Review: Mix Master Mike, Trinity Centre

Before the Master appeared with the scratch routine, DJ Cheeba arrived from the future. He gave us a taste of what it might offer. Using Phase wireless hardware from Parisian company MWM, party people in the house witnessed the surreal spectacle of a top-class scratch DJ doing his thing. On the wheels of steel, he filled the gaps in the dance floor and warmed up the crowd.

DJ Cheeba, shot by Phil Riley

Nobody can do it like Mixmaster can do it. Mike is on tour and, with a number of dates in the UK, how could he not come to Bristol? A city that literally keeps a Technics SL-1200 housed in a glass case, exhibited on display in a collection of hip-hop artefacts down at the M-Shed. Mix Master Mike had spent the morning taking in the sights and I believe him when he said he loved it.

Mix Master Mike, shot by Phil Riley

I handle my records with care. The Mixmaster has no such reverence and, with scant regard for what’s actually on the record will bend and shape the content of them to form music of his own making. And that’s exactly what happened in a church at Old Market on the first of October. Don’t try it at home with your dad’s stereo. Only under hip-hop supervision.

Mix Master Mike, shot by Phil Riley

Just as the drummer in a rock band can be overlooked at the back of the stage, the Disk Jockey could suffer the same fate. With just as pivotal a role as the drummer, the DJ keeps timing, provides cues and conducts proceedings. All this from the shadowy recesses at the back of the stage. It’s easy, therefore, to see why the MC’s are the front men. Few DJ’s rise to the prominence of those to whom they serve but Mix Master Mike is a notable exception. An alliterative name that holds weight, justifiably so.

Mix Master Mike, shot by Phil Riley

Michael Schwartz was, of course, the Beastie Boys’ DJ. Yes I’m mentioning the B word. It’s hard to ignore and why would you wish to? While an exceptional performer in his own right, Mike played a crucial role in one of the most influential groups ever and I must confess one of my personal favourites of all time. With a business card that reads World Champion DJ, he only stopped competing, along with Qbert, to give someone else a chance of winning gold decks.

Mix Master Mike, shot by Phil Riley

People had come from far and wide to witness a living legend rip up the rule book. Unmistakable with his signature, monogrammed cap and trademark grin and of course that unique style. For a good hour and a half, he performed his trademark tricks with relentless dynamism. There were references to please the hip-hop heads but also metal hooks, disco-era breaks, you name it, anything goes. The Turntablist dazzled the audience, improvising, taking unexpected turns for his own amusement and ours. He’d play a snippet of one song, sample it, loop it, and then turn it into a familiar rhythm.

Mix Master Mike, shot by Phil Riley

He clearly loves what he does, it’s evident watching him. He’s a showman who’s so at ease, so comfortable with the equipment he’s mastered it’s like an extension of his fingertips. Like a man possessed, the music seemed to be channelled through him. He baptised the crowd from his alter in the former church that is the Trinity Centre.

Mix Master Mike, shot by Phil Riley

The fans were treated to crowd-pleasing samples you’ve heard and would expect from the golden age of hip-hop as well as future classics and then, just for a laugh, an ear-worm like the Tetris theme might make itself heard and blow your mind.

Mix Master Mike, shot by Phil Riley

I left with my ears ringing and went home feeling zooted like Rickey Powell. MMM had given everyone just whatcha want and I was chuffed to have witnessed the legend again. Rest in peace MCA.

All images by Phil Riley (https://instagram.com/thefiendishfiend)

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