Artists who have had releases on the label include The African Messengers, Errol Dixon, Mike Elliott, Oscar James, Dandy Livingstone, Sugar 'N' Dandy, Sunny and the Hi-Jumpers and The Wes Minster Five Carnival Records was owned by Allan Crawford an ex-pat Australian living in London.
Using session musicians and singers, crossbow would put out cover versions (exploito recordings) of current hits.
[1] Ross McManus who was the father of Elvis Costello would come in sing on a lot of the recordings, changing his voice to suit.
He was told by Gopthal that Allan Crawford (who at the time owned Radio Caroline) wanted to get in touch with the Jamaican scene.
The label in their quest to find West Indian acts wanted to release a recording credited to a duo.
[6] Apparently Livingstone's friend Roy Smith was supposed to be present for the recording session but never turned up.
[9] The first single the label issued was "Oo-Wee-Baby" bw "Twisting & Shaking" by Errol Dixon, Carnival CV 7001 in 1963.
Credited to Errol Dixon & Maynell Wilson, "Crazy Baby" bw "Our First Love" was issued on Carnival CV 7002 the same year.
Given a four-star rating the slow thumping beat of the Irving Berlin standard, the bluesy Ketty Lester type piano and female backing were noted.
[20] In 1964, future Foundations sax man Mike Elliott had "This Love of Mine" bw "Things Are Getting Better" by Young Satchmo issued on Carnival CV 7008.
[29] Other members were Paul Chukuwma Edoh on congas, David ‘Happy’ Williams on bass and James Menin on drums.
[38] The last single issued on the label appears to be "I Don't Know What I'm Gonna Do Now" bw "I Want To Be Your Lover" by Sugar 'N' Dandy.