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JOSEPH ISRAEL
'Gone are the Days'
 Joseph Israel is a long dreadlocked white American
youth devoted to Rastafarianism. This is his first album, which comes
after a lot of musical experiences in the reggae business which saw him
on tour with VP’s stars Abijah, Luciano, Mikey General and even a
bigger star, Ziggy Marley.
Joseph has travelled to
Jamaica to produce what many are calling a “Master Piece” album. The
production took place in Kingston at Jamaica’s top studios. These
studios included Tuff Gong (Bob Marley’s studio), Big Yard (Shaggy’s
studio), Buss Out Studios (Chris Meredith’s studio), and Bobby
Digital’s studio. Once again Joseph was recording with Jamaica’s # 1
musicians which included Chris Meredith on Bass, Earl Chinna Smith (Melchezidic
the High Priest) on lead guitar, Dean Fraiser on sax, Ian Beezy Coleman
on rhythm guitar, Wilburn Squidley Cole on drums, Paul Scooby Smith on
keys, Bubbler, and Paul “Wrong Move” Crossdale on piano. Also
included in this line up are, the harmony vocals of Erica Newell and
Rochelle Bradshaw. This culmination of musicians, are comprised of Ziggy
Marley and Luciano’s bands. They have united together to form the
Jerusalem Band for this new CD entitled Gone are the Days. The
music and lyrics of this CD reflect Israel’s deep-rooted knowledge of
the Bible.
A high point for Joseph was working with Luciano on the hit single
“Ruff Times”. This single exploded onto the scene receiving enormous
airplay in Jamaica, America, and Europe. Even tough Israel’s voice is
not exceptional the whole album is a very good effort with very strong
riddims and thoughtful lyrics.
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