Presenting Misty In Roots

When we arrived, Rootman J & Zion Youth were already performing the last tracks of their set. On stage an 11-headed band was present, with the brothers Ketami in charge of the keyboards and drums. Not the regular line-up according to us, but nevertheless a good performance. Even though the Bob Marley covers weren't really necessary because the groups own songs were much better.

11 O' clock sharp Misty In Roots started playing and at that time the mass started filling up the Depot. Still, we expected a much bigger outcome for a group that rarely performs in Belgium. Not to forget: we're talking about a band that released the best live album ever with "Live at the Counter Eurovision 79" (which was recorded in our own country with the 3 brothers Tyson). Nowadays only lead singer Walford 'Poko' Tyson is still alive, but the typical Misty In Roots sound has remained after all these years. 

The sound at the beginning of the show wasn't too good but luckily this rapidly changed when Poko entered the stage and statically started chanting "True Rasta". Sadly, it then became clear that we weren't dealing with the most enthusiastic crowd ever. As a result, the performance started a little doubtfully but the pieces started falling together as that first track blasted through the speakers. We were enjoying the moment, getting caught up in the wonderful sound of Misty In Roots. A sound that could be described as a variation between on the one hand the quick, militant steppers of "Down in the Ghetto" and the slow but beautiful roots of "Dancehall Babylon" and "Musio-Tunya". During that last song lead guitar player Kaziwayi really shined for the first time with a subtle sounding guitar solo in which the music – and not the guitar player – was the core element. While being a little bit secluded on stage he [Kaziwayi] did provide a couple of songs with modest solos. 

Poko, who appeared to be suffering from 'stiffness' during the opening track, seemed to be singing himself more and more into an inner trance. He energetically started walking up and down the stage while commanding his band with wild gestures. It is Poko that decides who plays the solos and what eventually (dubs, one drops, chops, only bas, ...) will be played. While his band is closely following his commands, Poko had few or no control over the audience. Despite all the noise in the concert room and the dimmed reactions, he gave his all in order to promote his message. A message that became clear through his lyrics ("Almighty", "On the Road Again") and through his speeches (in which he addresses the so called 'superior' Western Civilization). 

Just once he managed to silence the relatively young audience: during a glamorous version of "See Them a Come" he ordered the musicians to stop playing while he continued to perform a capella. For the first time during the performance the noisy crowd was shut down and the militant messages of resistance really seemed to be attaining their goal. The drummers and keyboard player elevated the song to a highlight, resulting in an exhilarating end of the show. 

It could've been a more energetic ending but strangely Misty In Roots decided to play an RnB/Soul track ("Consider Us") as their last song: a bizarre ending of an overall excellent performance. The only thing missing tonight was a more grateful audience.