THE EQUATOR’S LATEST SINGLE, HIPPOPOTAMUS, REVISITS DESMOND DEKKER’S SONG
The Equator’s latest single, Hippopotamus, revisits Desmond Dekker’s song originally recorded with the Birmingham band for his Stiff Records album back 1980 and captures the energy of The Equators’ live shows.
Stiff Records’ Dave Robinson spotted the Equators supporting The Beat and invited them to work as session musicians on the Black and Dekker album: Hippopotamus was one of four tracks that the band played on. This subsequently lead to The Equators signing to Stiff and recording their cult album Hot! on the same label a year later, and consequently embarking on a World tour with other Stiff acts.
After re-forming 35 years later, The Equators are back on the circuit, playing festivals and stage shows around the UK and releasing singles steadily.
CREDITS
Producer: Robin Giorno
Label: Friendly Fire Music
Composers: Desmond Dekker
Studios: Don Richie / Friendly Fire Music /Bowyer Street
MUSICIANS
- Drums: Leo Bailey
- Piano & Organs: Rocky Bailey
- Vocals: Don Bailey
- Guitars: Robin Giorno
- Baritone Sax: Joel Evans
- Trumpet: Nathan Jervis
- Sax : Pete Nikless
- Engineer: Ryte Eye / Robin Giorno / James Covell
ABOUT THE EQUATORS
The Equators, a ska-pop-reggae band, originated in 1977 through the efforts of the Bailey brothers – Donald, Leo, and Rocky. Their family had migrated from Jamaica to England. The band caught the attention of David Robinson, the Stiff Records president, while performing with another group from Birmingham, The Beat (who shared some members with The Equators). Robinson was impressed by their lively performances and innovative sound, prompting him to sign them to Stiff Records, which was also home to notable artists like Madness and Elvis Costello.