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By Sandy Gritt
Contributing Writer

Praise Jah for the re-opening of the Commodore Ballroom. Vancouver’s prime stage for world music is bringing legendary Reggae music back to town, filling the dance floor on a weeknight.

Israel Vibration proved that "Roots" is still vital when it comes to Reggae music. With the trend of reggae music coming out of Jamaica being Dance Hall, and Hip-Hop in style, it is refreshing to discover that some of the best groups from the heyday of Reggae in the 70’s have not changed their style, or message.

A little background on Israel Vibration: The trio, Cecil Spence (Skelly), Albert Craig (Apple), and Lascelle Bulgin (Wiss), met in a polio rehabilitation center in Kingston, Jamaica. Residents since childhood, they were expelled after they began to grow dreadlocks in accordance with their Rastafarian beliefs. Their friendship led to the formation of one of the most critically acclaimed singing groups to come out of Jamaica. Now a duo (Albert Craig has since left the group), IV has been recording music since the mid 70’s and are currently on tour in support of the album 'Jericho'.

Israel Vibration took the stage at about 10:45, joining Roots Radics who had opened the show with a set of instrumental dub reggae. Roots Radics have been IV’s backing band since the late 80’s, and are comprised of musicians who have played with some of the best reggae artists including Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Roots Radics were incredibly tight, dipping in and out of dub from time to time, and bass you could feel through to your bones. Hats off to the soundman for keeping the mix interesting.

The two members of Israel Vibration, each supported by a set of crutches, traded off lead vocals throughout the night with the lead singer taking center mic. The voices of these two men were rich with spirituality, as they lifted the audience into a higher state of consciousness. Backed by the harmonies of three female background singers, one could not help but be reminded of Bob Marley and the Wailers. At times Skelly sounded a little like Bob, and other times like Peter Tosh. Wiss had a very soft and friendly voice as he sang "do ya wan sa mo-o-ore?" between songs. Highlights included, "Never Gonna Hurt Me Again", "Ball of Fire", and "Highway Robbery". A couple of ska tunes were also included in the set to get the dance floor skanking.

After the two hour set was over, Vancouver’s devoted roots reggae fans left the Commodore feeling irie, with just enough positive energy to carry them over to the next great roots reggae show: Burning Spear at the Commodore on September 16th.

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