The Cool Notes were started by Steven McIntosh and some friends in school around 1973 -1974. The band was originally a boy band, until two female school friends joined to create a seven piece. Lauraine replaced one of the girls in late 1974. Originally The Cool Notes focused on reggae music, playing in social clubs and pubs. Desmond Dekker spotted their potential and poached the group to be his backing band, so they toured with him for a couple of years. As a reggae group, The Cool Notes started releasing songs.

1978

My tune

1981

I’ve gotta let him know
Meant to be

1982

The group were constantly gigging and building up a following. Their regular Thursday night slot was at a pub called The Two Brewers. There was always a road block when the group played, the place was packed to the brim, with punters spilling out into the streets. That pub is now called The Hootananny where David Rodigan played and put back on the map.

The group started to include covers of chart topping soul numbers into the set, these went down a storm. The groups focus then turned to soul music, and they started supporting acts like The Dazz Band, Clear and New Kids On The Block.

As their success grew The Cool Notes started headlining shows and shared stages with the likes of Loose Ends, 5 Star, Jaki Graham, Second Image, Soul II Soul, Hi Tension and many others.

The Cool Notes released many tracks (UK chart positions in brackets):

1984

Your never too young (42)

1985

Spend the night (11)
In your car (13)
Have a good forever (73)

In the late eighties, Lauraine went on to sing the lead vocals for Bomb The Bass.

1988

Don’t make me wait (5)

In 1991 PWL (Pete Waterman) wanted to sign Lauraine as a solo artist to their label, but her loyalty to the remaining two Cool Notes remained, so the group signed a deal. The band recorded and released two records with Stock Aitkin and Waterman.

1991

Make this a special night
Love is a freaky thing

Lauraine decided to leave the band and start touring and recording with other Artists.Lauraine toured with Jamiroquai from 2002 -2014. There were also live tours with: The Lighthouse Family, Rod Stuart, Lyndon David Hall, Beverly Knight, Richard Ashcroft, Shalamar, The 1975, and Andy Williams.

In 2021 Lauraine performed at the Jazz Café, supporting Howard Hewett from Shalamar. She also played the 51st State Festival.