Izrael (band)

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Izrael is one of the most popular and influential Polish reggae bands. It Formed in March 1983 by two well-known musicians of Polish underground: Robert Brylewski (formerly of Brygada Kryzys) and Pawe∏ 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 quit."

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 late in 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”).

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 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, Maleo, Piotr “Stopa” ˚y˝elewicz 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 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 Bialystok. 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 make money. Also in his words: “its history was fulfilled”.