Izrael (band)

"Izrael" is one of the most popular and influential Polish reggae bands. It was formed in March 1983 in Warsaw by two well-known musicians of Polish underground: Robert Brylewski (formerly of Brygada Kryzys) and Paweł Kelner (formerly of Deuter).

This is what Brylewski said about the band: "Izrael’s creation was a consequence of the death of Brygada Kryzys. During last rehearsals of Brygada Kryzys only three musicians were present: Kelner, me and Tomasz Lipinski. There was nobody else. It was the end of 1982, hard times for Polish independent rockers. At some point Tomasz put his guitar on the side and said he quit."

Izrael’s debut took place on April 25, 1983 in the “Hybrydy” student club in Warsaw, where the band rehearsed. The first recording “Idą ludzie Babilonu” was made later that year and it quickly gained popularity. The band started to play numerous concerts (such as at the Festival in Jarocin, and a series of concerts called “God’s Music in Babylon”). It also supported Misty in Roots, when they came to Poland.

In May 1983 the first LP “Biada, biada biada” was recorded, but it was not delivered to stores until many months later.

In 1986 Kelner decided to quit and he was replaced by Darek “Maleo” Malejonek (formerly of Kultura) with whom the second album “Nabij faję” was recorded. At that time Izrael’s musicians decided to accept any person who would like to play with them and who would bring something creative. Therefore several musicians were members of Izrael, including jazzmen, which was unusual for a reggae band. Altogether, approximately 100 musicians have been members of Izrael at one time or another. In 1987 the third album, “Duchowa Rewolucja,” was recorded.

Around the year 1989 Izrael became an established band with Brylewski, Vivian Brylewska (Robert's wife), Maleo, Piotr “Stopa” Żyżelewicz and Alik Dziki. In the same year the band went on a tour to then-Communist Czechoslovakia. Shortly afterwards, a new member was to join: Wlodzimierz Kiniorski, who played several instruments, including the saxophone and the flute.

In 1990 the band went to Great Britain on an invitation from Marcin Miller. There they played several concerts and, more importantly, recorded an LP, 1991, which is regarded as one of the best albums in the history of Polish music. “1991” was recorded at a legendary “Ariwa” studio, which was owned by Mad Professor.

After their return to Poland, Izrael played numerous concerts and the band was enthusiastically embraced by fans. In 1994 a concert album, “Live 93” was issued which included songs recorded live in Kraków and Białystok. The band was at the height of its popularity, thinking about a new LP. Suddenly and unexpectedly, in 1995 it was dismissed. According to Brylewski, the band was not aimed at selling records and making money. Also in his words: “its history was fulfilled”.

In 1997 Brylewski released album "In Dub", which is a mix of dubbed best songs of the band. In 2006 the band, temporarily known as Magnetosfera, played a few concerts. Izrael returned in 2007 and reportedly, the band is preparing a new album.

Personnel

* Robert Brylewski (vocals, Guitar)
* Vivian Brylewska (Vocals)
* Darek “Maleo” Malejonek (Vocals, Guitar)
* Piotr “Stopa” Żyżelewicz (drums)
* Alik Dziki (Bass)
* Wlodzimierz Kiniorski (Saxophone, Flute)

Discography

* Idą ludzie Babilonu (1983)
* Biada, biada biada (1983)
* Duchowa Rewolucja (1987)
* 1991 (1990)
* Live 93 (1994)
* In dub (1997)

External links

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9YPz2kMyLM Izrael in a 1985 BBC movie "My blood, your blood", together with interview with Brylewski and Malejonek]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rnnTGm7B2s Izrael at the 1993 Jarocin Festival]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHRGxEnCNPc&feature=related Izrael live in 2007]