WOMAD

Smith and Mighty

From United Kingdom

Three exponents of the Bristol sound - Massive Attack, Tricky, and this year, Roni Size - have been nominated for the Mercury music prize; another, Portishead, have won it. Meanwhile, the production duo who were a crucial part of its development continue to record and play at their own pace. Rob Smith and Ray Mighty are unsung heroes outside the dance scene and their home town, but their impact nationally has been phenomenal, if largely unrecognised. Back in 1987, the slack beats and loose samples of Eric Satie's 'Gymnopédies' that they contributed to a Mark Stewart track, 'Stranger Than Love', became the template for the Bristol sound: a slow, disorienting style with reggae at its roots and hip-hop as its force. Rob and Ray both grew up in the city's St Paul's district, an area where reggae has always thrived. The cut and thrust of sound system clashes and the rebellious attitude of punk both made a lasting impression, and they have continued to work against the grain of the industry ever since. Their first two singles for the Three-Stripe label (their own, of course) were Bacharach-David covers: 'Anyone (Who Had A Heart)' and 'Walk On By'. Massively influential, they led to the duo and their Three-Stripe posse of DJs, rappers and singers, signing with London Records, a deal that did not work out well for either side. During their time with the label, Ray and Rob continued to remix for other artists and to produce their own material. They were the credited producers on Massive Attack's first single, 'Any Love', on the Fresh Four's Top 10 reworking of 'Wishing On A Star', and on the Carlton CD 'The Call Is Strong' - yet another under-rated contribution to the Bristol legend. Two years ago, Smith and Mighty released their first album, 'Bass Is Maternal', on their own label, More Rockers. The record moved into drum'n'bass territory but remained true to the duo's dub roots. Live performances are infrequent but excellent, and showcase some of Bristol's top talent.