China Black were a British pop-reggae duo, consisting of Simon Fung (songwriter, composer, lyricist, guitarist, keyboardist, arranger and record producer) and Errol Reid (singer-songwriter).
Overview
The band took its name from the different backgrounds of its members. Fung, who is British-Chinese ('China') and Reid, who has Jamaican heritage ('Black').
Their music is typified by heavy, lush string arrangements, gospel choirs, a dance/pop/reggae beat, pizzicato strings and mostly minor chord arrangements on piano.
Career
First attempt at success (1992)
The group first released the song "Searching" in 1992; it stayed in the reggae chart for 12 weeks at number one and went into the top 5 in the R&B chart. However, the band's indie record label went bankrupt and the track did not chart in the main UK singles chart. After much interest from major record companies, the group signed to Polydor. and stayed inside the top 75 for 16 weeks. China Black's blend of pop and reggae was a radio favourite all summer. "Searching" was also a success across Europe and did particularly well in Japan.
Discography
Albums
- Born (1995) – UK No. 27
- "Stars" (1994) – UK No. 19, IRE No. 28
- "Almost See You (Somewhere)" (1995) – UK No. 31
- "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) (1995) – UK No. 15
- "Emotions" (1997) – UK No. 79
- "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" (as United Colours of Sound) (2002)