Innovative band Mystic Vision, makes an exceptional contribution to the roots music scene in New Mexico.
I knew I was in good company when I called John Bento the singer of Mystic Vision to set up an interview and he answered the phone saying, "greetings."
Bento was happy to do an interview with the Lobo to talk about the band's upcoming concert at Zozobra this evening.
Like Bad Brains, who in the '80s took punk music to new levels with its true and tried root rhythms, Mystic Vision is not your average roots band. The group encompasses hip-hop, dancehall, roots and traditional sounds from their homelands.
Bermuda-born Bento says he remembers when he use to turn over 45's where the vocals are gone and only music remains. He sang along to the Pinchers, Don Carlos and Ine Kamoze.
"We listened to a lot of steel drum and Calypso music growing up in Bermuda," Bento said.
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Bento recalls hearing the elders' words.
"The music talks to you when your in your mothers womb, you hear it saying 'do good, do good,'" he said.
The vast differences in the band members' heritage add to the music's flavor. Bento, the voice of roots, came here with intentions of becoming a massage therapist. After getting his massage license, Bento collaborated with Jerome Oubichon from New Orleans, Harrington Bembridge "Aitch," from Coventry England, Greg Kaiser from San Jose, Fred Hernden from California and Jason Garduno from Albuquerque to start a band.
The band's unique sound derives from the diversity of the members past musical involvements, prior to creating Mystic Vision 10 years ago. Bassist Bembridge played drums in England for the Eurythmics and took part in a mass music movement with ska legends, The Specials and Madness. Kaiser was feeling his vibes through the piano for the California band Inca Inca.
All that talent, combined with Bento working his larynx, Iye on percussion, Oubichon on drums, Garduno on guitar and Kaiser on piano, the energy and the message are loud and clear - it truly is a mystic vision.
Bento recalls one of his most memorable performances when Mystic Vision played with Burning Spear and Ras Michel and Creation at the Sweeny Center in Santa Fe. He predicts the same energy will be present tonight when Mystic Vision plays at the burning of Zozobra.
Mystic Vision is one of the few selected bands to perform at this uniquely New Mexican event. The group will be performing at 7:30 p.m. and will be playing some of its popular songs such as "Ganja Smuggler," "Red," "Country Vibes" and "Sifting."
The album Live at the Historic El Rey and its most recent album, Expressions of Truth, can be ordered at their Web site www.mysticvision.homestead.com.
