Biography

Morcheeba, popularly known as the "trigger hippie" UK trip-hop combo, comprises Paul Godfrey, Ross Godfrey and Skye Edwards. The Godfrey brothers began working from their home-town of Hythe, Kent, around the early 90s, drawing on a number of influences including 30s blues and 90s hip-hop. This fusion resulted in a complex sound that is difficult to categorize. Their quest for acclaim led the brothers to relocate to Clapham, London, where they continued recording, meeting Edwards at a party in Greenwich, London. The trio discovered a mutual affinity for songwriting, marijuana and soundtracks, and Edwards was enlisted to add her debonair vocals to their recording sessions. In the winter of 1995 they released their debut, "Trigger Hippie", a huge underground hit. The success of the single led to the release of Who Can You Trust, which was selected by DJ magazine as one of the top 100 dub albums. The band were as astonished as the hardcore reggae fraternity, although the album did display clear traits of dub, notably on the title track. In 1996, they released a remix of the album track "The Music That We Hear", and also the crossover hit "Tape Loop". The latter led to a triumphant US tour, collaborations with David Byrne and major critical acclaim. In 1997, the trio played the Phoenix Festival and A Day At The Races, followed by the release of "Shoulder Holster". The single included a mix by DJ Swamp with added vocals from Spikey T. The trio embarked on the promotional circuit with television appearances and an acclaimed tour supported by Zion Train. Edwards also performed alongside Burning Spear et al on the UK chart-topping cover version of Lou Reed's "Perfect Day", released in 1997 to promote BBC Radio and Television.
In the spring of 1998, the band released their eagerly anticipated follow-up, Big Calm. The reggae-styled "Friction" featured the horn section from Zion Train. "Part Of The Process" provided the trio with their biggest UK hit and has since become established as a classic track in the "chill-out" genre. Fragments Of Freedom and Charango saw the band erring increasingly towards the easy listening side of their muse.
DISCOGRAPHY: Who Can You Trust (Indochina 1996)***, Big Calm (Indochina 1998)****, Fragments Of Freedom (Indochina 2000)****, Charango (Indochina/Reprise 2002)***.
COMPILATIONS: Who Can You Trust/Beats And B Sides (Indochina 1997)***, Back To Mine (DMC 2001)***, Parts Of The Process (Reprise 2003)****.
VIDEOGRAPHY: Morcheeba: From Brixton To Beijing (Warner Music Vision 2003).

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