“Perhaps proper management would have seen Cool Runnings achieve the success and wider exposure.” – Bristol Archive Records
Hello there
I mentioned Reggae Archive Records in the post A Frankie View – Reggae Vibe 5, this time it’s the turn of sister label Bristol Archive Records, and their release of Cool Runnings – Cool Runnings. Which has nothing to do with the film.
Cool Runnings had a career that spanned twelve years including the entire 1980s, Cool Runnings were one of Bristol’s longest-lasting bands, yet their failure to gig beyond the West Country or release anything more than their lone twelve-inch single means that they are also one of the City’s best kept musical secrets.
Originally formed in Weston-Super-Mare by Keyboardist Mark Tuck and Guitarist George Condover, they immediately relocated to Bristol and recruited various local musicians including an experienced and talented singer, Winston Minott.
Although “Robin Hoods Of The Ghetto” was their solitary release, the band regularly recorded material throughout their career and fortunately thanks to the foresight of George and Mark in holding onto various master tapes, Bristol Archive Records were able to release the band’s self-titled debut album “Cool Runnings”.
They selected a dozen tracks recorded between 1983 and 1985 at various local studios, and a couple of live tracks, to give an idea of why the band were so popular in person. Although their music leans towards the more mellow end of the market, (Lovers Rock), music ideally suited to Winston’s soulful voice, the band were more than capable of writing good roots tunes, five of which are featured including the excellent “We Must Go Home”, “Children Of Zion” and the previously released “Robin Hoods Of The Ghetto”. Winston Minott had spent many years touring all over Europe with the soul band The Invaders and many songs showcase his vocal talent.
Perhaps proper management would have seen Cool Runnings achieve the success and wider exposure that their combined talents and unique take on reggae undoubtedly deserved. Now twenty years after the members went their separate ways, Bristol Archive Records are pleased to fill in another missing piece of the City’s musical heritage with a band whose music fits perfectly with their name, Cool Runnings.
Winston Minott (lead vocals)
‘Trevor’ Leroy George Depass (bass)
Kent Bernard (drums)
Gerald Thomas (percussion/vocals)
Mark Tuck (keyboards/vocals)
George Condover (lead/rhythm guitars)
This album has a very lovers rock vibe, it reminds me a bit of Gregory Isaacs musically. “Playhouse” is one of the more up-tempo songs, that shows off the vocals of Winston Minott.
I was a little worried about what the sound quality was going to be like, but I have nothing to fear, yer the live songs are a little drop in quality, but from the off with the first song “We Must Go Home”, that bass light wraps around you like a comfort blanket, and you get that laid back lovers rock rhythm.
“Lawman” was recorded live at the Western Star Domino Club, St.Pauls, Bristol UK 1984, pity there not a studio version of this as well.
There is one song that I am not too keen on, “There You Go”, which sounds like a cover of something, but I can not place my finger on it. But overall I am pleased with this and love the fact that someone is actually going to the trouble of unearthing this material. I know I will be looking at more output from Bristol Archive Records and Reggae Archive Records
Fruitless Fact: Every year there are more than 2000 reggae festivals held across the world.
For the geeks: I have the FLAC files from Bandcamp.
