Winston Francis - Mr. Fix It/California Dreaming (Studio One)

Winston was born in Kingston, Jamaica (1948) and started to participate in talent shows at the early age of 11. He moved to Miami with his family at the age of 16, where he went to music school and received vocal lessons from jazz pianist-writer Chuck Bird, who spotted Winstons talent and compared his voice to great singer Nat King Cole: a nice compliment indeed. In 1965 Winston Francis made his debut performance at the Fountain Blue Hotel in Miami, alongside the Jackie Gleeson Orchestra. On a regular basis he returned to Jamaica and he became a band singer for Carlos Malcolm's Afro-Jamaicans band, touring alongside Derrick Harriott and Boris Gardiner throughout the Caribbean and USA. After working with reggae artists like Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Bob Andy and others, Francis made his first recording for the legendary producer Clement Sir Coxson Dodd in 1968.

'Mr. Fix It' was released as a single on the highly aclaimed Studio One label and more solid rocksteady tunes followed, showing how versatile this singer is. This CD contains 2 classic albums, both digitally remastered with a wonderful result. Tracks 1-12 are songs from 'Mr. Fix It' (1968) and 13-24 from 'California Dreaming' (1969). You'll notice backing vocals by Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Ken Boothe, Jackie Mittoo and top musicians like Leroy 'Horsemouth' Wallace, Ernest Ranglin, Leroy Sibbles, Bobby Ellis, Skully and others that made a big contribution to reggae music. Two bonus tracks: 'Let's Go to Zion' [Radio Edit] and 'Let's Go to Zion' [Extended Mix], written and recorded by Winston Francis in 1969, with overdubs added in the 70's. Nowadays he lives in London, still recording and promoting reggae music. In 2004 he released a duet album under the name Francis & Franklin entitled 'Stand Firm' and a nice medley album entitled 'Feel Good All Over' that was produced by Tony 'Ruff Cut' Philips. Gwaan check it out if you like the original Studio One sound.