Misty In Roots

Misty In Roots

Misty In Roots is a roots reggae group from Southall, United Kingdom, active since 1975. The band forms around Niles Hailstones and first comes together in London as a backing group for Jamaican artists performing in the city, including Nicky Thomas.

History and sound

Originally a backing band, Misty In Roots develops its own roots reggae style by 1978, with Rastafarian lyrics and a strongly orthodox sound. The group starts out as a live act and is also known simply as Misty. Its performances and recordings are closely associated with political and spiritual themes, including anti-fascist material and songs shaped by concerns about economic decline, African identity and social inequality.

The band becomes a major force in the Rock Against Racism movement and plays more concerts in that movement than any other group. It also builds a crossover audience through appearances with artists including Tom Robinson, The Ruts and Elvis Costello.

Recordings

Misty In Roots does not release its first album until 1979, when Live at the Counter Eurovision 79 appears. It is recorded live in Belgium and is followed in the same year by Misty Over Sweden, a live recording from Sweden. These early albums are both live releases and are associated with Rastafarian and anti-fascist songs.

The group’s later albums include Wise and Foolish, which appears in 1981 and moves towards a mellower, jazzier and more soulful sound; Earth in 1983; Musi-O-Tunya in 1985; Forward in 1989; Chronicles - The Best of in 1994; The John Peel Sessions in 1995; Jah Sees Jah Knows in 1997; and Roots Controller in 2002. The 2002 release includes six new tracks alongside previously released material. The band also issues a run of limited-edition singles including “Oh Wicked Man”, “Rich Man”, “Salvation”, “How Long Jah” and “See Them Ah Come”.

Key songs and legacy

Associated tracks include “Ghetto Of The City”, “Mankind”, “Judas Iskariot”, “Follow Fashion”, “Poor And Needy”, “Dance Hall Babylon”, “Own Them Control Them”, “Festa”, “Sodom & Gomorrah”, “Earth” and “Servant To Jah”.

After time spent in Zimbabwe and Zambia in the early 1980s, the band’s recordings reflect African themes more directly. Earth documents environmental and social damage, while Musi-O-Tunya reflects the group’s connection to Africa and to the region around Victoria Falls. Misty In Roots also becomes closely linked with BBC Radio DJ John Peel, who supports the band and helps bring roots reggae to a wider audience in Western Europe.