The online South African Rock Encyclopedia covers the history of South African rock music from the 1950s up to the early 2000s. All this information is made freely available to the public.
Home > Rock Legends > 1970s > Abstract Truth > Discography > Totum
Abstract Truth - Totum [LP 1970]
Abstract Truth - Totum [Unofficial CD 2005] | Discogs
Abstract Truth - Totum [CD 2009] | Discogs
"Ain't Necessarily So / Take Five" not available on Spotify.
LP: 1970, Uptight, STIC 101
CD: 2005, Mason Records, MR 56409 (unofficial release, included all tracks from Silver Trees as bonus tracks, except for "All The Same")
CD: 2005, RetroFresh, freshcd146 (omitted "Ain't Necessarily So / Take Five", included all tracks from Silver Trees)
LP & CD: 2009, Shadoks (Germany), SHADOKS 111
Review by Carl Coleman
The album 'Totum' was recorded in Johannesburg over a single weekend using a 4-track machine. The album was released in early 1970. "According to today's standards it's pretty rough," says Henson, "but I guess it was an honest interpretation of what we were doing."
In a newspaper review reporter Carl Coleman had this say about the release of Abstract Truth's debut album: "Sean, Brian, Robbie and Ken have lifted South African pop from the syrupy blare of bubblegum music to new heights of progressive pop. What an achievement!"
The Freak Emporium online store had this brief review of 'Totum' on their website: "Excellent early '70s melodic wistful freak rock blends with African sounds featuring assorted instruments: keyboards, flutes, electric guitars, saxophone, percussion, etc. A refreshing approach."
Most of 'Totum' consists of unusual reworkings of jazz, folk and blues songs. The only band composition is the sitar-drenched 'Total Totum/Acid Raga'. Donovan, Dylan, Gershwin, Simon and Garfunkel and others all get given the special Abstract Truth treatment that is reminiscent of early King Crimson in places.
Brian Currin, 2005
Sept 1969: Ken E Henson, Fran Downing (just listening),
Sean Bergin, Brian Gibson, Robbie Pavid.
Brian Gibson, Ian Bell, Ken E Henson, Robbie Pavid
Left-to-right (pictured above): Brian Gibson (came out to S.A. in the sixties with a group called 004 to open the Tiles Club in Durban), (Dr.) Ian Bell (flute) [who stood in for Sean Bergin occasionally], Ken E Henson, (lead guitar, sitar) and myself Robbie Pavid (bongos). I was playing in The Third Eye at the same time as Abstract Truth (who's gig at Totum was a 5 to 7 cocktail hour gig) and then rush of to The Third Eye gig....ahh what you can do when you are young!!!!
Robbie Pavid, June 2005
The music of Abstract Truth was quite unique at the time as the line up was totally different to what was generally happening. For me it was one of the best and most rewarding times of musical exploration and satisfaction. Playing with Ken especially was rewarding as we seemed to connect and go places musically.
Cover scan supplied by Dmitry Shumakov from Russia, May 2000.
Track listing supplied by Andrew King, September 2000.
Newspaper cuttings supplied by Robbie Pavid, June 2005.
Additional info from Tertius Louw, Ken E Henson and Robbie Pavid, June 2005.
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