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The Web's #1 "Unofficial Fan Page" for Cook Da' Books
Tony Prescott -Keyboards, John Leggett -Drums, Owen Moran -Vocals bass, Peter "Digs" Deary -Guitar Originally known as COOK THE BOOKS, the band was formed in Fazakerley by members of the DOGEMS and BROOKLYN (including Kevin Kelly) in 1980. Reggae quartet Cook Da Books look back at an eventful history. After their high rated strongly political debut single "Piggie in the Middle 8" (by Prescott/Smith) their reflection on the 1981 riots and various local scandals - they knicked some 500 SUN - copies from a van and started selling them until they were caught by the CID!
The bad boys became the goodies, when landing a spot in the French movie mega-seller LA BOUM Part 2. One of the movie tracks "Your Eyes" became a #1 hit in France and Hong Kong, giving the band a strong European following.
(Above Cook Da Books with cast members of La Boum 2- including future "Bond Girl" Sophie Marceau) Cook Da Books single "Your Eyes" was released on the LA BOUM Part 2 Soundtrack by Polymer records and were also signed to 10(TEN) Records a small subsidiary of Virgin Records. Cook Da Books however seemed to take pride in that much of their music came from their own independent label Kite. In an excerpt from an interview by EXPLICIT Magazine #4 1983 the group explains. Cook Da Books differ from the rest of the other Liverpudlian groups in the way they have their own independent record label Kite (a.k.a. Kiteland). "Being independent means that you've got the freedom to choose whatever we want, have whatever product we want marketed when we want. Liverpool is lucky in the way its got PROBE Records. It's the only real place left in Liverpool which is putting out stuff all the time" In spite of great singles and extensive touring activities, supporting among others, MEN AT WORK and the UNDERTONES. As well as their famed USA "Save Da Buffalo Tour" in 1984/85 supporting Joan Armatrading and others, they never broke through in the US.
(Above Cook Da Books backstage DAR Constitution Hall Washington D.C.- photo by James Callahan) After Tony Prescott left the remaining 3 shortened the name to DA BOOKS (and performed a few live gigs as the FLYS), One year later a new single entitled "Living for the City" (a remake of the Stevie Wonder hit) was released via Probe Plus. Da' Books thinned down to a duo by 1989 with the release of "Big Dream" on the DMA/Just 'In label.
DA' Last Line Up Visitors to the site were kind enough to send in a few photos of what is believed to be the last line up of Cook Da' Books (circa 1993-98). From research on the web and "You Tube" songs included "Don't Go", "Saturated" and others. The final lineup as per our research is below:
Thanks to Cook Da' Books members from all eras/line-ups and fans for sending updates and materials. DA Discography
(Above- The last known photo of the Original Cook Da Books and pals, at a pub in Fazakerley, Liverpool 1988/89? Tony, John, Owen, Me(Jim Callahan), goofing off - Digsy didn't make it to the reunion) Good Sources for Finding Cook Da Books Material:
Where are DA'y Now?
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