Joseph Israel

Joseph Israel: Gone Are the Days

by Chris M. Slawecki
May 1, 2006

On this debut, young lion Joseph Israel proves a faithful student of classic spiritualized reggae. Judging from his supporting cast, he certainly should: His backing group The Jerusalem Band draws musicians from bands led by contemporary toaster Luciano and Ziggy Marley, Bob's son, and features legendary island guitarist Earl “Chinna Smith plus bassist Chris Meredith, producer for the Melody Makers.

This debut bubbles with reggae thick and bright. Israel sings lead and wrote or co-wrote every song, his ...