Izrael

reggae

Izrael is one of the most popular and influential Polish reggae bands. It was formed in March 1983 by two well-known musicians of Polish underground: Robert Brylewski (formerly of Brygada Kryzys) and Pawel Kelner (formerly of Deuter). Brylewski said in regards to this formation: 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 quits. Izrael’s debut took place on April 25, 1983 in the “Hybrydy” club in Warsaw where the band rehearsed. The first recording “Ida ludzie Babilonu” was created later in that year and 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”). 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 faje” was recorded. At this time Izrael’s musicians decided to accept any person who would like to play with them and who would bring something creative. Therefore many musicians were members of Izrael, including several jazzmen, which was unusual for a reg...