MUSIC DOC ‘HARDER THAN THE ROCK’ -AN INSPIRING TALE OF THE CIMARONS
By Mythily Ramachandran
Music lovers will love this heartwarming story of Britain's first reggae band.
What was it like for a small group of Jamaican musicians to bring reggae into the United Kingdom in the '60s?
‘Harder Than The Rock,’ a documentary by filmmaker Mark Warmington and produced by James Baxter and Mark Warmington traces the journey of the ‘Cimarons’- UK’s first reggae band.
Founded in London in 1967 by guitarist Locksley Gichie, and bassist Franklyn Dunn, the band quickly rose to prominence as pioneers of the reggae movement in Europe. Winston Reedy was the lead singer. Taking their music around the world-Africa, Thailand and Japan- the ‘Cimarons’ created a wave similar to what the Rolling Stones did to rock and roll in the same decade.
What was it like for a small group of Jamaican musicians to bring reggae into the United Kingdom in the '60s?
‘Harder Than The Rock,’ a documentary by filmmaker Mark Warmington and produced by James Baxter and Mark Warmington traces the journey of the ‘Cimarons’- UK’s first reggae band.
Founded in London in 1967 by guitarist Locksley Gichie, and bassist Franklyn Dunn, the band quickly rose to prominence as pioneers of the reggae movement in Europe. Winston Reedy was the lead singer. Taking their music around the world-Africa, Thailand and Japan- the ‘Cimarons’ created a wave similar to what the Rolling Stones did to rock and roll in the same decade.
Locksley Gichie
It’s an inspiring journey as you learn of their association with music legends including Bob Marley, Paul and Linda Mc Cartney. Bob Marley was surprised to hear them sing his song, ‘Duppy Conqueror. ‘ Marley said, ‘I never thought there would be a band in England who could do this man! Though Marley invited them to join his band, they did not. Cimarons was their baby!
With simple lyrics that were easy to relate to, the ‘Cimarons' struck a chord with the audience. Their song, ‘Ship Ahoy, they took us away from Africa,’ spoke of oppression and slavery.
Franklyn Dunn
With simple lyrics that were easy to relate to, the ‘Cimarons' struck a chord with the audience. Their song, ‘Ship Ahoy, they took us away from Africa,’ spoke of oppression and slavery.
Franklyn Dunn
Dunn known for doing crazy stuff on stage like mimicking rock guitar sounds kept the energy going. He once used a toothbrush on the guitar strings for an interesting effect! At a show in Belfast with policemen patrolling and people fighting on the streets, the Cimarons show was a testimony to the power of music when it brought people together for a short while.
Despite their success on stage, the ‘Cimarons’ could not rely on music for their bread. They lacked business management skills. The band faced challenges with no agent to represent them and ensure contracts. There aren’t sufficient photographs or videos of their shows as there was barely any media coverage then. And, not to forget the racism in that era of records and radio. The BBC regularly ridiculed Reggae music for their accent, subject matter, and rhythm.
Despite their success on stage, the ‘Cimarons’ could not rely on music for their bread. They lacked business management skills. The band faced challenges with no agent to represent them and ensure contracts. There aren’t sufficient photographs or videos of their shows as there was barely any media coverage then. And, not to forget the racism in that era of records and radio. The BBC regularly ridiculed Reggae music for their accent, subject matter, and rhythm.
Yet, driving them on ahead was their passion for music!
Director Mark Warmington
Director Mark Warmington
After 1983, Maurice Ellis- the most talented in the band, stopped playing as he scouted for a job. Carl Levy went off to America. Winston broke out as a solo artist. Franklyn Dunn found a nine-to-five job as a cab driver. New singer Michael Arkk bonded instantly with the team.
Singer Michael Arkk
Singer Michael Arkk
At an age when most people hang up their boots, the band planned a relaunch. But that failed with the outbreak of COVID in 2020. Undeterred, the ‘Cimarons’ returned in 2023 with their first gig in London and performed in August 2023 at the Rototam Sunsplash-Europe’s well-known reggae festival.
While appreciating the director’s attempt to share this never-before-told saga, the narrative could have been enhanced with more anecdotes from the artists’ lives- notably their experiences with the music greats.
What were their challenges when a relaunch was planned? That is another aspect to delve into. The narrative in some parts appears more of a fact reporting without capturing the lived experiences while interviewing people. It will make the documentary more evocative. It's a poignant moment when band member Maurice Ellis succumbs to lung cancer.
The ‘Cimarons’ are now working on a new album with noted producer Roberto Sanchez. And, this April, look out for them at the Freedom Sounds Festival, in Cologne, Germany. As curtains come down, the song, ‘Come we’ll rock rock rock to reggae rhapsody,’ lingers long in the mind.
‘Harder than the Rock,’ -an uplifting tale- resonates well with music lovers.
While appreciating the director’s attempt to share this never-before-told saga, the narrative could have been enhanced with more anecdotes from the artists’ lives- notably their experiences with the music greats.
What were their challenges when a relaunch was planned? That is another aspect to delve into. The narrative in some parts appears more of a fact reporting without capturing the lived experiences while interviewing people. It will make the documentary more evocative. It's a poignant moment when band member Maurice Ellis succumbs to lung cancer.
The ‘Cimarons’ are now working on a new album with noted producer Roberto Sanchez. And, this April, look out for them at the Freedom Sounds Festival, in Cologne, Germany. As curtains come down, the song, ‘Come we’ll rock rock rock to reggae rhapsody,’ lingers long in the mind.
‘Harder than the Rock,’ -an uplifting tale- resonates well with music lovers.
