Bob had Israel
Vibration play many shows with
him around Kingston. A memorable
show for Israel Vibration was
the “International Year of the
Rasta Child” concert they played
with Bob Marley at the National
Arena in mid-1970.
Wanting to further their
careers, the three moved to the
United States and into Brooklyn
NY. The large Jamaican immigrant
community in the borough made it
almost like home. With a
disappointing start in the
states, the group didn’t record
for several years and drifted
apart. When Apple approached Dr.
Dread at Ras Records for a solo
career; Dr. Dread convinced him
to gather Skelly and Wiss, and
together in 1988 they recorded
“Strength of My Life”.
The three continued to record
together until the late 1990’s
when Apple Gabriel left to
pursuit a solo career. In 1999,
Skelly and Wiss, continuing as
Israel Vibration, released “Pay
the Piper”. The duo didn’t
disappoint true fans or new
listeners. While the grooves on
this CD make you want to dance,
the soul penetrating sound
reflects moving forward while
not forgetting the past.
Following up the duo’s debut,
“Jericho” was released in 2000.
“Jericho” embraces the strength
of consciousness Israel
Vibration is known to always
provide. “Dub Combo” came along
in 2001, and right in step,
Skelly and Wiss continued the
rub a dub style combining
grooves from “Pay the Piper” and
“Jericho”.
“Fighting Soldiers” made its
appearance in 2003 with a sharp
political edge and a connection
to present day happenings. That
same year, “Live and Jammin” was
released in CD and DVD form.
With an amazing live show this
cd/dvd gives a taste of their
performance. Continuing with
their line of successful
releases, in 2007 Israel
Vibration released “Stamina”.
Produced by legendary Wailer,
Tyrone Downey, “Stamina” is a
must have for all who love roots
reggae and for those who have
just begun. With conscious
lyrics and catchy rhythms’, you
will move through your day with
“Stamina” all the way.
Last year saw the release of
Israel Vibration's
Grammy-nominated album "Reggae
Knights," that features
hard-hitting selections like
"Slammer," "Rip And Run Off" and
the mento infused
"Cantankerous."
Israel Vibration continues to
tour all over the world doing
the work Jah has given them.
They are welcomed with warmth
and devoted fans where ever they
go, and if you haven’t seen
Israel Vibration live, be sure
to make it a point. Skelly and
Wiss will raise your
consciousness, lift your spirit
and move your dancing feet!
Listen to music by
Israel Vibration
Israel Vibration Links:
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