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Contents  
This week's contents: Editorial: The week in brief News: Shiloh Noone, New Model Army, Marlowe, Cape Town Sound Studios, African Dope, Colin Shamley, Nelson Mandela at '46664: The Concert' CDs and DVD launch, NSJF-CT 2004, Splashy Fen. Charts: SA Rock Digest MP3 and Album Charts New Releases: New SA MP3's and CD's, Intervention Arts, Barney Simon, '46664: The Concert' CDs and DVD, Band O' Gypsys, Nianell, Off The Edge, One World February Releases. Classic SA Rock: USA For Africa; A Naartjie In The UK; Vinyl Junkies; South African Rock Lists Sound Solutions: A reader's forum - letters, info, questions and answers Live Music: Events round-up, Bowline Rock Theatre, Frequency news, SA Punk, Nimbus Experience, Melanie Lowe, Rudimentals' SA tour. Piet Botha. SA Music Links And Resources: Contact Details Editorial THE WEEK IN BRIEF Shiloh Noone, the respected and learned rock historian and SA Rock Digest contributor, is about to release his new book called 'Seeker's Guide To The Rhythm Of Yesteryear' in SA, following the book's launch in London ... Justin Sullivan, legendary front-man of British punk rock icons, New Model Army, will bring a taste of the New Model Army experience to Cape Town in a rare and special appearance; unplugged, stripped-down, intimate and acoustic ... SA rock group, Marlowe, are set to open for Limp Bizkit on the US band's upcoming SA tour. Former President Nelson Mandela is to attend the launch of the three CD's and DVD of '46664: The Concert' in Johannesburg, South Africa on 1st April ... For the past six weeks the new Cape Town Sound Studios have been working round-the-clock on the soundtrack for a new overseas musical called 'Waiting For The Dawn' ... There is an update on the goings-on at African Dope in Cape Town ... Now available from 3rd Ear is a double Colin Shamley CDR called 'Born Guilty & Other Stories' ... Off The Edge's long-awaited follow-up CD to 2002's 'Unfinished Business' has now been released ... Dave Marks sent us a short obituary for the late Art Kelly who passed away in Johannesburg last week. It's the fifth anniversary staging of the annual North Sea Jazz Festival in Cape Town and this year the Festival takes place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th April at the International Convention Centre on the Cape Town foreshore, we take a look at all the acts on the five stages ... the Melanie Lowe 'Live The Music' national tour shows takes place at the Centurion Theatre, on April 1-2 ... if you like your rock harder and your punk faster, then Splashy Fen 2004 is going to prove your mother wrong. In this week's 'Celeb:Select' section, we hear from the man who has heard them all, 5fm DJ, Barney Simon ... We have more info on that new release from the Band O' Gypsys ... With the recent release of Nianell's new album, 'Angel Tongue', it is clear that this captivating artist has a lot more intriguing music to offer Africa and the rest of the world ... Kurt Shoemaker rabbits on about Trevor Rabin's 'Face To Face' LP ... John Samson interviews the album 'Shattered' by Falling Mirror. The place to see your favourite artist rock at this year's KKNK Festival in Oudtshoorn will be the Bowline Rock Theatre ... Jo'burg ruffians, the Diesel Whores, have agreed terms to headline Urge Media's Countrybilly BBQ Breakout III on May 14 ... There are this week's SA Punk gigs ... there was an even more exciting show than the Counting Crows over the weekend, apparently, when Nimbus Experience played the Southern Cross music festival. Due to the fact that Hog Hoggidy Hog are booked in Cape Town for a gig during the Rudimentals' National Tour, they are not going to be able to join the "Rudies" for the full tour which takes them to East London, Bloemfontein, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria ... Why then this dogged determination to taunt Thor, the god of Thunder? Carina took the road to Lunar Café to see Piet Botha and Co in concert. There's also the usual weekly mp3 and album charts, recommended SA gigs, letters to Sound Solutions, Digest Classifieds, old SA charts, and what's new on the shelves at Mabu Vinyl and CD and Vibes Vinyl. And that is some of SA music, this week ... If you would like to contact us, please send an email to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=Digest Thanks! Ed. ----------------------------
From Abstract Truth to Karen Zoid, from 'Astra' to 'Zen Boulders', from 'Ag Pleez Deddy' to 'ZX Dan'... visit the online archive for the history (and future) of South African Rock at: http://www.rock.co.za The SA Rock Encyclopedia is an archive of South African pop and rock music - past, present and future - and includes sections on classic albums, rock legends, rock lists, charts, trivia, family trees, a hall of fame, weblinks and more... ---------------------------- SAGIGS.COM The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can now be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com If you cannot access SAgigs.com then e-mail gigs@sarockdigest.com and we will e-mail the gig guide to you each week. ---------------------------- SAKLANK.COM Sluit aan by http://www.SAKlank.com deur e-pos te stuur aan intekenaar@saklank.com Alle rasionele idees, gedagtes, bydraes, briewe en konsert-/CD-resensies is altyd welkom! ---------------------------- THE OFFICIAL RODRIGUEZ WEBSITE 'Cold Fact', the classic album from the 70s, as well as 'After The Fact', the second Rodriguez album, have been re-issued and both are now available at One World. http://www.oneworld.co.za All Rodriguez Info at: http://www.sugarman.org ---------------------------- SA ROCK DIGEST http://www.sarockdigest.com If you would like to receive all the SA music news on this page, as a free weekly Monday morning email newsletter with no attachments, then please enter your email address in the SA Rock Digest banner on the left. News
DIGEST WRITER TO LAUNCH NEW ROCK BOOK Shiloh Noone, the respected and learned rock historian and SA Rock Digest contributor, is about to release his new book called 'Seeker's Guide To The Rhythm Of Yesteryear'. The book, which takes an in-depth look at the rock era of the '60's and the early '70's and at some of the more obscure and under-referenced artists of that time, is being launched on Monday 29 March at the CD Wherehouse at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The book has a foreword written by keyboard great, Duncan Mackay, and will be available on general release by the end of March. Shiloh Noone is also well known in the Cape for his popular, long-running Wednesday evening radio show on Fine Music Radio (FMR) called 'Blues And Variations'. The 'Seeker's Guide To The Rhythm Of Yesteryear' was launched in London last week and will soon be available at Foyle's in London. Special guests at the London launch included Manfred Mann and Paul Kantner from the Jefferson Airplane. The book launch at the CD Wherehouse will begin at 6.30pm and all are invited! ---------------- NELSON MANDELA TO ATTEND SA LAUNCH OF '46664: THE CONCERT' CD & DVD 46664 Concerts have announced that Former President Nelson Mandela is to attend the launch of the CDs & DVD of '46664: The Concert' in Johannesburg, South Africa on 1st April. Mr Mandela, who hosted the all-star music event in Cape Town on 29th November last year, is expected to appoint all the artists that performed at Green Point Stadium, as 46664 ambassadors. Some of these artists will also be joining him at the launch. Mr Mandela has said repeatedly: "AIDS is no longer just a disease, it is a human rights issue. For the sake of Africa and the world, we must act and act now. Act to raise funds to help those affected by Aids and raise awareness to help prevent the further spread of HIV... So much has already been done in this area to make a difference. 46664 will help do more." Inspired by the vision & leadership of Mr Mandela, 46664 aims to raise awareness of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, as well as funds, to help the Nelson Mandela Foundation in the fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa. It is hoped that the launch of '46664: The Concert' will inspire the world to learn more about HIV/AIDS in Africa, join the Global Petition as well as pledge donations and support to the campaign through www.46664.com, powered by Tiscali. The three CD albums are to be released by Warner Music International. Along with the special double DVD, to be released by Warner Vision International, they will go on sale worldwide on Monday 5th April 2004. Gallo Record Company, Africa's biggest music label and sole licensee for Warner Music International in South Africa, will distribute the CDs and DVD in that country. See the CD's section below for more on these releases and the tracklistings on the three CD's ------------------- NEW MODEL ARMY - ACCOUSTIC IN CAPE TOWN ON APRIL 1ST! (This is NO April Fool's joke!) Justin Sullivan, legendary front-man of British punk rock icons New Model Army, will bring a taste of the New Model Army experience to Cape Town in a rare and special appearance; unplugged, stripped-down, intimate and acoustic. Witness the songs being played just they way they were created. No effects, no distractions, just the pure, raw naked soul of a man, his message and his music! This is a side of the band that very few people around the world ever get to see - Join Justin at Mercury Live in Cape Town on the night of April 1. Doors open 9pm. v Tickets are R100 each, available only at the door on the night. v For more information, call 082 928-7450 or visit www.alter-ego.co.za Note: This is NO April Fool's joke! ------------------ MARLOWE TO OPEN FOR LIMP BIZKIT Edgars and 5FM music in association with Big Concerts are proud to announce that SA rock group, Marlowe, is set to open for Limp Bizkit on the US band's upcoming SA tour. Limp Bizkit will be kicking off at the Bellville Velodrome in Cape Town on Sunday 4th of April before igniting the stage at The Dome in Johannesburg on Tuesday 6th. The Johannesburg-based band is made up of Scott Wareham (lead vocalist/guitar), Conrad de Jong (guitar), Rory Mayne (drums) and Jason Jackson (bass). Tour Dates: Sunday 4th April - The Bellville Velodrome, Cape Town Tuesday 6th April - The Dome, Johannesburg Bookings: Computicket Internet Site www.computicket.com Computicket Call Centre 083 915 8000 ----------------- 'WAITING FOR THE DAWN' The latest from the new Cape Town Sound Studios is that for the past six weeks the studio has been working round-the-clock on the soundtrack for a new overseas musical called 'Waiting For The Dawn'. Not only has this been a major launch-pad for the studio, but a great opportunity for Cape Town talent as vocalists and musicians of every genre have been included; from classical string sections to gospel vocal ensembles - and a lot in between! Names that are appearing on the soundtrack include new artistes such as Brennan Holder and Alana Joy, through to stalwarts such as musical director Camillo Lombard, Mynie Grove, and sax-whizz Shannon Mowday. The musical, 'Waiting For The Dawn', is set in the Gallipoli conflict in World War 1, and has been written and conceptualized by Geoff Martin Preston. Negotiations are currently underway to turn the project into a full-blown 'multi-media/multi-sensory' event in London's West End. In addition, a dance/chill piece entitled 'Blue Aegean' has already been sampled to a leading UK dance pool for consideration. 'Waiting For The Dawn' is being produced at CapeTown Sound Studios by Geoff Martin Preston in association with Paul Petersen, Nic Hazell and Patric van Blerk. Contact: CapeTown Sound Studios: 021 697 4300 / 082 899 2525 email: patric@icon.co.za ------------------ AFRICAN DOPE NEWS [Here is an update on the goings-on at the African Dope headquarters in Cape Town. There has been much speculation about events at the Buitenkant studios, but here is an update, from the "horse's mouth", to use an inappropriate expression] "Well finally, after 7 months offline and more stories than all the political parties in SA put together, our website is live again - completely redesigned and jam-packed with over 700 meg of audio and video downloads and more dope than the King of Swaziland's Royal Plantation. many thanks to our long-suffering web-designers Raygun for the superb job. It is at: www.africandope.co.za There have been many rumours circulating about African Dope in the past few months - that we've gone bankrupt... sold our souls to major labels and some of our artists to oriental slave-traders (to defray expenses)... turned into a gospel label called African Hope etc etc We'd like to assure you that NONE OF THIS IS TRUE. this much is true: There is still a bigger music market in South Africa for gospel than glitch-hop. And we do now have a distribution deal with Sony Music SA, but expressly reserved the right to remain a small crew of nutters delivering high quality, bass-heavy audio matter as we choose. The only thing sold out so far are a few of our titles, which we'd like to see happen more often big things coming soon... watch this space! ------------------ 3RD EAR RELEASE NEWS At long last!! Now available is a double Colin Shamley CDR called 'Born Guilty & Other Stories' (3eM 0036 a&b). It has 31 songs - including the entire digitally re-mastered 'Born Guilty' album, a detailed 12-page CD booklet, and a chapter from Colin's proposed 'Story Book'. Included are many of Colin's most requested (and controversial) live re-mastered recordings from festivals and clubs including Totum (Durban 1971), Ben Segal's Lounge (with Cornelia 1968), NiteBeat, Mangles, The Market Cafe and the Natal Folk Festivals between 1972 & 1977...among others. The CDRs should be available at some Look & Listen stores, and certainly on-line through One World Online Cyber Store - details on our 3rd Ear Music website. Note: USA/UK/EU/Aus - there is no VAT but there is postage, exchange & bank rates. We are still preparing: John Oakley-Smith ('Matinees on Saturdays'), Jannie Hofmeyr ('The Concert Years'), Hugh Masekela ('Live in Lesotho'), Sipho Mchunu ('Umhlaba Uzobuya)', Spirits Rejoice ('African Spaces') & Lefifi Tladi. Doctor Malombo / Phillip Tabane will be in concert at the Market Theatre on the 2nd and 3rd April 2004 - I will be mixing and recording the concerts, so maybe we'll see or hear you there? Hope by then to have a demo of our legendary 'Malombo 1976 Wits Great Hall Concert' recordings - which is in the process of being digitized and re-mastered. David Marks 3rd Ear Music Company (Est. 1969) & The Hidden Years Music Archive Project (Est. 1994) www.3rdearmusic.com Mailto:thirdear@iafrica.com -------------------- OBITUARY: ART KELLY By David Marks Last week Art Kelly passed on to that great big Rumour in the sky. 3rd Ear Music would like to express its sincere condolences to his friends and family. Talk about Rumours? Imagine: - Art, Alan (Pierce) & Charles (Comyn) negotiating to start another Rumours up there with the powers that be? Charles preparing the Roast - between poems and plans for a new play in Rockey Street - Art managing the affair (negotiating the rent during piano and drum solos, and whispering in your ear as he passed your table... heard this one?) with Alan keeping the peace and arranging the customers? That'll keep the Angels in stitches for eternity. Love from David and Fran and from all these never-to-be-forgotten characters - those recorded and oxidizing music souls in the archive. --------------------- 5 STAGES AND 40 ACTS AT THE NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL - CAPE TOWN 2004 The time is drawing near for the two most exciting and important days on the South African Jazz calendar. It's the fifth anniversary staging of the annual North Sea Jazz Festival and this year the Festival takes place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town. Tickets sales have been faster than in previous years as music fans look forward to the new, expanded venue which now has five stages instead of four as at previous festivals at the Good Hope Centre. Four of the stages at the CTICC are still, traditionally, named in honour of four of South Africa's most popular Jazz Clubs of years gone by. They are 'Kippies', 'Manenberg', 'Rosies', and 'Bassline'. The official name of the new fifth stage has not yet been announced, and is still the subject of much speculation. There will again be a series of music workshops run in conjunction with the Festival, and there will again be the Free Jazz Concert 'North Sea Heats the Cape - Community Concert' at Greenmarket Square on Thursday, April 8. This is traditionally laid on by the festival organisers, esp-Afrika and Mojo Concerts, as a special warm-up treat for all the city's music fans and visitors just prior to the start of the main festival. But it is the two glittering nights of jazz stars and music that is the big attraction and the 2004 Festival now features 40 International and African acts, spread over five stages. Truly a music lover's dream weekend. So let's take a look at who is appearing, on which stages, and on which night. This is how it will all unfold... KIPPIES 'Kippies' is the largest venue of the five in the CTICC, with seating for 1,000 and standing room for a further 7,500. This is where you will see all the festival headliners on the big, main stage. In past years, Kippies has hosted names like Erykah Badu, Deodato, India.Arie, Joe Zawinul, Youssou N'Dour, George Duke, Sibongile Khumalo, Herbie Hancock, Miriam Makeba, Marcus Miller, Hugh Masekela, and Randy Crawford. This year the North Sea Jazz Festival 2004 coincides with the launch of South Africa's "Ten Years of Freedom" anniversary celebrations. So the opening act on the 'Kippies' stage is definitely going to be an emotional one. The honour of opening the festival on the 'Kippies' stage falls to the legendary South African group, Sakhile, who will be reuniting specially for this performance. So it is going to be a special moment for founder members, Sipho Gumede, Mabi Thabejane, Menyatso Mathole and Khaya Mahlangu. Then it's time for Stanley Clarke, who has forged an incredible reputation over the past 30 years, not just as one of the greatest bass players in jazz history, but also as a composer, conductor, orchestrator, arranger, songwriter, record producer, and recording artist. Angie Stone, next up on the 'Kippies' stage, is the US Soul star who burst on to the international scene in 1999 with her critically acclaimed and platinum-selling debut album, 'Black Diamond'. The final act on the 'Kippies' stage on Saturday night is one of South Africa's favourite jazz sons, Jonathan Butler who will also be performing with his daughter, Randy Sunday night's line-up on the 'Kippies' stage again begins with an emotional reunion for another cult South African group, Ray Phiri with Stimela. Then it is time for the debut Festival appearance by the sensational jazz vocalist, Cassandra Wilson, currently regarded as one of the finest of the new generation of jazz singers. Third on the 'Kippies' Sunday night bill will be one of the world's most highly rated jazz guitarists, Al Di Meola. The US-born Al Di Meola's career began with early solo albums like 'Land of the Midnight Sun', and 'Elegant Gypsy'. Then followed the famous 'Guitar Trio' collaboration with John McLaughlin and Paco De Lucia and the landmark album, 'A Night In San Fransisco'. And expect an energetic musical extravaganza when Femi Kuti & his 17 piece band Positive Force close off Sunday evening's entertainment on the 'Kippies' stage. ROSIES At the Festival's previous home at the Good Hope Centre, 'Rosies' was the smaller venue that attracted the serious jazz fans, and the most grumbles. This was due to the crowds that occasionally interfered with the audience's appreciation of top jazz artists like Yusef Lateef, Toots Thielmans, Archie Shepp Quartet, Roy Hargrove Quintet, Bheki Mseleku, Winston "Mankunku" Ngozi, Dewey Redman, the late Mal Waldron, Paul Hanmer, Robbie Jansen, Piet Noordijk, and Sathima Bea Benjamin. The good news is that the new 'Rosies' venue at the CTICC is a 1,500 all-seater auditorium, so there is plenty of room for all those who want to soak up these fine jazz sounds. They'd better be seated on time though, as it will be Miriam Makeba & Trio who will be the opening act on the 'Rosies' stage on Saturday night. Next up on 'Rosies' is Harold Jefta & Trio who will be making an emotional return to this Cape Town stage. In the mid-1950s, before he became so well-known, Abdullah Ibrahim played in one of Harold Jefta's Cape Town groups. So it is a nice touch that South Africa's most famous pianist will follow Harold Jefta on to the 'Rosies' stage with his trio. The final act on the first night at 'Rosies' is the Lou Donaldson Quartet featuring organist Dr. Lonnie Smith. Lou Donaldson is an alto saxophonist who scored two hit singles and received frequent airplay on R&B radio stations with his funky album, 'Alligator Boogaloo'. On Sunday night it falls to McCoy Mrubata, one of South Africa's finest saxophonists, to open the show at 'Rosies'. Then it's the turn of the Joe Lovano Trio to take to the 'Rosies' stage. Joe Lovano has been playing his alto sax since he was child in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was schooled by his father and influenced by the jazz musicians of the day like Sonny Stitt, James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Young, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and later Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane and Jimmy Giuffr. Third on the 'Rosies' Sunday night bill is SA Trumpeter Feya Faku & Friends. Feya's "Friends" for this festival show are Lulu Gontsane on drums, and Mncendi Kupa on piano. Closing the 'Rosies' line-up is the South African Sax Summit featuring Jackie McLean and Rene McLean with special guests James Moody & Gary Bartz and also featuring: Hotep Idris Galeta, Nat Reeves, Ronnie Burrage, and Okeyrema Asnate. MANENBERG As at the Good Hope Centre, the 'Manenberg' stage will be the Festival's outside stage with standing room for over 5,000 fans. Here is where the large crowd has previously enjoyed the fresh air, occasional windy Cape weather, and plenty of exuberant music from names like Vusi Mahlasela, Sipho Gumede, Loading Zone, Bugge Wesseltoft, John Scofield, Allou April, Pieces of a Dream, Andreas Vollenweider, Pops Mohamed, Busi Mhlongo, Zuco 103, Don Laka, Sylvia Mdunyelwa, and Bill Bruford's Earthworks. The Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band (SBNYJB) is a product of the South African National Youth Jazz Festival, which takes place at the Grahamstown Festival each year, and is sponsored by Standard Bank. And it is this band that has the privilege of opening the Manenberg stage on Saturday night. The crowd on the first night of the festival is in for a wonderful surprise when the Ngcukana Brothers (all of them) take to the 'Manenberg' stage. Next on the 'Manenberg' stage is Dondo, whose name means "Talking Drum", featuring Vusi Khumalo, one of SA's top drummers, and Lawrence Matshiza on guitar. Then it is the turn of the world-famous Japanese alto saxophonist, Sadao Watanabe. For the past 50 years Sadao Watanabe has been touring and gaining new fans all over the world and his appearance at the Festival will definitely add many more to that list. Closing off the first night's bill on the 'Manenberg' stage is Basilio Marquez y Eclipse, Basilio Marquez is Cuba's leading jazz trumpeter, and fans can expect big things from him and his dynamic group, as the recent Eclipse tour to the US in 2003 was an extraordinary success. First up on Sunday night on the 'Manenberg' stage is the Jonny Cooper Big Band with vocalist Donald Tshomela. The Jonny Cooper 19-piece Big Band has become a huge success in South Africa by re-creating the sounds of the Swing era of the 1940's. Then it's the turn of the influential Brazilian group, Azymuth, who are celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2004. Expect to hear their famous "Sambo Doido" (crazy samba). The highly-rated SA jazz vocalist, Gloria Bosman, is next on stage. Gloria has performed live at numerous clubs and festivals throughout the country and has released some beautiful albums including her debut album, 'Tranquillity', which was produced and arranged by pianist Paul Hanmer, and which won her the SAMA for 'Best Newcomer'. Last up on the 'Maneneberg' stage is Hiroshima, the L.A.-based quartet of Dan Kuramoto (keyboards/woodwinds/composer/producer), June Okida Kuramoto (koto), Johnny Mori (taiko drum) and Danny Yamamoto (drums/percussion). BASSLINE The 'Bassline' stage was also known as the "Basement" stage at previous Festivals due to the underground atmosphere and smokey vibe that added to the sounds of exciting new acts with innovative jazz sounds like Herbert, Relax, Zuco 103, Moodphase 5ive, Orishas, Golliwog, Da Lata, Madame Freak, Lebo Mathosa, Tananas, Benguela, Bugge Wesseltoft, and Neo Muyanga. At the 2004 festival, the new 'Bassline' venue will have room for 2,500 fans, both standing and seated, as well as a chill lounge! It is also traditional for a hot, new SA band to open proceedings on the first night on the 'Bassline' stage and this year the honour falls to the very popular Cape Town group, Freshlyground, a seven-piece ensemble with diverse cultural and musical backgrounds as reflected on their big-selling debut album, 'Jika Jika'. Up next is Tasha's World, which features the Rotterdam-born singer, Natascha Slagtand, whose vocal talents have been favourably compared to vocalists like Jill Scott and Erykah Badu. Then it's the opportunity for the new SA group, Tumi & The Volume, to showcase their new-school hip hop, beat poetry and funked-up jazz. This group is currently building a large following in South Africa with their live shows, and 'Live At The Bassline' album. Then it's up to UK artist TY to keep the hip hop mood cooking on the 'Bassline' stage. TY's debut album, 'Awkward', was released to critical acclaim and saw the artist move from an underground MC to an artist who is quickly gaining an international reputation. On Sunday night the 'Bassline' bill begins with vocalist Kabelo, aka Bouga Luv, who was originally a member of the massive SA kwaito group, TKZee, before leaving to pursue his solo career. Then the 'Bassline' stage warmly welcomes Soweto Kinch featuring Abram Wilson. The England-born Soweto Kinch is regarded as one of the most exciting and versatile young musicians to hit the British jazz scene in recent years. Third up on the 'Bassline' stage is Ursula Rucker, the acclaimed US hip hop poetess who performed in South Africa in 2003. Ursula Rucker is currently regarded as one of the premiere spoken word recording artists in the music industry today, and has enchanted critics and fans across the globe with her diverse repertoire, captivating vocals, and accessible poetic verse. Closing off an extremely strong second night bill on the 'Bassline' stage is the SA vocalist known simply as Loyiso. Loyiso (Bala) is a former member of the TKZee family, but is better known as a solo artist who has enjoyed mega hits with the songs 'Musukhukala', 'Give Me The Night' and 'Cappaccino (Sweet Latte)' off his three smash albums: the self-titled 'Loyiso EP', 'Silky Soft Skin', and 'Wine Women and Song'. NEW STAGE For the 2004 festival, the organisers decided to add an extra fifth stage in the new CTICC venue, so that they could invite more artists to the festival, and also give the festival fans a broader choice. This new, as-yet-unnamed auditorium is an all-seater with room for a 600-strong audience. The honour of being the first act on the 5th stage falls to the Cape Town jazz group Breakfast Included. These four young musicians all have either UCT Bachelors or Masters degrees in Jazz and have already played over 500 live performances (and counting) since their debut at the 1999 UCT Jazz Festival. The organisers were thrilled that Soweto Kinch agreed to play a set on both nights of the festival and the UK saxophonist will again perform on the New Stage on Sunday evening, again with New Orleans-born trumpeter Abram Wilson. Then it is a debut Festival appearance on the 5th Stage for Mark Fransman's Strait and Narro featuring Melanie Scholtz. This exciting new Cape Town jazz group boasts an impressive line-up of emerging SA jazz talent. There's the group's leader and composer, Mark Fransman, on keyboards and samples; with Buddy Wells (Tribe) on alto and tenor saxophones; Lee Thomson (Golliwog, Springbok Nude Girls) on trumpet; Sean Ou Tim (Max Normal) on drums and samples; Wesley Rusten (Gramadoelas) on bass; and Melanie Scholtz on vocals and poetry. Top of the Saturday night bill on the 5th Stage is Amanda Sedgwick and Gilbert Matthews featuring Phillip Harper. Saxophonist-composer, Amanda Sedgwick, is one of the younger generation of musicians who have established themselves on the Swedish jazz scene. Gilbert Matthews was born in Cape Town, but was forced to flee to London in 1968 due to the political situation in South Africa. From there he continued to New York and Los Angeles, where he took lessons from, amongst others, Max Roach and Elvin Jones, before playing with artists like Ray Charles and Sarah Vaughn. The word is that this is one of the un-missable acts at the 2004 festival! Opening the Sunday night bill on the 5th Stage is the Daryl Andrews Jazz Band, a 13-piece Latin-Jazz band featuring some of the finest jazz musicians in Cape Town. The second act on the 5th Stage is Raga Afrika, which is not only the first ever collaboration between musicians from India and South Africa, but also the first time that musicians from India will be performing at the Festival. Next to take to the 5th Stage is the Alvin Dyers Quartet featuring Ray Blue. In 2000 Dyers released his popular debut album, 'Wesley Street', which displayed his unique guitar sound that blends elements of Latin, Cape Goema, African and Jazz into a personal signature style. A perfect Festival combination! The final act on the 5th Stage on Sunday night is the Toon Roos Group, featuring the Dutch tenor/soprano saxophonist, composer and Bird Award winner, Toon Roos. Now, do you really think you can afford to miss a Jazz Festival like that?!?! There is a North Sea Jazz Festival 2004 hotline at +27 83-123-JAZZ (or 5299) and line-up updates and other festival info can be found at www.nsjfcapetown.com Ticket prices will be R260 (single day) and R399 (weekend). Tickets, which are selling very fast, are available at Computicket. For more information contact Thompson n Team (TNT) Tel: (021) 465-3314 Fax: (021) 461-3669 or mailto:thompsonnt@xsinet.co.za You can read this release in full at http://www.SAgigs.com --------------------- SPLASHY FEN 2004 - ACTS AND DISCOUNT TICKETS Easter Weekend - Thursday 8 April to Monday 12 April As any festival organiser knows, coming anywhere close to pleasing everybody is harder than locating a few pesky weapons of mass destruction. Doesn't stop them trying though. But if you are part of the less commercially-dispositioned sector, if you like your rock harder and your punk faster, then Splashy Fen 2004 is going to prove your mother wrong. Sometimes you can please everybody. Pay attention. This is your advance warning. Be well rested for Splashy. On Thursday, eat your bananas and start drinking some crazy cane at about five because come Thursday night you are going to need more energy than that damn Duracell bunny. The trinity of El Camino, 16 Stitch and Wickhead are waving the flag high, keeping the future of S.A. rock looking beautiful and menacing. The drummer of El Camino will do his level best to break his drum kit, the boys from 16 Stitch will take what you think you know about the quiet/loud dynamic and kill it all over the stage while Wickhead will do their best to show you really can play incredible songs while at a ninety degree angle to the floor. The only thing that rivals these bands for talent is energy and it's up to every single person in the audience to give the guys a run for their money. Look at it as a 'who's going the most off' competition. But wait. There's more. Because after that's done, and you want to avoid the anti climax that comes after the crazy good bands have finished, you're gonna mosey on over to the marquee for a little taste of what the creative minds behind Durban's hottest hip hop have been conjuring up. Illuminating Shadows, "they got it covered from the smooth to the rugged. When your head starts nodding you'll notice your hip hopping" (Ewok) And when the four boys have got the party started with their beats and rhymes they will very kindly keep you bouncing with a Hip Hop party until the early hours. Pretty good night, even on paper. The main reason why this year's line up is so mental is that there's a beautifully crafted balance between the bands just starting to create swell and the bands we have worshipped on stage before. So on Friday, prepare to be sucked into the whirlpool for punk's youngest giants, Sibling Rivalry, and marvel at the power and sheer enormity of newcomers, Stick Up Kid. And then watch three bands that never fail to deliver less than everything your warped imagination could dream up: The Narrow, Marlowe, and Pestroy have not made it this far, this big, this hard by giving fifty percent. Watch and learn. Or rather, scream and jump. More fun. Splashy Fen 2004 is four crazy nights long. And instead of something for everyone, this year there are many things for everyone. You'll be spoilt for choice. Which is a nice place to be. In a chocolate covered nutshell, there is no better place to be this Easter. Save R70 - Special limited discounted tickets R225.00 valid until sold out. Good news! There are still a few discounted tickets left but you will have to hurry. The festival organisers have released a limited number of discounted tickets to the following outlets: Burn Nightclub Umbilo Rd - Durban Game Stores throughout KZN; Durban City West Street Pavilion Pinetown La Lucia Pietermaritzburg Empangeni Kokstad Newcastle Rythmic Beat Value Centre - Springfield Park Durban Gateway Theatre Of Shopping - Umhlanga Rocks Durban Airport - Domestic Arrivals & Departures Park Meadows (Opposite East Gate) - Gauteng If you purchase a ticket from any of the above Rythmic Beat stores you will qualify for a bonus R50.00 Rythmic Beat voucher on presentation of your ticket at the festival gate - so you save R120.00. The voucher will be for a R50 discount off any purchase of R100 or more - Rythmic Beat Backbeat Promotion. N.U.D. Sports & Saddlery - Underberg 033 701 1096 Major Adventures - Underberg 033 701 1628 Bird in the Barley - Bulwer 039 832 0227 Hibiscus Coast Tourism - Margate 039 312 2322 Computicket If you are unable to purchase discounted tickets from the above outlets or if the tickets are sold out, go to Computicket nationwide - ticket price is R250.00 (valid until the end of March) Splashy Fen Farm Ticket prices at the festival gate: R295.00 per person Sunday 11 April day pass: R150.00 per person (tickets available only at the festival gate and you are allowed to sleep over) Kids 12 and under get in free Visit the website for updates, news, competitions, final programme etc. Tell your friends to join the mailing list. www.splashyfen.co.za -------------- CHARTS 
SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com 1. [1] (1) Gangsta - The Rudimentals ('More Fire'/Indie) 2. [6] (2) Saad van 'n Psigopaat - Abel Kraamsaal ('Woorde Op 'n Wynboks'/Indie) 3. [10] (3) Gimme Da Weed - Chronic Clan ('African Dope Sound System'/African Dope) 4. [9] (4) Die Ding Ruk Mal - Kallitz (Mothermix) 5. [8] (5) Gravity - James Stewart (Street Level) 6. [11] (6) FCK - Teba ('Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions'/African Dope) 7. [4] (4) Close To Me - Six Of Nine (Indie) 8. [3] (1) Met My Stukkende Kitaar - Koos Kombuis & Valiant Swart (''n Jaar In Die Son'/Rhythm/Bowline) 9. [2] (2) To Confide In - Lazarus ('Parallax View'/Indie) 10. [5] (1) Lovesong - The Dollyrockers ('The Heat'/Indie) 11. [13] (11) Parallel - Saturnine ('Silence Is Deafening'/Wicked Rock) 12. [17] (12) Diengele - Kalahari Surfers ('Muti Media'/African Dope) 13. [7] (2) The Countdown - Bluescream ('Bluescream'/Indie) 14. [12] (1) Fokofpolisiekar - Fokofpolisiekar (SAmp3.com/Rhythm/Bowline] 15. [16] (15) Musical Chairs - Serving Suggestion ('Try Whistling This'/Indie) 16. [21] (16) Vier by Vier en Visvang - Blomkrag ('Boere Country'/Indie) 17. [20] (17) Gone Away - Sam Paddock (Indie) 18. [15] (18) Living As Numbers - Zero Tolerance ('A Perfect Life?'/Indie) 19. [22] (19) Long Riders Of Nam - Brian Finch ('Never Look Back'/Indie) 20. [23] (20) Something In My Eye - Boulevard Blues Band ('Tassenberg All*Stars 4'/Trippy Grape) 21. [28] (21) Snakes And Ladders - Evolver ('Evolver' EP/Indie) 22. [19) (3) Let's Get Naked - Evolver ('Evolver' EP/Indie) 23. [24] (23) Don't Walk Away - Larry Amos ('Going Up'/Indie) 24. [26] (24) Georgia - Sitter (Wicked Rock) 25. [18] (1) Sobriety Friend - Old Mol ('Rock The Bedsprings'/Legend) 26. [RE] (1) Miles - Moodphase 5ive ('Steady On'/African Dope) 27. [14] (2) Blah Di Blah - Drop Dead Gorgeous ('Melt with Me'/Indie) 28. [-] (28) Drowsy Maggie - DNA Strings ('DNA Strings'/Afrimusik) 29. [27] (7) Step Outside - Luna ('Luna'/Indie) 30. [25] (16) Bliss - Toyland ('With Every Breath'/Witchdoctor Records) Download South African MP3s at http://www.samp3.com ---------------------------- SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [2] (1) As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand - Fokofpolisiekar (Rhythm/Bowline) 2. [2] (2) Muti Media - Kalahari Surfers (African Dope) 3. [4] (3) Africa She Too Can Cry - Hawk (RetroFresh) 4. [6] (4) Boerecountry - Blomkrag (Indie) 5. [5] (1) The Heat - Dollyrockers (Indie) 6. [8] (6) I-Ternal Fire - Lions Of Zion (Indie) 7. [3] (1) Humanarium - Bed On Bricks (Indie) 8. [7] (1) More Fire - The Rudimentals (Indie) 9. [10] (9) Never Look Back - Brian Finch (Indie) 10. [14] (10) True North - Spoonfeedas (Sesalos) 11. [13] (2) Sui - Benguela (Open Record) 12. [12] (1) African Dope Sound System - Various (African Dope) 13. [9] (3) 21 Gunslut - Soulja (Indie) 14. [15] (14) A Definition - Chiaroscuro (Indie) 15. [22] (15) Dissolve In The Sun - Wendy New (Indie) 16. [17] (1) Steady On - Moodphase 5ive (African Dope) 17. [11] (1) 'n Jaar In Die Son - Koos Kombuis & Valiant Swart (Rhythm/Bowline) 18. [16] (16) High Society presents: 14 Steps towards Self Actualisation - Daniel Friedman (Independent) 19. [25] (19) Moving - 340ml (Indie) 20. [19] (8) Naked EP - Hog Hoggidy Hog (3 Chord Records) 21. [18] (8) With Every Breath - Toyland (Witchdoctor) 22. [21] (1) Rock The Bedsprings - Old Mol (Legend) 23. [20] (4) Luna - Luna (Indie) 24. [24] (1) Jika Jika - freshlyground (Freeground) 25. [23] (3) Power - Tribe After Tribe (RetroFresh) 26. [26] (2) Perelsvoordieswyne - Best Of - Johannes Kerkorrel (Gallo) 27. [-] (27) Big Red (Songs From 'Going Nowhere Slowly') - Various (Ripchord) 28. [27] (2) Hello Crazy World - Prime Circle (David Gresham Records) 29. [29] (1) Die Mamba - Piet Botha (Rhythm) 30. [28] (7) Flat To Round - David Foster (Rhythm/Bowline) MP3s by all these artists are available to download at http://www.samp3.com Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za More info on all these artists at: SA Rock Legends The hosting of MP3s on the SA Rock Digest website is thanks to the Future Perfect Corporation http://www.futureperfectcorporation.com Building online communities to make the future perfect Chart statistics at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts New Releases
MP3's: SPOTLIGHT ON: INTERVENTION ARTS Intervention Arts is South Africa's top Alternative Music record company, dealing primarily, but not exclusively, with Alternative and Fringe genre music as well as quality Pop and Rock. Intervention Arts acts primarily as a record label, with the distribution of their product being handled by various independent distributors across the world. Here are some of the Intervention Art-ists that can be heard at SAmp3.com... 'Almost Wide Open' - PetFlyz 'The Banded' - The Narrow 'Dreams In Fire' - The Awakening 'Eyes - Silex' 'Goeienag Generaal' (Live) - Jack Hammer 'Gracious Creature' - The Narrow 'The Maker' - The Awakening 'Martyr' - The Awakening 'One More Day' - PetFlyz 'Past Idol' - The Awakening 'Promised The World' - The Narrow 'She Says' - Cutting Jade 'Stained' - Ashton Nyte 'Today' - Four Ounce Freedom 'Vampyre Girl' - The Awakening 'The Voice' - Silex Intervention Arts CDs are available online from One World and at Mabu Vinyl & CD in Cape Town (021-4237635) -------------- All the mp3s listed above are available to download at http://www.SAmp3.com - the biggest South African mp3 website in the world. --------------- SEARCH FOR MP3's Use the SAmp3.com onboard search engine, powered by Google, to search for mp3s on SAmp3.com. ----------------- Email your MP3 reviews to editor@sarockdigest.com All the full-length mp3s are available for free download at http://www.SAmp3.com by kind permission of the artists and/or their labels. ---------------------------- CELEB-SELECT: BARNEY SIMON This is a new series in which we ask some of our SA music luminaries to send us a list of their own, favourite SA songs. This week, we hear from the man who has heard them all, 5fm DJ, Barney Simon: [Cue soundbyte of Neil from The Young Ones yelling: "Hey everyone, he's coming through the door!"} Hi, Here we go........ My Top 10 SA songs of all time: 1. No Friends Of Harry - 'Competition Rules' 2. The Asylum Kids - 'Schoolboy' 3. The Dynamics - 'Thugs' 4. Springbok Nude Girls - 'Bubblegum On My Boots' 5. Saron Gas/Seether - '69 Tea' 6. Psycho Reptiles - 'Monster From The Bog' 7. Radio Rats - 'ZX Dan' 8. Koos Kombuis - 'Lisa se Klavier' 9. éVoid - 'Shadows' 10. Johannes Kerkorrel - 'Hillbrow' Keep it loud! Barney ---------------------------- NEW CD's: '46664' THE CD'S AND DVD The three '46664' CD's, which are about to be launched, showcase over 40 songs from that historic concert in Cape Town by more than 30 international artists and include many unique and exclusive artist collaborations, as well as original compositions written and performed by- amongst others- Bono, Brian May, Dave Stewart, Roger Taylor and Ms Dynamite. The albums - entitled '46664 Part 1: African Prayer', '46664 Part 2: Long Walk to Freedom' and '46664 Part 3: Amandla' - feature artists such as Anastacia, Baaba Maal, Beyoncé, Bob Geldof, Bongo Maffin, The Corrs, Danny K, Eurythmics, Jimmy Cliff, Johnny Clegg, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ms Dynamite, Peter Gabriel, Queen, Soweto Gospel Choir, Youssou N'Dour & Yusuf Islam. The double DVD features the entire 4˝ hour concert together with a wealth of behind-the-scenes footage including a documentary of the making of the concert, artist interviews, statements by world leaders, 12 one-minute videos by some of the world's leading contemporary visual artists and Mr Mandela's dramatic entrance and powerful, uplifting and challenging address. CD1 - Part 1: 'African Prayer' - tracklisting: Beyoncé - Crazy in Love (46664 version) Bob Geldof - Speech Bob Geldof - Redemption Song Queen, David A Stewart - Say It's Not True Paul Oakenfold/Shifty Shellshock and TC - Starry Eyed Surprise Paul Oakenfold/Shifty Shellshock and TC - with Amampondo Drummers - Ready Steady Go Baaba Maal - Baayo Baaba Maal - Njilou Youssou N'Dour - Africa Dream Again Yusuf Islam, Peter Gabriel - Wild World Peter Gabriel, Youssou N'Dour, Angelique Kidjo - In Your Eyes Peter Gabriel - Biko Bono, The Edge, Beyoncé, David A Stewart - American Prayer CD2 - Part 2: 'Long Walk To Freedom' tracklisting: Bono, The Edge, David A Stewart, Youssou N'Dour, Abdel Wright - 46664 (Long Walk to Freedom) Nelson Mandela - Speech Queen - Invincible Hope / 46664 - The Call/The Show Must Go On Angelique Kidjo - Afrika Yvonne Chaka Chaka - Umquombothi Bongo Maffin - The Way Johnny Clegg and guests - Asimbonanga Johnny Clegg, Jimmy Cliff - People Jimmy Cliff - Many Rivers To Cross Jimmy Cliff - I Can See Clearly Now The Corrs - Breathless The Corrs, Roger Taylor - Toss The Feathers Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Corrs - Leliungelo Elakho Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Homeless Andrea Corr, Brian May - Is This The World We Created? CD3 - Part 3: 'Amandla' tracklisting: Eurythmics - Here Comes The Rain Again Eurythmics, Youssou N'Dour - 7 Seconds Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) Abdel Wright - Loose We Now Ms Dynamite - Don't Throw Your Life Away Danny K - Hurts So Bad Bob Geldof - The Great Song Of Indifference Bob Geldof - (What So Funny 'bout) Peace, Love and Understanding Watershed - Indigo Girl Bono, The Edge - One / Unchained Melody Anastacia, Bono, David A Stewart, Queen, Andrews Bonsu - Amandla Queen, Zucchero, Thandiswa Mazwai - Medley (Bohemian Rhapsody / I Want It All / I Want To Break Free / Radio Ga Ga) Queen, Anastacia, Amampondo Drummers - We Will Rock You Queen, Anastacia and Cast - We Are The Champions Soweto Gospel Choir, Cast - 46664 Chant --------------------- MORE ON THE BAND O' GYPSYS If someone were to ask me to describe the Band O' Gypsys in one word, it would have to be "Staunch"! Not just for the homegrown, roots lead guitar riffs that theyąre so well known for, but also for the depths of dedication and commitment to carry on through all the ups and downs of everyday life. A very memorable highlight for the band was opening for Uriah Heep & Deep Purple in Cape Town in 1995. The band has, in recent times, gravitated to a mainline of biker-orientated gigs, rallies and day jols. This in turn has opened up a whole new bunch of doors and avenues, in gigs as well as creativity and freedom to explore. Also a much-honoured acceptance in the biking fraternity can only be a good thing for us all - and this is a better opportunity to thank all the clubs & individuals (u know who u are!) for their staunch support in all aspects of this journeyą. (Refer to 'Biker Lifestyle' & 'Bike SA' mags for biking events calendars) Great and many are the family, friendship and support circle of the Gypsys'. Band members, roadies and just plain hardcore supporters have come and gone, usually to return to the magic at some point! Some no longer walk this earth with us, but are always remembered, others blown to distant shores, all have had some influence and contributed to the "druidąs potion" that fires what is "Gypsy" today. Brewed with time, love, patience and the unyielding will of original lead guitarist Peter Pulvenis and his wife Lyn, the Band O' Gypsys have in their own magical style, influenced and stirred the deepest emotions in fans countrywide. From toddlers to hardened veterans - some now with hearing impediments! This is still the longest-running, currently operating rock band in the history of SA music and the sun is nowhere near ready to set on this scene. So ready or not, 'I Want You To Know', the second Gypsy compilation, engineered and recorded with love and dedication by Leon Erasmus, is here in the flesh!! The launch, as mentioned previously, was at the Horror Cafe, which is near the new Mandela Bridge in Newtown Precinct, Jo'burg. On this album, the "Gypsys" have ventured into new territory by including three acoustic tracks as well as three collaborations with young up-and-coming guest vocalists: They are Vocals & Lyrics on 'Purple Haze' by Ndox Vocals & Lyrics on 'In My Back Room (Nothing On Me)' by Will McCabe (Morning Haze) Vocals & Lyrics on 'Sea Horse Remix' by Amandla Bangeni The album's full tracklisting is: 1. I Don't Know Why 4:53 2. Rollin' Stone 3:15 3. Foxy Lady 2:29 (Hendrix) 4. I Want You To Know 4:13 5. My House 3:23 6. Sea Horse 4:55 7. White Coupé 3:35 8. In My Back Room 4:29 9. Gypsy Stomp 3:09 10. Waitin' On The Corner 4:32 11. Hole In My Head 3:49 12. Purple Haze 3:10 (Hendrix) 13. In My Back Room/Nothing On Me 4:26 14. Sea Horse Remix 4:56 The band's line-up is as follows: Lead, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitars & Vocals: Peter Pulvenis Acoustic & Rhythm Guitar: Gary Fulton Drums, Percussion & Vocals: Benny Pulvenis Bass: Robbie Sanna For those about to rock - Gypsy salute u! -------------------------- SPOTLIGHT ON: NIANELL "FIERY-HAIRED AND ANGEL-TONGUED" With Africa having been duly placed on the entertainment industry map at this year's Academy Awards, the world has been provided with irrefutable evidence that the creative talent that our continent has to offer is indeed a world-class force to be reckoned with. But this is not the first time that an African entertainer's creations have been appropriately appreciated and celebrated in the international arena. 'Who Painted the Moon?', the album from Namibian-born singer-songwriter Nianell, has been playlisted on scores of Adult Contemporary radio stations in the US and Canada. The album has also produced five Top 20 radio hits in South Africa ('Have Faith', 'Isn't It?', 'As One', 'Just for Tonight', and 'Who Painted the Moon?'); and the title track has been covered by international singer Hayley Westerna on her album, 'Pure', which has sold over 1.2 million copies so far. With the recent release of her new album, 'Angel Tongue', it is clear that this captivating artist has a lot more intriguing music to offer Africa and the rest of the world. Nianell was born between the urban sprawl of Windhoek and Swakopmund, in the tiny little Namibian town of Omaruru. She grew up in the capital city Windhoek, and after school, she majored in music at Pretoria Technikon earning a diploma in light music. She has also studied music through London's Trinity College. Her rich, 3-and-a-half octave vocal range ensured that she was awarded numerous musical accolades, including the prestigious Crescendo prize for tone-setting, and she has performed in Ireland, Belgium, Germany, Latvia and France. Falling outside the boundaries of mainstream pop or rock, Nianell's music is difficult to categorise. There are elements of folk, pop, R&B, country, classical and even Celtic, all fused into her own personal and unique style. 'Angel Tongue' continues the diverse musical journey started on 'Who Painted the Moon?'; from the R&B/Pop-inflected groove of the first single 'Life' (currently playlisted on every station) through the country-tinged heartache of 'Running So Long' and 'A Real Strong Man', to the inspirational 'We`ll Find a Way', its clear to the listener that Nianell has raised the bar more than a few notches. Her songwriting has matured dramatically, incorporating stronger hooks and melodies. Likewise, vocally, she has extended both her range and delivery, as evidenced on 'It`s So Absurd'. Other highlights include the achingly beautiful 'How Many Times' which explores the complexities of both love and the human psyche and the stomping blues shouter 'Monday', recorded live on tour. Nianell writes and composes all her own music and plays the piano and the acoustic guitar. She was nominated for a SAMA award in 2002 in the "Best Adult Contemporary Album - English" category. Five songs from 'Who Painted the Moon?' have been playlisted on almost every radio station in South Africa and Namibia. In a world of popular music where music, artists and songs seem to blend into a never-ending cycle of grey soundalikes, it`s refreshing to know that there are artists who still blaze new diverse musical frontiers, holding true to the spirit of artistic independence and passion for the music. With 'Angel Tongue' Nianell takes a bold step into the future and with her songs and talent reaches out to music lovers worldwide. READ LISTEN BUY http://www.freshmusic.co.za -------------- OFF THE EDGE - 'SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION' The long-awaited follow-up to 2002's 'Unfinished Business' by Off The Edge is now available. This new CD is titled 'Site Under Construction', which is very appropriate, as Off The Edge is not really a gigging band and sell most of their CD's online through their own website and the One World online music store (and mostly overseas to fans as far away as Germany and Japan). Off The Edge celebrated their 20th anniversary last year and founder member Peter Hanmer brought original keyboardist Dave Sharp (also known for his work with 80's band Feather Control) back into the fold. Due to geographical differences, another founder and long-time member, bassist Tony Groenewald, was not able to be involved with this lastest project. After 3 albums with a female-led rock sound, 'Site Under Construction' goes back to Off The Edge's roots by bringing in a male voice. And what a voice! Clint Cunningham comes from the '80's School of Rock {sorry, that term is now copyrighted - ed.} vocalists and has been likened to David Coverdale, but on the ballads he sounds more like Jackson Browne. Sherry Lee Jones from Peter Hanmer's 'Age Of Innocence' side-project provides beautiful backing vocals through-out. The songs range in style from guitar and keyboard work-outs ('Everything Goes', featuring Sharp on an original Hammond C3 and alto sax) to rock ballads ('Rock Bottom' and 'Written In The Sand') and crunching rock sounds (The title track and 'Off The Edge', re-recorded here, after appearing on the first Off The Edge album in 1983). Another constant factor with Off The Edge is their superb album covers created by Mark Raats and this one is no exception. The CD cover graphic art is really stunning and all the lyrics are included in the 6-page booklet. Off The Edge fans (and there are lot of them) will love this album, and fans of well-produced Melodic Rock and Nu-Prog will find a lot to like here. Highly recommended. READ LISTEN BUY http://www.cd.co.za/offtheedge ---------------------------- ONE WORLD - FEBRUARY RELEASES Here are some of the February New Releases - now available from http://www.oneworld.co.za Also, check out our special offer on the 'Urban' book series, and consider the new range of EMI Box Sets, offering 3 CD's at a reduced price. ------- SPECIAL OFFERS: BOOKS: 'URBAN' '01, '02 and '03 - Various New SA Writers One World, in association with New Africa Books, is currently offering a limited special on all three in the 'Urban' books series. The 'Urban' anthology of new writing was initially conceived and edited by Dave Chislett as new short story collections for new writers, and was later embraced by New Africa Books who began publishing an annual collection under its Spearhead imprint in 2001. You can now buy copies of 'Urban '01', 'Urban '02', and 'Urban '03' at a special price of R249.99, a saving of R25. Purchasers will only pay one shipping charge for all three books if you choose the special offer. 3-IN-1 CD BOX SETS: Rebecca - 3 In 1 SA's top Gospel artist - Includes the albums: 'Umoya Wam' and 'Ngiyekeleni' Amadodana Ase Wesile - 3 In 1 Includes the albums: 'Thixo Ulilanga Lethu', 'Ngeloxa Lokushiywa', and 'Jesu O Tsohile' Pure Magic - 3 In 1 Includes the albums: 'Thul' Ulalele', 'We Bathandwa', and 'Njalo' Lord Comforters - 3 In 1 Includes the albums: 'Konke - feat Njengoko Ndinjalo', 'Ubukhulu Bakho', and 'Hallelujah' Alexandra Brass Band - 3 In 1 Includes the albums: 'Gumba 1', 'Diphala Vol 1', and 'Diphala Vol 2' Solly Moholo - 3 In 1 Includes the albums: 'Motlhang Ke Kolobetswang "Die Poppe Sal Dans"', 'Ba Mmitsa Tsotsi feat Charles Damsey Wa Lengagele', and 'Ranta E Wele' NEW CD RELEASES: Jazz: Van Zyl, Van Der Spuy & Vennote - 'Hadeda' A flight of musical fantasy from Barry van Zyl and Nibs van der Spuy - also featuring the likes of Shawn Phillips, Neo Muyanga, Laurinda Hofmeyer, Concord Nkabinde, and Jana Cilliers Victor Ntoni - 'Heritage' He is a Berkeley College of Music student, a music teacher, a music conductor, an upright bass maestro, and here Victor Ntoni shows off his musical skills backed by the Heritage band with Pat Matshikiza, Linda Kekana, and Lucas Senyatso. Pop & Rock: Just Jinger - 'Bootleg Album' Something very different from SA's best-selling pop-rock group. The Parlotones - 'Episoda' One of the most anticipated SA debut albums of 2004 Soulja - '21Gunslut' Tough but tuneful debut from Cape Town rockers, includes 'Plan My Attack' and 'War/No More Trouble'. Dawnay - '2nd Coming' New selection of soul-based pop to follow up on his successful debut. Township Pop: Miriam Makeba - 'Reflections' A powerful parade of the many hits that reflect Mama Africa's musical journey, with 'Pata-Pata', 'The Click Song', 'Iyaguduza', 'I Shall Sing' and plenty more. Tsepo Tshola & Sankomota - 'Best Of' A wonderful mixed bag from these Lesotho music legends. Mzwakhe Mbuli - 'All The Hits' The "Peoples Poet's" controversial imprisonment is now over and here's a selection of the songs that made him famous, with four new tracks. Stimela - 'Trouble In The Land Of Plenty' A sure-fire hit album and the only title that has been missing from our catalogue. Includes the hit 'What's Going On (Trouble In The Land Of Plenty)' Malaika - 'Malaika' An Afro-fusion band with a mixture of all traditional African Sounds, an all-round great album. Paul Ndlovu - 'Greatest Hits' The late Paul Ndlovu with his most unforgettable moments including 'Game No 1' and 'Tsakane' Gospel: Various Artists - 'Gospel Grooves Volume 3' The next in the very successful compilation series, featuring artists like Brenda, Chiskop, Spokes H, and Rebecca. Sipho Makhabane - 'Nkosi Ngibheke' With a steady and growing following, Sipho now releases his 4th album. Winnie Mashabe - 'Bonang Lerato' The follow-up to the 'Motswale' album, contains 12 tracks and some sure-fire hits. Vuma Mazibuko - 'Ngena Kimi Moya' The debut album from this very promising gospel artist. Kwaito: 24-7 - 'Phushang Phushang' A SoulCandi and Sheer production featuring a duo who have it all to make it big including some seriously catchy tunes. Dance/Elecronica: Brotherman & Groove Assassins - 'The Universal Energy That Is Groove' Plenty of funky beats and breaks for chilling or for dancing Traditional: Mahotella Queens - 'Bazobuya' Mahlathini may have passed on, but these three famous ladies are proudly continuing their musical tradition. Various Artists - 'We Are Growing' A melting pot of SA music, from some better-known hits to more traditional music. Izingane Zoma - 'Itshe Lentaba' A group with a tradition of fine albums and well-earned success. Izingane Amakhosi - 'Umkhuba Ulay'khaya' A newish maskandi group from KZN who had their album produced by Khuzwayo, who has also produced Amatshitshi Amhlope. Amatshitshi Amhlope - 'Ufile Umuntu' Following their hit album, 'Isisho Sabadala', it has been one hit album after another for this excellent traditional outfit. King Star Brothers - 'Babili Bathathu' An a Capella group that can be compared to the Kings Messengers Quartet from the '60's. Reggae: The Rudimentals - 'More Fire' Debut album from the very popular Cape Town Ska-punk group, includes 'Gangsta' and 'Noh TV'. Instrumental: DNA Strings - 'El Nino' New 11-track album from the popular instrumental group from Stellenbosch. Afrikaans: Jan Blohm - 'Melkstraat Confessions' A lovely album filled with strong songs and emotional lyrics International: Stef Bos - 'Donker En Licht' (2CD) New album from the Belgian singer-songwriter, who has a long-standing South African following. -------------- ONE WORLD http://www.oneworld.co.za Selling South African Music To The World -------------- MORE REVIEWS More reviews can be found at: Open Record http://www.openrecord.co.za Amuzine http://www.cd.co.za/reviews.htm -------------- CLASSIC SA ROCK:
Kurt Shoemaker (Texas), John Samson (London), Tertius Louw, and Brian Currin browse through the best of SA rock - its history, its people, and its music, past, and present. USA FOR AFRICA - Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music. TREVOR RABIN -- 'FACE TO FACE' - ONE WAY RECORDS OW 33659 I'll skip Trevor Rabin's biographical stuff like his being in the South African superstar band Rabbitt, reviving Yes's career and writing their big single, 'Owner of a Lonely Heart', and, for some years now, creating soundtracks for major American movies such as 'Gone in 60 Seconds', because between Rabbitt and rich success are three solo records. 'Face to Face', Rabin's second solo release, is more than Rabbitt, Part II--and even though I'm not a screaming teenaged girl who came to the rock show to see the face gods, I enjoy Rabbitt immensely as a listener who enjoys the clear singing and harmonies, and Trevor's guitar work. But because the songs on 'Face to Face' are sung by Rabbitt's lead singer, some similarity to Rabbitt's sound is... gratefully accepted. Imagine a giant rock Rabbitt with a harder sound and a wilder cutting-loose lead guitar and you're imagining 'Face to Face'. The album is produced and arranged by Trevor Rabin. Trevor Rabin plays lead guitars, keyboards, and bass. All songs are written by Trevor Rabin. But this is not quite as solo an album as McCartney's first two outings because Kevin Kruger (a familiar name, no?) and Dave Mattacks handle the drums and percussion, René Arnell accompanies Trevor on the background vocals, and some other guys help on the technical side of the glass. The opening track's dominant electric saw-sounding guitar playing chunky opening arena rock chords sounded late-Seventies, and sure enough, it's a 1980 release--but not dated. I spin it with pleasure. Some songs are only light and pleasant, 'Old Enough (to Make You a Woman)' for example, but even these are decorated with scintillating guitars, meaningful solos, and rocking creative variety that tell me Trevor isn't just making songs, he is creating them. That's the difference between a journeyman and a craftsman. 'Face to Face' is mostly sharp rock with a couple of slower numbers, but Rabin is not content with ordinary--his arrangements are more complicated than one might expect on a slick-appearing rock product. There are no dogs here, and the tunes that insist on attention are the louder, more energetic numbers such as 'I'll Take the Weight', 'You', 'Now', 'The Ripper', the Dingley-esque 'Candy Bar', and 'Always the Last One' for a big finish. Clever guitars, varied arrangements, and Rabin's distinctive clear tenor that delivers emotion and sincerity, all make for a memorable rock record--and explain why Trevor caught the ear of Chris Squire's of Yes. The CD's liner notes are sparse, just what one would get on an LP jacket--just two pictures, track listing, musicians' credits. But the songs are why we bought our ticket to Trevor's rock show. TREVOR RABIN FAMILY TREE http://www.rock.co.za/files/trevor_rabin_tree.html Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas ---------------------------- A NAARTJIE IN THE UK - London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music: 'SHATTERED' - FALLING MIRROR 
ANITUK: Hello and welcome to A Naartjie In The UK. My guest on today's
review is 'Shattered' by Falling Mirror, hello 'Shattered' and welcome to
the review.
Shattered: Thank you it's good to be here. ANITUK: A lot has been made about how much of the characteristics of your older siblings you display, tell us a bit about that. Shattered: Yes, there certainly is a lot of my older brothers in me, but I am not ashamed about that, I like to think that I display the best of what 'Zen', 'Loft', 'Fantasy' and 'Johnny' had to offer, but there is also part of me that uniquely me. ANITUK: That would be 'Louise The Astronaut' and 'Let's Paint The House Pink'. What's it like being having an Astronaut in the family. Shattered: Well a number of people have commented that the family are a bit spaced out. ANITUK: Going back to 'Johnny', now he seems to be alive and well, appearing on the radio quite a bit still. Shattered: Oh yes 'Johnny' is nie dood nie, although I do worry about his involvement with 'Granny'. ANITUK: I wasn't going to bring up the subject but there is a bit of a Ma Baker-ness about your Nan. Shattered: Yeah Nan is a wild one, but she knows how to rock. People tend to forget though that she's not the only thief in the family, Time is also a thief. ANITUK: Well we've just got time for a question from the audience, yes you staring at the computer screen. AUDIENCE: I would just like to know if 'Shattered' or any of his family are easily bought. ANITUK: Well 'Shattered', a rather cynical question - Can you be bought? Shattered: Ha ha, very cynical indeed, I think most of us can be bought. I would say that 'Zen', 'Loft' and 'Johnny' are more easily bought than me, but I would have to admit that if the price is right then yes I can be bought. ANITUK: Well that's all we have time for, I'd like to thank my guest 'Shattered' by Falling Mirror, and ask that you tune in next week when my guest will be 'Dorpstraat Revisited' by Valiant Swart. Until then Goodbye. READ http://www.rock.co.za/fallingmirror LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com BUY (Shattered) http://sugarmusic.gemm.com BUY (Other Falling Mirror CDs) http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=mirror John Samson, London ---------------------------- * CHART CHAT: John Samson takes a weekly look at the the SA pop charts from 20, 25, 30 and 35 years ago this week. Tommy James spent a 4th week at the top in 1969, beating off the challenge from Tommy Roe who dropped from 2 to 3. 'What Am I Living For' was Percy Sledge's second top 20 hit in the year, but the first to go top 5. None of the 8 Sledge songs that made the SA top 20 made the US or UK charts. 'Fox On The Run' had been Manfred Mann's 15th entry in the UK charts, and was now a top 5 hit in SA. 'Little Jimmy''s stay at the top was short lived, spending only a week there. It was replaced by the previous number 1, 'If You Need Me' by After All. Love Unlimited was making a strong challenge for the top, while Crocodile Harris was lurking just outside the top 5 with 'Miss Eva Goodnight' at number 6. 1979 saw Chic's 'Le Freak' enjoying a second week at the top and the next 3 also not moving. Julie Covington moved back into the top 5 after having dropped to number 7 the previous week. Lower down the charts, Clout's 'Save Me' was debuting at number 19. There was no shifting UB40 from the top in 1984 as their cover of the Neil Diamond song enjoyed its 6th week there. With 'Reggae Nights' at 2 and 'Sunshine Reggae' at number 5, it seemed that SA had gone crazy for the West Indian export (no not that one). Even Culture Club's 'Karma Chameleon' with its reference to red, gold and green added to the reggae-ness of the chart. South African's at number 1 this week: Love Is A Beautiful Song - Dave Mills (1970) Let Me Into Your Life - Flood (1976) South African New Entries this week 29-Mar-74 Hurry On Home - Maria 29-Mar-80 Shake Your Body - Plastik Mak 30-Mar-79 Save Me - Clout 30-Mar-79 Little Rosa - Tommy Dell 01-Apr-77 Who's Gonna Tie My Shoes - Barbara Ray 02-Apr-71 Vicki - Lance James 03-Apr-82 You Stood By Me - Alan Garrity 04-Apr-87 Caravan Of Love - Lovemasters John Samson ---------------------------- BIRTHDAYS March 30 - Eric Clapton (1945) March 31 - Mick Ralphs (1944), Mott The Hoople; Bad Company March 31 - Angus Young (1959), AC/DC April 2 - Marvin Gaye (born Marvin Pentz Gay jr, died 1 April 1984) April 4 - Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield in 1913, died 30 April 1983) April 4 - Hugh Masekela (1939) April 6 - Larry Amos (1952), Baxtop April 7 - Mike McCully (1947), McCully Workshop April 7 - Janis Ian (born Janis Eddy Fink, 1951) April 8 - Ken E Henson (1947), Freedoms Children; Abstract Truth; Finch & Henson April 8 - Steve Howe (1947), Yes; GTR; Asia April 8 - Julian Lennon (1963, some sources say 8 August, but April is correct) April 9 - Carl Perkins (1932, died 19 January 1998) April 12 - Neville Whitmill (1942, died 1998), The Settlers; The Square Set April 14 - Ritchie Blackmore (1945), Deep Purple; Rainbow; Blackmore's Night April 21 - Iggy Pop (aka Iggy Stooge, born James Jewel Osterburg in 1947) April 22 - Peter Frampton (1950) April 23 - Roy Orbison (1936, died 7 December 1988) April 29 - Una Valli (1950) If you info on any South African artists dates of birth, please send them to brian@rock.co.za
SOUND SOLUTIONS A Reader's Forum: This is a selection of the email requests, questions, searches, and other pieces of random info we receive each week at the Digest. Sometimes we can assist, other times we look to you, our collectively well-informed readers to contact these writers and help out as well. Thanks if you do....! Send all letters, short contributions, small band-ads, musical questions and other snippets to: soundsolutions@sarockdigest.com ---------------------------- AFRIKAANS ROCK IN DURBS? Hi, Just want to know when guys like Piet Botha and Valiant will ever come to Durban? I've lived in Pretoria and Cape Town and I can honestly say there is very little live gigs happening in Durbs, especially Afrikaans events. Even though it's mostly an English area I reckon an Afrikaans event will go down well. Hugo ------------------ ANYTHING BY MCCULLY Hi, Very desperate to buy anything by McCully Workshop pre-1980's... Please respond, still South African at heart!!! Many thanks DJ Mailto:dj@partisan64.freeserve.co.uk Ed. - The first McCully Workshop album is available on CD from http://sugarmusic.gemm.com ------------------- A BUBBLEGUM COLLECTOR Hello, For years I´ve been collecting bubblegum music from all over the world. Is it possible for you to help me find these two compilations from South Africa? 'Bubblegum Music Is The Naked Truth Vol': Buddah Records, GHS 500, 1969 'Bubblegum Music Is The Naked Truth Vol 2': Buddah Records, GHS 502, 1969 Hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes from Germany Manfred Gesch Mailto:gesch@surfeu.de Ed. - the "bubblegum" music referred to here is the pop music from the late '60's and early '70's, like The Archies and the 1910 Fruitgum Company, not the South African township pop popularized in the '80's & '90's by the Soul Brothers, Brenda Fassie, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and many others. Tertius Louw has compiled a webpage of South African pressings of Bubblegum Music at: http://www.rock.co.za/files/bubblegum_one_index.htm --------------------- WATCH THIS IDOL! Hi, v I'm writing about Jacques Terre'Blanche, who took 3rd place in the SA Idols II competition in 2003. All too often he is mistaken for just another pretty face. Just take a moment to stop, listen and know that this young man has a voice which is going to surprise you in more ways than one. If you haven't seen him on any of the television shows and/or attended any of his live shows as yet, then I would advise you to make a point of doing so. You may be getting misled by the magazine coverage where they mostly take time to talk about his looks, etc. instead of informing you of his jazz and other musical abilities. To join his fanmail group and keep up with what is happening in his life at present just join by going into: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jacquesforever or writing to and supplying all your contact details to ensure that you will be on his fanmail Newsletter list: Jacques E Terre'Blanche Postnet Suite 433 Private Bag 15 Somerset West 7129 Should snail mail not be your idea of fun, then just write to brettmo@iafrica.com Yours in SA music forever Maureen Dugmore Tel: +27 (0)21 674-2949 Mobile: +27 (0)82-787-2176 --------------------- OZ DJ Hi, My name is Les Maygar, and I live in central Victoria, Australia. I present a 50's rock 'n' roll show on 3ccc community radio every Saturday night. I originally subscribed to your newsletter, in the hope that I might learn more about, the rock 'n roll scene in South Africa, particularly in the 50' & early 60's. That is before the Beatles. If you can help me in this regard please email me. Thanks Les Mailto:jmaygar@vtown.com.au Ed. - Visit the SA Rock Encyclopedia at http://www.rock.co.za and you will find a huge archive of SA rock and pop from the '50's and '60's compiled by Tertius Louw. --------------------- POWER TO THE PURPLE Hi, I've been told that Ian Gillan was not the vocalist on 'Hush' - is this true and if so who sang the song? Thanks, Richard Ed. - Rod Evans was the vocalist on this cover of a Joe South-penned song, which was released in September 1968. Deep Purple did re-record this song in 1988 with Ian Gillan on vocals and it is in the set list on their current world tour. Yes, they are still going strong, though drummer Ian Paice is the only original member left after Jon Lord retired a couple of years ago. More info about 'Hush' here... http://www.thehighwaystar.com/rosas/discog/dpcovered.html DEEP PURPLE WEB INDEX http://www.deeppurple.co.za ------------------------ MORE SPIKE Hi there Does anyone know the song that goes like this "Yengtang Yengtang Yengtang ...."? Thats all I know of it. Do you know who sings it? And also do anyone knows where to get LP's CD's of Letta Mbulu? What happened to her? Thanks Kobus Ed. - That song is called 'The Ying Tong Song' and is by The Goons from the Goon Show with Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe. It was a huge hit in 1956 reaching #3 on the UK charts and #9 when re-issued in 1973. You can find 7 of Letta Mbulu's CD's (including a 'Greatest Hits' featuring the 1973 hit 'I Need Your Love') at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=letta -------------------- LIONEL PILLAY Hi, Read in the last copy that pianist Lionel Pillay died last year after many years in a mental asylum. This man's story deserves to be told and I was wondering if anyone could put me in touch with information on his life and death story. South Africans like him should be national heroes and their stories need to become our background on which we build each other. I read this news of him with shock and feel devastated that a local musician such as him can just be forgotten about after he had devoted his life to revealing the power within us to be as one. Thanks, Nqolobane Sithole ------------------ ALL THAT JAZZ Dear Sir, Why can't we get a real biggie for the North Sea Jazz Festival, like BB King, Buddy Guy, Etta James, Ray Charles or similar! Or why don't these sort of International acts come out on their own steam. I would gladly travel to Cape Town to see someone worth while!! ... It's all a bit frustrating! Matthew Ed. - Fair point re: no huge headliners at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Cape Town, but as you can read in the news section above, there are 20 acts on both nights, all of them accomplished and well-known acts in their own right. So we think that it is still very worthwhile for jazz fans, despite the lack of "big names". What's wrong with Al Di Meola? Cassandra Wilson?, Femi Kuti? Etc? ------------------- WEDDING BLUES Hi, I am desperate to download/buy, etc Jody Wayne singing 'The Wedding'. I am not looking for Jody Wayne singing the Wedding Song. It must be 'The Wedding'. The words go something like "You by my side that's how I see us". Can you please point me in the right direction? My sister is getting married in Johannesburg in about two weeks and wants it played at the reception. Thanks Rosemary Ed. - This song is not available as a download but it is available on the 'Best of SA Pop Volume 1' CD. You should be able to find it in most good CD shops i.e. Musica, Look 'n Listen, CD Wherehouse, etc as well as online at One World: http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&id=CDGMPD40485 BTW McCully Workshop played on Jody Wayne's 'The Wedding' in 1970, and it hit #1 for 3 weeks on the Springbok charts. -------------------- "PRETORIA"??? - THAT'S IT?? Hi, I was in Cape Town last week and heard a song in two of the clubs on Long Street. I'm not sure of the name but I thought I heard the word "Pretoria" in the song. Any ideas? Thanks Rory Mailto:Cmaradonna@winants.rutgers.edu ------------------- METALMORPHOSIS MEMORABILIA Hi, v I'm in search of any MetalMorphosis photographs, pictures of fans wearing MetalMorphosis merch, articles etc, pictures of the goat carcass that was dispatched off stage in March 93, whatever you have. If you have any such items please contact: Mailto:ThePunisher@marqvas.com ---------------------- WHERE'S THE PILOT? Hi there. Does anyone know where I can contact Gene Rockwell's son and Mike Pilot (the producer/ singer)? If anyone can help please let me know. Thanks. Kobus Mailto:jgb1900@yahoo.co.uk ------------------------- LONDON EVENTS Dear SAfrican 3rd Ear Music people in London Two events that may interest you or those close enough; check this out. BBC RADIO 2 - FREEDOM SOUNDS for 6 weeks from 31st March (Hidden Years Archive interview 7th April) Freemuse Book Launch - SHOOT THE SINGER! Music censorship today - 18 May (Roger Lucey & Paul Erasmus feature) Thanks, David Marks 3rd Ear Music / The Hidden Years Music Archive Project ---------------- GET BACK JO-JOHNNY Howzit I see that Pull My Cart Knee has re-did the B-Dills 'Leaded Bee' album and called it 'Leaded Bee Knacked'. I really digged that album, especially 'A Crosser University'. Johnny from Boksburg -------------- GOT A QUESTION? Please email any musical questions to editor@sarockdigest.com ----------------------------- THE DIGEST CLASSIFIED ADS ----------------------------- To advertise in this section please email: editor@sarockdigest.com -------------- GUITAR WORKSHOP On Tuesday, 30 March we are having a Guitar Workshop presented by Ian Visser, the originator/founder of the 'Play Guitar' CD with new revolutionary guitar tuition aids. The venue is Jam Alley Music shop and JamRock music school in Brackenfell (next to the Action Cricket Arena). Ian will use the new Pocket Series range of tuition to complement the clinic to demonstrate the power of working through back tracks. Both Play Guitar and the Pocket Series can be purchased through Jam Alley. The workshop will cover speed playing, improvising and solo techniques. The workshop is free and the contact number/person is Mario @ 021 981 1313. Cassie van Zyl Jam Alley Music Shop -------------------- WHAT IS THIS LAZY MAN THING? Hi all, I read the advertisement "Looking to earn extra money in the music industry" a couple of times, and decided to check it out. However, all I got was a book called "The Lazy Man's Way to Riches", with zero information on the music industry. Can anyone explain to me what this is? Thanks! Pieter de Kock Ed. - We asked Alexander Gregori, the manager of this project to explain how this all works: Hi Pieter The free e-book "The Lazy Man's Way to Riches", which you downloaded, was written to give general information about alternative forms of marketing (particularly network marketing). Many people still confuse this fast growing marketing tool with "pyramid schemes" and the like. Nothing could be further from the truth, and we have developed a program, with which you can use this marketing tool to market music. After reading the free e-book, you should have all the facts to make an informed decision, of whether doing business with this marketing tool is for you or not. If it is, you find a link in chapter six of the book, which takes you to the Mothermix Distribution Affiliate (MDA) program website, where the business is explained in detail. If you still have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at alex@themothermixgroup.com Alexander Gregori The Mothermix Group ------------------ THE SONGWRITER'S CLUB The National Delphic Council of South Africa has formed a partnership with the Songwriters Club specifically in the area of Music development. The Songwriters Club concept has always been to nurture and uplift musical talent from the very first stages up to where the existing corporate system can integrate and develop them further. A strict policy of originality and discipline in the creation process is enforced and always endears T.S.C. to its audiences - only truly original South African music is allowed on stage. There is an obvious vacuum in entry-level music management, yet there is a wealth of untapped talent in this area. The Songwriters Club is not simply another live music venue. It is a platform belonging to the artists where guests are invited to observe and criticize, where the difficulties of learning to perform live are overcome and perfected, and from which music can grow. The Songwriters Club - a music development platform, a live music venue, restaurant and conference venue- accommodates approximately 200 people. Venue details : The Songwriters Club Corner Quinn and Carr Streets Newtown Jason Banks Tel: 833 1317 Cell: 083 226 3884 Mailto: live@thesongwritersclub.com Secure Parking Available Open Tuesday nights - Auditions No Cover Charge Wednesday to Saturday - Live bands, poetry, entertainment and shows R30 cover charge Restaurant open Tuesday to Saturday evenings from 18h00 Menu: Fine South African Cuisine To book call: Jason Banks at 083 226 3884 To book Auditions Call Jason Bank ----------------------- LOOKING TO EARN EXTRA MONEY IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY? This is an interesting new SA music business concept. We suggest you take a good look at this opportunity. Simply send a blank e-mail to mailto:lazyman200@freeautobot.com to receive further info. (Ed. - Nope, it's not spam, but genuine and potentially worthwhile, and anyone can do it!) -------------- RECORDS RESTORED TO CD Have your favourite LP transferred to CD with full colour label and box printing. We restore the LP music/tracks in order to extract the original sound, before transferring them to CD. Only single copies are made and returned with the LP. What is done... 1. Firstly, your precious LP is put through our professional record cleaning machine to ensure that we start with as pure an original sound as possible. 2. We then play the record on the very best audiophile equipment (Thorens turntable, SME arm with Shure V15-III cartridge) and capture the music at a high sample rate, into our "Top of the Range" computer. 3. The Vinyl background noise and "Fried Eggs" sounds are gently removed from the recording. 4. Any remaining "Pops" or "Clicks" are isolated and repaired and the tracks are separated as on the original LP. 5. Then, and only then, do we copy the sound to CD. 6. Finally, the LP cover is scanned front and rear, reduced to fit and printed in full glorious colour. A label is printed for the disc itself in full colour, as on the original. There is a range of prices from R65.00 to R120.00 - depending on the postage costs, and the required and desired degree of cleanup on your single copy. Contact: Terence Tel: 021-787-0205 or Cell: 082-939-077 Email: Mailto:tegner@absamail.co.za -------------- MUSIC SHOPPING ----------------- GEMM GEMM is your best source for those otherwise impossible-to-find music titles on Record or CD! http://sugarmusic.gemm.com -------------- MABU VINYL & CD Cape Town's finest record and CD store is now at the intersection - "Where the four streets - Long, Buitensingel, Kloof, and Orange - meet" Visit our new CD Stall on the Pavement Piazza in front of the shop opposite the Long Street Baths. Mabu stocks SA and International Record and CD titles, and a growing list of independent SA CD and CD-R releases - including a large range of all the African Dope releases. Latest Vinyl additions: Juluka - 'Work For All' (LP) OST - 'District Six - The Musical' (LP) Miriam Makeba - 'Miriam Makeba (Of King Kong Fame)' (LP) Baxtop - 'Work It Out' (LP) Jonathan Butler - 'Jonathan Butler' (LP) Mike Faure - 'Sax' (LP) Latest independent SA CD additions: Chiaroscuro - 'A Definition' (Independent) Plush - 'All That Is Should Be' Skwirmish - 'The EP' Still In Stock: 340ml - 'Moving' Bed On Bricks - 'Humanarium' (Bowline) Bluescream - 'Bluescream' (Independent) Brian Finch - 'Never Look Back' (Independent) Fokofpolisiekar - 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand' (EP) (Rhythm) freshlyground - 'Jika Jika' (Independent) Forest Moon - 'Forest Moon' (Independent) Goema Captains Of Cape Town - 'Healing Destination' (Mountain) Hog Hoggidy Hog - 'Naked' EP (3 Chord) Kalahari Surfers - 'Muti Media' (African Dope) Lions Of Zion - 'Iternal Fire' (Independent) MoodPhase5ive - 'Steady On' (African Dope) The Rudimentals - 'More Fire' (Independent) Not The Midnight Mass - 'Live At The Planetarium' (Independent) Soulja - '21 Gunslut' (Independent) Various - 'Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions' (African Dope) Various - 'African Dope Sound System' (African Dope) Various - African Dope Volume 1'(African Dope) Various - 'Cape Of Good Dope' (African Dope) Various - 'Breathe Sunshine' (Amabala) Various - 'A Moment In Cape Town' (Revised edition) (Afribeat) Zero Tolerance - 'A Perfect Life?' (EP) (Independent) This week's best-selling CDs at Mabu Vinyl & CD are: 1. 'The Heat' - The Dollyrockers 2. 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand' (EP) - Fokofpolisiekar 3. 'Sui' - Benguela' 4. African Dope Sound System' - Various Artists 5. 'More Fire' - The Rudimentals We buy and sell LP's and CD's Please contact: Jacques or Stephen (Ph): 021 423 7635 (Cell): 082 534 6006 mailto:mabu@sugarmusic.co.za Mabu Vinyl & CD Shop 2 Buitenkloof Centre 8 Kloof Street, Gardens. ------------------------------------------ VIBES VINYL Stadium-on-Main, Main Road, Claremont Our catalogue is now listed on the UK's No.1 Music Marketplace Netsounds and can be accessed directly at http://www.netsounds.com/vibesvinyl This week's specials: Ballyhoo - 'Man on the Moon' (LP) Keith Blundell and the Balladeers - 'Dick King's Ride' (LP) Clout - 'Six of the Best ' (LP) Dealians - 'Dealians Greatest Hits' (LP) Steve Newman - 'Your Mother's Very Worried About You' (LP) No Friends of Harry - 'Into the Valley' (LP) Richard Jon Smith - 'Richard Jon Smith 1' (LP) African Jazz Pioneers - 'African Jazz Pioneers' (LP) Outsiders - 'Outsiders' (LP) Inhouse Records Promo Copy V/A - 'A Naartjie in our Sosatie' (CD), featuring artists such as: National Wake, Corporal Punishment, Bernoldus Niemand etc. New record accessories in stock: Turntable replacement needles available from us. We have a wide range of 12" Maxi Singles in stock. Now available: soft plastic sleeves for 7" Singles. We pay top prices for top quality. Want Lists Welcome! Call us at: 021-683 5676 Postal address: PO Box 24045, Claremont, 7735. Email: mailto:vibesvinyl@mweb.co.za Website catalogue now also at Gemm and Netsounds: http://www.vibesvinyl.gemm.com and http://www.netsounds.com/vibesvinyl ----------------- ONE WORLD - ONLINE SA CD STORE Selling South African Music to the World http://www.oneworld.co.za ---------------------- DEEP PURPLE FANS The very popular Deep Purple Web Index - the ultimate Deep Purple resource on the web - now has a new home at http://www.deeppurple.co.za -------------- VAGABOND MUSIC & WEB (now part of the Sugar Music Group) Get your band or business online. We design from scratch or take over the maintenance when your hotshot designer gets bored with updating. Our design philosophy is to create sites that pull people in and keep them coming back, through user-friendly designs, good web architecture and cost-effective web-marketing. If you want a quick, friendly and fun website, then Vagabond Music Web is your answer. Vagabond Clients include: Green Party Of South Africa, Jam Alley Music Shop, Joint State, Duncan Mackay, Bluescream, Street Level, Fresh Music, Rhythm Records, Entertainment Industry Services, Piet Botha, Off The Edge, 25 Hour Studio, Gregs Golf Tours, 4 Sure Golf Tours, James Stewart, Tait, Bright Blue, Jack Hammer, Janie Jones, Brian Finch, Soil 7t7, Rodriguez, Steve Louw and Big Sky, Lorraine Shannon, Joe Public. Please contact Brian on 082-567-8779 or visit http://www.sugarmusic.co.za for more info. ------------------------------ SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC QUOTA COALITION Support the SAMQC, as this SA musicians' initiative, looking to greatly increase the amounts of SA music played on the nation's radio stations. Join the movement, sign up, or read more at http://www.samqc.org.za --------------- RODRIGUEZ One of the most frequently Asked Questions on the Sugarman.org Forum is where to buy Rodriguez CDs. Well, you can buy Rodriguez CDs online at http://www.oneworld.co.za ---------------------------- DIGEST CLASSIFIEDS DETAILS * To have your advert featured in the Digest Classifieds, and to find out the prices to do so, contact mailto:sugar@cd.co.za The Sound Solutions and Digest Classified sections are sponsored by: SUGAR MUSIC http://www.sugarmusic.co.za Contact: Stephen Segerman - sugar@cd.co.za LIVE MUSIC
RECOMMENDED SA GIGS See http://www.sagigs.com EVENTS: Full details at http://www.sagigs.com Watch out for: ARNO CARSTENS - The ex-Nude Girls vocalist will be performing in a show called Talk O' The City at Carnival City Casino, Mardi Gras Theatre from 30 March - 3 April. Doors open 19h30, show starts 20h15. Tickets are R88 through Computicket. THE BOWLINE ROCK THEATRE AT KKNK 2004 - The place to see your favourite artists rock at this year's KKNK Festival in Oudtshoorn will be the Bowline Rock Theatre which will showcase 15 of SA's most popular and happening music artists. THE SLASHDOGS AND THE DIESEL WHORES - The SlashDogs launch their brand new web site (www.slashdogs.za.net) and merchandise range at The Nile Crocodile in Pretoria on Saturday, April the 3rd. 'DEATH OF GRUNGE' REUNION - On April 4th it will be ten years since Kurt Cobain committed suicide, so four bands will come together at the Nile Crocodile in Pretoria on the 2nd April, to pay tribute to the grunge era. KAKTUS OP DIE VLAKTES - The 2004 Kaktus Oppi Vlaktes line-up is filled with some of the best and biggest artists in South Africa. In order to accommodate more of them it was also decided to add a second stage to the festivities. The show will consist of a nice mix between some of the Afrikaans stalwarts, some exciting new artists and a handful of the best in South African hip-hop and rock and punk bands. The show takes place on 10 April at the traditional Kaktus venue; the Oudtshoorn sport grounds. THE KLIPPIES AND COLA STUDENT SESSIONS - These Sessions are aimed at establishing a campus-centered live music circuit, primarily at UCT and Stellenbosch University and their surrounding areas. Regional bands, including Afrotone, Andy & Stef, Arbor, Fly Paper Jet, Nick Turner & Dave vd Linden, Fokofpolisiekar, Superfine, and the The Buckfever Underground are paired and perform together on consecutive Tuesdays at Die Mystic Boer and The Independent Armchair Theatre. THE RUDIMENTALS - Cape Town's ska-punk sensations have lined up a string of gigs over the next few weeks. ---------------- LIVE IN LONDON ---------------- http://www.sarockdigest.com/london SUNWAYS - The band's first London date is on Friday 30 April at the Halfmoon Putney. ---------------------- UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS IN SA: LIMP BIZKIT - The Limp Bizkit "Back 2 Basics" SA Tour is back on track and will now be kicking off in Cape Town on the 4th, before heading to Johannesburg on the 6th of April. ENRIQUE IGLESIAS - Vodacom, 5fm Music and Big Concerts have announced the forthcoming tour of music sensation Enrique Iglesias to South Africa. Kicking off on the 27th of April in Cape Town, he will then be heading to Durban on the 29th, Sun City on the 1st, and finally Johannesburg on the 2nd of May. WITCHDOCTOR RECORDS ANNOUNCES SA TOURS BY ENTOMBED, AND KATAKLYSM - Entombed, those Swedish masters of metal return to our shores for two exclusive shows in April, and Kataklysm, the Swedish masters of metal return, to our shores for two exclusive shows in May LORD OF THE DANCE - The dance spectacular, which has played to over 50 million people in 36 different countries, returns to South Africa this March, for a whopping two-month tour. RAGA ON 24 STRINGS - This is a concert of North Indian Classical music, featuring three of the brightest stars in the firmament of Indian Classical Music today, and takes place at the Baxter Concert Hall on Wednesday 7 April 2004 at 8.15pm. ------------------ SA MUSIC FESTIVALS THE OPPIKOPPI EASTER FESTIVAL - The Oppikoppi "You check the level, the level is fine for me" Easter Festival is a slightly more intimate variation on the Bush, Braai's and Tunes-theme, and will be held from 9th to 11th of April at the "world renowned wooden stage on top of the hill". NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL - CAPE TOWN 2004 - "Africa's Grandest Gathering" is about to celebrate its 5th anniversary in April 2004, and it will be doing so in style in its new home at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on the Mother City's Foreshore. With Angie Stone, Femi Kuti, Stanley Clarke, freshlyground, Abdullah Ibrahim, Cassandra Wilson and Miriam Makeba. SPLASHY FEN 2004 - One of our country's best loved open-air lifestyle celebration promises the freshest ever delights for body and mind on the Easter weekend, April 8 - 12 -------------- OTHER ITEMS -------------- THE BOWLINE ROCK THEATRE AT KKNK 2004 The place to see your favourite artist rock at this year's KKNK Festival in Oudtshoorn will be the Bowline Rock Theatre. The venue is situated on the corner of Langenhoven and Hoog Street and will showcase 15 of SA's most popular and happening music artists. Come have a great evening with us at the Bowline Rock Theatre - where you can see SA's favourite rockers under one roof. Artists appearing at the Bowline Rock Theatre are: Valiant Swart, Karen Zoid, Bed on Bricks, Fokofpolisiekar, The Narrow, Akkedis, Delta Blue, David Foster, DNA Strings, Mel Botes, Laurinda Hofmeyr, Skallabrak, Alta Joubert, Luna, and Hoeterkop. Due to the popularity of the Bowline Rock Theatre and its artists, the venue's capacity has been enlarged by more than 100 seats! Tickets are available at Computicket at R52 each, and the venue is fully equipped with a bar and restaurant. For more information, please contact the venue manager, Ilse van der Merwe, on 083-411 0901. ------------------- MELANIE LOWE IN CENTURION Idols singing sensation, Melanie Lowe, and her superb vocals, plus guitar skills and songwriting ability, will woo the Gauteng crowds when the Melanie Lowe 'Live The Music' national tour shows takes place at the Centurion Theatre, on April 1-2 (20h00 start). Lowe, who will be performing with her brother, Idols 2003 contestant Jason Lowe, and the popular Eldorado Park-based band DI-M-T, said that Gauteng music fans will be taken on a trip down memory lane to her early days in music as part of the Ichabod band in KZN, through her sometimes controversial Idols competition phase, and on to her Mel-written, Mel-on-guitar, Mel-sung, songs of today. "All of the popular covers that I did in Idols such as 'Little Bird', 'Son of a Preacher Man' and 'Acid Rain', will be performed, but together with my brother Jason Lowe, and DI-M-T, we have some music material that will knock the socks off fans of music," said Lowe. Lowe's guitar skills in tandem with DI-M-T's lead guitarist Julius Schultz and Peter Zacheus on bass guitar, alongside DI-M-T keyboard specialist Alwin J Botha, drummer Joshua Zacheus, and Joe Zacheus on backing vocals (teaming up with Jason Lowe), are all set to become household names as the Melanie Lowe Live The Music national tour takes SA by storm. The Melanie Lowe Live The Music national tour leaves Gauteng for three performances in Pietermaritzburg at the end of April. Tickets at Computicket For further information, please visit www.melanielowe.co.za or contact: ------------------ FREQUENCY NEWS Jo'burg ruffians the Diesel Whores have agreed terms to headline Urge Media's Countrybilly BBQ Breakout III on May 14. This is great news for Urge, following the critical success that was BBQ II, earlier this year. The February BBQ, which featured fellow Jo'burgers Martin Rocka and the Sick Shop, was supported by Urge contract band Three Bored White Guys, who will also support BBQ III. Also signed on is legendary DJ Mygarageissofullicantevengetmycarin. The Diesel Whores, Three Bored White Guys, and representatives from Urge Media are available for interviews, etc. through Urge Events Media at: bbq@urge.co.za The BBQ Warm-up Party takes place at Mercury Lounge on April 28. It features The Dollyrockers and Three Bored White Guys, and discounted tickets for BBQIII will be on sale. A free CD-R of Three Bored's performance at BBQ II will be available to the first fifty patrons paying. CountryBilly BBQ Breakout III Warm-up Party. 28 April 2004, Mercury Lounge, 43 de Villiers Street, Zonnebloem R20 - first fifty paying get free 'Three Bored Live at CountryBilly II' CD-R Urge Events Media is seeking an enthusiastic individual to run the URGE TO SHOP stall at all Urge-related events. These include all Three Bored White Guys, The Dollyrockers and Red Flyer performances, and Urge Partnership events. The performers will supply stock items, but an opportunity exists as well for you to develop your own lines of related merchandise (pending approval). Your earnings will be sales-related. Interested? Email: shop@urge.co.za A temporary webpage has been put in place while technical development takes place on the Urge.co.za website. Upon completion, the site will carry interviews, articles, and reviews by experienced entertainment writers like former M-Web Entertainment and Tiscali South Africa Entertainment editor Anton Marshall, freelance contributor Donna Stephen (SL, Vodaworld, M&G, Big Issue, etc), White Guy Times contributors E. Borgnine and O. Masharrif and others. Articles will cover local performing artists and shows, international music releases, film and theatre - and, of course, Urge Media events. Check out the temporary page through www.urge.co.za. Upcoming Dates: March 29 - Three Bored White Guys at Shotgun Sessions with Soulja, Velve and Fokofpolisiekar April 3 - Guru V and Morph host a DJ party at Baobab, Long Street, CT - by invitation April 6 - CountryBilly Allstars Acoustic Jukebox Volume 1 - Mercury Lounge, Zonnebloem April 8 - CountryBilly Roadtrip with Dollyrockers and Three Bored White Guys, Whammy Bar, Tableview April 28: CountryBilly Warm-up @ Mercury with Three Bored White Guys and Dollyrockers, Mercury Lounge, Zonnebloem May 14: CBBBBQ III with Three Bored White Guys and The Diesel Whores, Mercury Live, Zonnebloem May 15: CountryBilly Roadtrip with The Diesel Whores and Three Bored White Guys. Venue tbc. May 15: Reanimator, Morpheus, etc. at the Nostalgia party at Mercury Live, Zonnebloem --------------- SA PUNK By Daniel Neville Upcoming Gigs: Sat 3 April - The Winston Pub - Durban - R30, 9pm A night of raucous entertainment Half Price (Cape Town) The Stevie Wonderfulls (Joburg) Sibling Rivalry Filthy Friend Crossingpoint Tue 6 April - Trap Door - Nelspruit - R20, 8pm Wrench Productions & Drunk Punks presents: UNDER THE INFLUENCE National Tour. Ska Tissue Half Price The Stevie Wonderfulls Wed 7 April - The New Zeplins - Pretoria - R10 8pm Wrench Productions & Drunk Punks presents: UNDER THE INFLUENCE National Tour The Terrorists String Bean Half Price The Stevie Wonderfulls ----------------------- ------------------- LIVE IN SA ----------- NIMBUS AT THE SOUTHERN CROSS FESTIVAL (A report back from the band) Yes, the Counting Crows were superb and Just Jinger did us proud over the weekend (besides the horrifically bad acoustics in The Dome. The architect wanted to see how much torture sound could take. And, the highly embarrassing loss of power near the end of the show). But, the Crows flew (har) above it all and put out an astounding performance. It was their largest show outside of the USA yet But, there was an even more exciting show over the weekend when Nimbus Experience played the Southern Cross music festival. Not quite as many folk in the audience but they screamed like someone who's just eaten his way through a dipped Flake ice-cream to find no Flake in the middle. We also had our technical hiccups (or technical coronaries, depending on your point of view) when five seconds into the first track the Marshall stack lost power. A valve-powered stack needs to sit through two showings of the final episode of Lord of The Rings before powering up again. (The episode where they say good-bye at the boat for approximately seven hours.) From the third track on it was honky-dory all the way. I'm disappointed to announce that the Counting Crows did not show up to our gig as we did to theirs. I'm going to send them a snotty letter. I'm not sure why it's called a 'snotty' letter and not entirely sure I want to know. It was definitely an excellent festival, and if you missed it - don't miss it next year. Upcoming Nimbus Experience Gigs: Tuesday evening 30th March - Gardels, Saturday 10th April at 3pm - Splashy Fen Festival, Natal, Friday evening 16th April at 9pm - Sudada, 12 Friedman Drive Sandton, (011-8841980) Email us at theband@nimbusexperience.com www.nimbusexperience.com ------------------- FUN WITH THE RUDIES Due to the fact that the Hogs are booked in Cape Town for a gig during the Rudimentals' National Tour, they are not going to be able to join the Rudies for the full tour, though they will be kicking off the tour with us in Plett and P.E. Note that this is not yet confirmed, but is quite probable. The rest of the tour will take us to East London, Bloemfontein, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. Our gig in the Company Gardens on Tuesday was a nice warm-up to the weekend's madness. Thanks to those of you who made it through. It was nice to see some familiar skankers there, and though we didn't quite have time to check out the apes and the dinosaurs, the squirrels got well fed! v As promised, the weekend was a CRAZY one. Saturday started out with sound check at Dirty Dicks, during which people were already lined up and waiting for the pandemonium that was to proceed. We ducked out of there for an hour or so to do an interview with Go TV and when we got back, the venue was PACKED! The show started off "with a bang" as Soulja worked the capacity crowd up to a moshing frenzy within the first ten minutes of their set, or was it the bang of the stage breaking? They were followed by the Drunk Punks themselves, Half Price, after which Monomen took the stage. for a while, eventually being followed by The Rude Boys. I have never witnessed a moshpit quite that hectic before to the chilled, skanking tunes of The Rudimentals, though The Boys loved every second of it. Fuzigish ended the show with an absolute hullabaloo (that really is a word!). Though they only made it onto stage at about 2am, there was still a raucous crowd awaiting them. It was the perfect finale to the heinous affair! Those of you who made the gig. Nuff said! Those of you who didn't quite make it into the venue itself due to lack of ID, though it wasn't the band or the organiser's fault, I would like to apologise on behalf of everyone involved. The venue owner had received a phone call that morning from the pigs (no, not The Hogs, but the ones who wear those hip and happening uniforms), threatening a raid that night. On a lighter note though, Go TV got quite a lot of footage of the gig, so look out for that, as well as interviews with Soulja and The Rudimentals on channel 84 on DSTV. I will keep you posted as to when it's going to be aired! ---------------------- PIET BOTHA LIVE - MUD AND STRINGS IN LUNAR CAFÉ By Carina Laubscher 
Our trip is fraught with fat globs of water plummeting from a deep black
sky, a muddy stretch of slippery earth that vaguely resembles a dirt road,
loud resonating booaarrrouuuumsss from the moody low clouds above and quite
a few mini-dongas to the left, right and centre of the brave little Fiat's
wheels.
Why then this dogged determination to taunt Thor, the god of Thunder? Ah but you see - this is the road to Lunar Café - where we will find Piet Botha and Co. That's the way you go when you need some serious mojo. Never mind the mud up to your eyebrows, the frogs next to the passenger door or the plantation of baby thorn-trees we've almost uprooted in our frantic trip to Lunar Café. Within the first four seconds through Lunar Café's door, your entire aura becomes blissfully serene. Noeline greets you with a stunning smile and directs you to your seat. We're in a spacious thatched room with large comfy sofas against the left wall, several other loose chairs around a large long wooden table on the other side - all stacked with Piet Botha junkies. Some have bongo drums, others brought djembes. The rest brought smiles and a quiet anticipation. They sit back and wait for Piet and Co while candles flicker slow shadows against the walls and the rain murmurs outside against the pane windows. You can gulp some Glühwein, sherry, or Irish Coffee - ideal to ignite your insides and heat up your cheeks. All over the brown floor tiles there are fluffy rugs, duvets and thick blankets spread on the floor for those who are too late to get a chair. I start to grin and my cheeks feel like two hot coals. This is one mean mother of a place to unwind. Piet and Jonathan enter through the tall green wooden doors and put their guitar cases down. Cables and plugs are plucked around promptly, Moonshine oversees everything with a competent glare, and pretty soon they assume the position on wooden stools and wicked eyebrows. I float. "Dreaming of ghosts ... driving on freeways ..." and the whole room is transfixed. Piet sings from a place that has no name. "Love me today an' leave me tomorrow..." He's at ease, feeling the vibe of those sitting at his feet - and has the same thick coating of mud on his weathered shoes like the rest of us. They do a slow bluesy "Suitcase Vol Winter" and Jonathan takes the floor with "Manifesto". His eyes closed, his voice dark. "The fields are on fire ... don't try to calm me down, don't try to calm me down, NO ..." Then the evergreen "Sien Jou Weer" and it's like breathing - the way the music gets inside you. "En spoke het ek baie gesien - maar ek wag nog." I hear faint whispers like shy movements in the air - soft voices too scared to talk, too afraid to miss anything. Piet looks at the silent faces in front of him, and grins: "Julle kan maar gesels, hoor. Ou Johno hou mos van so 'n kroeg-buzzzzzz." Roaring laughter and sniggers abound. "Ja, julle kan loop op die tafel ook, maak nie saak nie ..." and in the same movement he pulls the guitar closer for "Bye-bye My Darling" and the liquid mellow "Skielik Somer". Then they do "Klein Bietjie Reën", and Piet ends the song with "Ja miskien moet ons nou sing 'Nog Reën', sodat my swembad nog groener kan raak." A sympathetic titter rushes through the tiny crowd. Outside the water still whispers in that muted chilly tone. We drink coffee, stir the sugar very quietly - and wait for the next song. I smell the faint woody aroma of a cigar. 
Piet pats Jonathan on the shoulder. "Mr Martin, time for you to sing."
And so we get 'RSVP' and straight in that slipstream comes "Blues vir
Louise", and whooaaa the bootylicious 'Russian and Chips'. This one's
delivered curt and crisp, but beats your heart into a new rhythm.
Then, just like that, they evaporate through the green door for a quick break. Some of the bodies just sink deeper into the sofa, while the djembes and bongos are taken forward. The dudes from the Drum Circle. Yes, you've heard them before - early mornings, sometimes 3:00, sometimes 6:00 - the distant dark rhythm that tells you this is Oppikoppi. Bra Piet and Johno take their place. Irene whispers in my ear: "Oh - it's Watchtower!" and the drumming starts, first a low thumping, then picking up to a thicker pulse that grabs your soul and every single nerve in your body. Thumpa-thummpp, thummpa-thummmmmpppp ... and the beat is a live thing, our feet start picking up the dumm-dummms, Moonshine grabs a djembe and starts hammering away, his arms like pistons, and the room starts reverberating with hauntingly deep male voices, a thousand guitar strings, manic yelps of delight and awe, and drums from places where dreams begin. Drums like I've never heard before. The song becomes the room. Piet and Jonathan with guitars to the chest, the tune falling from their fingers with an age-old ease, in the heated circle of drums that drags us to the end of a very long night. We drive out into the moist night air - back to the city. We can't speak. We don't even want to switch on the radio. Piet Botha and Co once again demonstrate the power of the intimate gig. Get yours. Before tomorrow comes. Katvrou PIET BOTHA & JACK HAMMER http://www.rock.co.za/jackhammer --------------------- SA GIG GUIDE The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can now be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com. If you cannot access SAgigs.com then e-mail gigs@sarockdigest.com?subject=gigguide and we will e-mail the gig guide to you each week. Please send all gig info to sugar@sagigs.com in a plain text e-mail. SA Music Links And Resources
SA MUSIC LINKS: THE SA ROCK ENCYCLOPEDIA WEBLINKS PAGE: Links to the world of SA Rock - artists, gig guides, resources, record labels, recording studios, music trivia and more at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/links ---------------------------- SA MUSIC RESOURCES: THE SA ROCK DIGEST ON SAFM (104-107KHz) THE BRUCE MILLAR SHOW - MONDAY EVENINGS @ 9.15PM Stephen Segerman, Digest co-editor, talks to Bruce Millar about SA music news, new releases, and charts from each week's Digest. ---------------------------- SA ROCK DIGEST CONTACT DETAILS: SUBSCRIPTIONS: To subscribe to The SA Rock Digest - please send an e-mail to: subscribe@sarockdigest.com Address changes - please send an e-mail to: subscribe@sarockdigest.com To unsubscribe - please send a blank e-mail to: unsubscribe@sarockdigest.com ---------------------------- SA ROCK DIGEST BACK ISSUES http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives Online and keyword searchable ---------------------------- PRESS RELEASES & CONTRIBUTIONS Please submit all press releases, contributions, reviews, requests, searches and comments to sugar@sarockdigest.com ---------------------------- EDITORS Any thoughts, requests, problems, complaints, praise or interesting and relevant SA music news, CDs, or mp3s... please contact: Stephen Segerman sugar@sarockdigest.com Brian Currin http://www.vagabond.za.net/contact ---------------------------- MAIN CONTRIBUTORS BC - Brian Currin SS - Stephen Segerman JS - John Samson KS - Kurt Shoemaker CL - Carina Laubscher (Katvrou) TL - Tertius Louw DN - Daniel Neville NN - Nadia Neophytou WM - Wicked Mike DM - David Marks DS - Don Sweeto LAD - LAD MC - Michael Currin (Curmic) JFB - Johnny From Boksburg And others too numerous to mention, but gratefully acknowledged! Proofed by Ronx A SUGAR MUSIC PRODUCTION |
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