Israel Vibration

Mention the name Israel Vibration in reggae music circles and watch the warmth of recognition and appreciation of anyone who has seen or heard this very special group of singers. The positive vibrations emanating from the music of Israel Vibration have been spellbinding audiences, critics and DJs for over two decades. This group of singers casts a harmonious musical spell, weaving traditional roots reggae with a mesmerizing sound and deeply spiritual message.

Israel Vibration members Cecil Spence (Skelly) and Lascelle Bulgin (Wiss) were born in Jamaica, West Indies. Each is a victim of Poliomyelitis (Polio). They met as children in the Mona Rehabilitation Center,
into which they were placed because of their families’ limited resources and their needs for specialized
medical care. They learned early on the necessity for developing survival skills, and although polio is an
undeniably crippling and debilitating disease, the youths never let their physically challenging situation
supercede their willpower and their creative abilities. They found strength in the faith of Rastafari
through the guidance of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, and began
composing and singing songs which expressed their spiritual beliefs.

Their spirituality and stance on issues relating to their residency at the Mona Rehabilitation Center
caused them to be expelled from that institution. Undaunted, they found solace, comfort, and
sustenance in their music, which won them the support of their local community and provided them with
encouragement to pursue their music careers. They began recording in 1976, enjoying a hit with the
poignant Same Song, which was licensed to EMI and brought the group international attention. Their
musical careers seemed to be taking off, but, like many Jamaican artists, Israel Vibration’s recording
career was set back by a local industry plagued at that time by questionable accounting practices,
musical piracy, and a lack of tour support. In 1983, the group broke up and its members moved to the
States both for superior medical care and to pursue solo projects.

In 1988, each of the members approached Doctor Dread, president and founder of RAS Records, about
solo recordings. Dr. Dread, who had greatly admired Israel Vibration’s unique, resonating sound, took
heed from the words of Marcus Garvey, and, telling them that "unity is strength," recommended that the
members unite. They accepted, and the rest of the story is one of a beautiful relationship that began
with Strength of My Life, and continued with Praises, Forever, Vibes Alive, IV, On The Rock, Free to
Move, and several dub albums. On the Rock garnered much praise the single and video "Rudeboy
Shufflin’," which, along with the "Feeling Irie" video, has been aired on BET as well as other television
programs throughout the US and abroad. On The Rock and its follow-up Free To Move reached their
height of success upon reaching number one on the CMJ New World charts. Their 1999 release, Pay
the Piper, displays some of the strong material songwriters Skelly and Wiss are known for, and the
album's featured video "Hard Road" was seen in 3900 Blockbuster video stores during the month of
January, 2000.

Always associated with the Roots Radics, strengthened by SLY DUNBAR, Israel Vibration offers us a
new jewel after almost 5 years of sound recording absence, with STAMINA in 2007.

Their lyrics are always consciousness, sticking perfectly on the rythmic roots section of the Radics
decorated with the feminine choirs which accompanied Burning Spear in the 90s.

Stamina, the latest release by Israel Vibration
	1. Far Beyond 2. Back Staba 3. Flood Water 4. Herb Is The Healing 5. Gully Bank 6. Natty Dread 7. Lion In The Jungle 8. Stamina 9. Downtown Kingston intro j.a 10. Run Away Girl 10. Cleaniness 11. Little Children 12. Free Loafter 13. Sautez Regga