The band

Misty in Roots came together in 1975, working as a backing band for the late, great Nicky Thomas. By 1978 Misty had begun to develop their own orthodox roots reggae sound. Their powerful lyrics were inspired by the economic decline and a growing awareness of their African culture. Their debut album 'Live at the Counter Eurovision' helped bring awareness of black culture to a mainstream white audience and is still generally held by critics as the best live reggae album of all time.

Misty in Roots have just released their first album in 12 years - 'Roots Controller'. Their message remains the same - laying down the Rasta ideology and spirit on a base of solid, melodic bass, gospel-tinged keyboards and triumphant horns.

The performance

The venue was half full by the time I arrived, and there was a steady flow of individuals coming in. But by the time the band was on it was a sell out! I really didn't think it would be so popular in Ipswich! What a surprise!

The crowd had been slowly, but surely whipped up into a "free-your-mind-and-your-ass-will-follow" state. There wasn't one person that wasn't moving to the beat!

Pete Brown

The band came on ceremoniously late, but the crowd was not left standing and waiting. The DJ kept the crowd more than entertained with a great selection of old and modern classical roots and reggae tunes. There were people bopping and grooving to some nice, chill-out tunes and others were just mingling and propping up the bar. It was a great atmosphere; relaxed, laid-back and pleasant.

At 9:30pm the band finally came on stage and I tell you, the crowd had been slowly, but surely whipped up into a "free-your-mind-and-your-ass-will-follow" state. There wasn't one person that wasn't moving to the beat!

Riddim!

People that I've known for five years and more (Ben, Sherif and Jan) who happen NOT to have an ounce of riddim (rhythm) in any part of their body, were not only moving in unison with the crowd but also keeping the beat and co-ordinating themselves to what was coming out of the speakers!

By the time the band had finished the third song "Waterfall", the crowd was completely lost in the music. There wasn't a soul standing that could maintain his or her "coolness" and refrain from moving some part of their body.

As I said, it was an experience not the be missed, and there were at least 200 people that didn't miss it. The age difference was also a shock. The youngest person I noted was eight years old and a son of one of the band members. He was loving it, dancing all round and full of energy. The oldest that was noted must have been in his 60's, he was just as energetic!

I was later graced with an interview with the band. I must say that I am a complete novice in this business, so I found it hard to ask the right questions. However, the band members were very friendly and basically volunteered the information that they usually get asked. I learnt that they are on a European tour up till September then they are back in the UK and will be playing all over the country.

Small world - they know and are friends with such artists as Bob Andy, Marcia Griffiths and Benjamin Zaferia to name a few of the greats.
The music reminded me of such great heavyweights as Culture (I've seen them live), Burning Spear, Black Uhuru and of course the greatest, Bob Marley. It really was a great evening.

Thank You very much Misty In Roots - Jah Bless!