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Inspirational Israel Vibration visits MontBleu

Dylan Silver

Roots reggae demigods Israel Vibration visit the MontBleu Theatre Wednesday, Feb. 23.

Yes, it’s the same duo of polio-afflicted Jamaicans Bob Marley handpicked to accompany him on various shows. Yes, they’re nearly crippled. And yes, they rock with more fire and more meaning than 99 percent of the brightly colored, gun-toting, drug dealing (talking to you, Buju) raga-music-makers out there.

Skelly and Wiss backed by the ever-respected Roots Raddics are fresh off the release of “Reggae Knights,” their 18th album with Ras Records. Even a short listen might buoy belief that these guys just may never die. On “Dig Up The Ground,” Skelly’s voice reaches the mettle of the vocals on their early albums, and it carries the same vitality. (But don’t get me wrong, “Same Song” is untouchable.)



In the late 1950s, a polio epidemic was sweeping through Jamaica. Cecil Spence (Skelly), Albert Craig (Apple), and Lascelle Bulgin (Wiss) were all diagnosed. While recovering in the Mona Heights Rehabilitation Centre, the youth began playing music together. As their talent grew, so did their passion for Rastafarian culture. Their beliefs eventually led them away from the rehab center and onto the streets to perform. Their first recordings and their energy on stage despite their disabilities caught the attention of EMI. In 1997, Apple left the group to record solo.

All of the four times I’ve seen them, I’ve left with an impossible-to-shake smile. I’m left thinking I could lose an arm, but as long as I have those moments with two of the most adorable frail old Rastas on the planet, everything will simmer into happy oblivion. The way they enjoy themselves on stage, their crutches supporting ebullient movements, and the perfect positivity of their lyrics and rhythms, the whole scene is just soaked with inspiration.



The MontBleu performance is in conjunction with a special Bob Marley birthday celebration. Marley would’ve turned 66 on Feb. 6. Izzy Vibes will be joined by Zion Roots, a Barbados-based crew of reggae DJs and performers.


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