Music > Live Reviews
Misty In Roots
15/06/18
I had heard a whisper some months ago that Britain’s greatest ever reggae band were once again heading round this way, so I had been keeping my eyes peeled ever since that this would hopefully soon come to fruition. The last time that Misty In Roots played at the NAC it was an absolutely truly amazing and unique experience and tonight is once again no exception, they are as ever a stunning and captivating a band to not only listen too but to also watch live.
As always at a Misty gig, the legendary ‘Roots Controller’ comes on to introduce them with some inspirational and motivational words, I am not alone in being in awe at his mere brief appearance and presence. He hails them as the greatest reggae band in the world, “The music of our art is roots music, music that recalls history……..presenting Misty In Roots”.
Formed back in the mid-seventies, they went on to become a John Peel regular on his shows - he really helped to champion roots reggae back in the day. Their songs have always carried strong and passionate statements on many topics including racism, politics, religion and African and western culture (mankind’s behaviour is at the forefront of their message).
It really is a very special evening once again tonight - you feel that you are in the room with the true greats. Their legendary status is indeed very befitting. There is something incredibly spiritual about them, lead singer Poko is magical to watch as his bodily movements constantly move and groove to every note from every single band member’s instruments like a crazed conductor, the rhythm just flows through his veins and his ageing frame just bursts with pure soul.
They cruise through an almost two hour set with some ease, playing amongst many other songs, Ghetto In The City, City Blues, Jah See, Jah Know, Wandering Wonderer, Cover Up (their tribute to murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence) and Dance Hall Babylon. The NAC is absolutely rocking and everyone is having an absolutely great Friday night out.
Their roots reggae is still very much alive some fifty years on and they are still such an extremely very powerful and captivating act to watch live. So, I may have used the word twice already while writing this, but they really are absolute legends.
The music of their art is roots music, music that recalls history……..these words and the booming bass lines are still resonating in my ears some twenty four hours later and it’s a good feeling.
Photo:Kevin Geraghty- Shewan