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The RockIt Scientist
on 1485 Radio Today


1485 Radio Today
Also on DStv
Audio Channel 70

The RockIt Scientist is a very diverse music programme that features Progressive/ Hard/ Classic Rock, Blues, Brass Rock, Latin/ African Rock, Jazz and Metal music.

As "non-commercial/ non-Top 40" music ranging from the mid sixties to the present day is featured, the intention is to cater for the more discerning music listener, with no age limits or restrictions imposed or implied. An open mind and a love of music is mandatory!

The programme, which is broadcast on 1485am Radio Today, every Friday evening between 10pm and 1am, is presented by Leon Economides, who has worked with radio greats such as Tony Sanderson (Chuckle and Chat Show on Radio 5), Chris Prior (The Priority Feature on Radio 5), Phil Wright (The Dinosaur Days on 5fm), and Rafe Lavine (Rock Classics and The Great Unknowns on Radio 5, and the original RockIt Scientists on SAfm).

Radio Today is also available nationwide on the DStv Audio Channel 70.

The RockIt Scientist went live on air on Wednesday the 31st August 2005.

Rock On Radio Today

Fridays:

8.00pm to 10.00pm:
Rafe Lavine
(Hot Dog Radio)
(Rafe's show is now repeated between 11.00pm and 01.00am on Mondays)

10.00pm to midnight:
Leon Economides
(The RockIt Scientist)
(Leon's show is now repeated between 11.00pm and 01.00am on Tuesdays)

Sundays:

8.00pm to 10.00pm:
Chris Prior
(The Rock Professor)
(Chris's show is repeated between 10.00pm and midnight on Wednesdays)

10.00pm to midnight:
Phil Wright
(The Metalhead)
(Phil's show is repeated between 10.30pm and 12.30am on Thursdays - unchanged)

Mondays:

9.00pm to 11.00pm:
David Blood
(In Your Vein!)
(Details of David's repeat show to be advised soon)

(Visit www.rock.co.za/radio) for more details.

In Other News

JHB'S ORIGINAL ALL GIRL PUNK ROCK OUTFIT RUNNING WITH SCISSORS RULES!

RUNNING WITH SCISSORS


The four girls from Running With Scissors have once again proved that 'chick rock' is not a passing fad and is indeed here to stay! Having just spent their 12th week on the 5FM High 5 @ 5 charts with their single Hanging On The Telephone, they are getting ready to spread their music far and wide with a national tour in March and April.

Songs like Losing Faith, Hanging On The Telephone, Can't Say No and the new single Womb have seen their television exposure shoot through the roof and the band is touring relentlessly with the strength of their debut album 'Beautifully Bruised' backing them all the way.

The new video for Womb, was shot and edited by guitarist Jackie and will be serviced to all television programmes at the end of February.

Gigs for March and April include the Carnival City Rock Concert, The Lido Rock Festival, SPCA Charity Fundraiser, Durban's Wavehouse and a host of other national clubs.

The girls are currently writing material for their second album, currently using the working title Rock, Paper, Scissors and preparing for the pre-production to take place with a variety of producers including Jon Buckley from Jo Day fame and Will Loots from rock outfit Soul Proxy.

Catch lead singer Caroline Hillary on Channel Go's Meltdown, in late February, with a dedicated show of the singer's musical influences.

2006 belongs to Running With Scissors!

Download mp3 of 'Can't Say No' from Mweb.
Astral Daze
Psychedelic South African Rock 1968-1972


Astral Daze


A new Retrofresh compilation has just been released. 'Astral Daze - Psychedelic South African Rock 1968-1972' features 18 classic, rare and obscure tracks (16 of which have never previously officially been released on CD before). This CD was compiled by Benjy Mudie and Brian Currin with major input from SA rock collector Tertius Louw.

Tracks:
  1. The Whip - Suck
  2. Astral III - The Invaders
  3. The Boy And The Bee - Omega Limited
  4. Straight Ahead - Otis Waygood
  5. My Back Feels Light/What Can You Say - Abstract Truth
  6. The Eagle Has Landed - Dickie Loader with Freedom's Children
  7. You Keep Me Hanging On - The Flames
  8. Blurry Visions - Buzzard
  9. Fire - The Third Eye
  10. Predictions - Hawk
  11. Kafkasque - Freedom's Children
  12. Blue Machines and Dreams - Bryan Miller's Destruction
  13. The Mad Professor - John and Philipa Cooper
  14. Cathy Come Home - The Fireflies
  15. Morning Light - Tidal Wave
  16. Race With The Devil - The Bats
  17. Magic Dragon - The Idiots
  18. Birds Flying High - McCully Workshop

Get it online here or from Sugar Music / Mabu Vinyl in Cape Town. Phone Sugar at 021-423-7635.
Rare Earth - Rare Earth
[2004]


Rare Earth


Great Funky Swamp Rock (5 stars)
by Brian Currin

This imaginatively titled album is a collection of greatest hits re-recorded by the 2004 line-up of Gil Bridges, Randy Burghdoff, Ivan Greilick, Mike Bruner and Floyd Stokes. I emailed Gil Bridges in December 2005 and this was his reply: "The recording is the current band the exact way the show is played today." So if you are looking for a compilation of Rare Earth originals then this is not it.

However, as much as I normally dislike albums that feature tracks "re-recorded by at least one member of the original group", especially if it was only the tambourine player, this is a wonderful CD featuring Rare Earth classics given a new lease on life. All these songs are just so funky and they really groove and stand up well against the originals.

I downloaded the whole album (legally from eMusic.com) and I really don't regret it. 'Get Ready' features a drum solo and is my favourite song off this album, but all of them are great.

Tracks

1. Big Brother [5:14]
2. Born To Wander [7:03]
3. Papa Was A Rolling Stone [7:01]
4. Ma [7:32]
5. Tobacco Road [7:44]
6. Losin' You [12:41]
7. Get Ready [13:31]
8. I Just Want To Celebrate [6:36]
9. Big John [7:45]


Read more »»»

All the news is archived in the News Archive

  LATEST NEWS  
 

Hello again - welcome to the latest RockIt Scientist newsletter.

Hope you have a great Easter break!

In this newsletter, you'll find details of live interviews held on The RockIt Scientist, the usual bits of news, (some of it FANTASTIC!), useless information, cd and dvd reviews, recommendations, the odd dirty/weak joke, info on CD stores, magazines, books, etc, etc.

The Look & Listen sponsored Rockfest on 1485 Radio Today (also on DStv Audio Channel 70) has taken off extremely well and the new line-up of Rafe Lavine, Chris Prior, Phil Wright and David Blood has been very well received.

If you'd like to contact Chris, Phil, Rafe or Dave, here are their email addresses:

Chris Prior - chris@rock.co.za

Phil Wright - phil@rock.co.za

Rafe Lavine - rafe@rock.co.za

David Blood - david@rock.co.za

One or two other well known presenters may be joining the Rockfest soon - I'll keep you informed! Not surprising that many people are now referring to 1485 Radio Today as the "new rock station"!

Visit www.rock.co.za/radio for details of 1485 Radio Today presenters' programmes and times.

*******VERY IMPORTANT NEWSFLASH*******

BBC World Service chooses 1485 Radio Today!!

Commencing Monday 10th April 2006 at noon, 1485 Radio Today will broadcast select BBC programmes on the following days and at the following times:

Monday to Sunday - 01H00 to 06H00 (Through the night feed - Live)

Monday to Friday - 12H00 to 13H00: BBC World Service (World Briefing Hour - Live)

Monday to Friday - 17H00 to 17H30: BBC World Service (Focus on Africa - News - Live)

Sunday - 19H00 to 20H00: BBC World Service: Award Winning DRAMA series

1485 Radio Today is also available on DStv Audio Channel 70.

Not too shabby for a "small" community station, don't you think??

I knew that playing Hawkwind, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden would hold us in good stead!!

Advertising

If you or your company are keen to advertise your wares, be they your bod or any services/products, please consider

1485 Radio Today - the rates are extremely competitive and the station's listenership is growing at a fantastic rate.

You can contact either James or Roy on (011)880 - 5510 or 0846410447.

1485 Radio Today has been named the Medium Of The Month by the authoritative The Media magazine. This is the FIRST TIME EVER for a Community Station!

NEWS

Mantis, the progressive rock outfit who played live at the launch of the Rockfest on 1485 Radio Today on 15th February, had the distinct honor (!) of being my first live interview on The RockIt Scientist on 10 March!

Vocalist Toni Rowland, guitarist John Welch and bass player Justice Tshabalala, together with manager Kai Von Pannier, who'd made the trip from Durban, were in the studio with me. You can access the interview at www.greenboxproductions.com

Oh, and by the way, if you have a couple of hundred grand lying around doing nothing, waiting to be spent on something worthwhile, the band need help in getting over to Spain where they're to be taken under the wing of Ken Hensley (of Toefat/Gods/Uriah Heep/Blackfoot fame). He'll be recording and producing their album for them. Hensley's recorded and produced one or two albums in the past, so he knows what he's doing.

Four words you DON'T want to hear when you're making love:

"Hi honey, I'm home!"

Acclaimed South African guitarist/songwriter and vocalist Mel Botes was my next guest. Mel came into the 1485 Radio Today studios on 24 March and we discussed his latest album, "Flight of Bird", as well as his other projects, including the conceptual "David's Confession" album, which is due to be re-released with different artwork in the near future.

I was fortunate to attend the live Mel Botes concert held at the stunning Performer Theatre in Menlo Park, Pretoria, the following Sunday. For someone who hadn't played live in four months, he was fantastic! He's an excellent guitarist and his songwriting is superb. Although some members of his band hadn't played together before, they have the potential to be tighter than the butt of a new convict who's been in jail for less than two days.

I was also blown away by his very talented backing singer, Luna Pieterse, who is an accomplished songstress in her own right. A few of her tracks have been playlisted on several radio stations and I hope to feature her more "non-commercial" material on The RockIt Scientist in time. (Check out the "Gigs" page on The RockIt Scientist website, www.rock.co.za/rockit, for details of Luna's forthcoming gigs, or visit www.lunamusic.co.za)

The South African rock and blues scene is blossoming and there are many talented and promising bands and artists who deserve your support. Music companies such as Rhythm Records (www.rhythmrecords.co.za) and Bowline Music

(www.bowline.co.za) are releasing many albums by these artists.

Husband: "Why don't you tell me when you have an orgasm?"

Wife: "I hate bugging you at the office."

OTHER NEWS

JERRY SALAS

Remember Jerry Salas, El Chicano's vocalist and guitarist, who was featured on the RockIt Scientist just recently? I understand that he'll be receiving a Lifetime Achievement award from the LA Music Awards Ceremony on November 9th this year.

Well done, Jerry - a fantastic achievement and well deserved!

Jerry's new album "Salas" is available via www.jerrysalas.com or www.cdbaby.com

METALLICA

As far as the music side of things is concerned, the recent Metallica concerts went down an absolute storm. The less said about the organization and planning of the concerts, the better. If it's our intention to host the Soccer World Cup here in a few years time, we need to pull our fingers out, stop passing the buck and do the job properly before we REALLY embarrass ourselves.

NIRVANA

Check out the "Gigs" page on The RockIt Scientist website (www.rock.co.za/rockit) for details of The Nirvana "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Tribute Show, featuring live original songs and Nirvana hits by local artists.

Barney Simon of Tuks-fm will be there!

Why did the Greek leave Athens?

He didn't like the way he was being reared.

He came back a few months later, though - he couldn't leave his brother's behind. (Behind...as in bu....oh, forget it!)

He was arrested at the airport for having a false bottom in his suitcase...

DAN PATLANSKY

Acclaimed South African blues sensation Dan Patlansky, who was in New Orleans when the hurricane struck, returned to South Africa recently and appeared at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Dan's father, Phil, who has been instrumental in Dan's success, recently gave me copies of a live radio broadcast that Dan and his band, the "New Orleans All Star Blues Band" did at the end of January 2005 on New Orleans community radio station, WWOZ Radio, which is hosted by professional musicians. The two live tracks from the CD have been regularly featured on The Rockfest on 1485 Radio Today.

Dan is one of our treasures and really is of international quality, and he's well known on the live circuit. (He appeared at

The Blues Room in Sandton on 01 April).

Don't miss out on seeing this superb blues guitarist.

MUSIC REVIEWS

Lee Bradfield, journalist and music critic, has written a number of music reviews which can be found on the "Feedback" page of The RockIt Scientist website (www.rock.co.za/rockit) (just in case you didn't see the previous three times that the address was mentioned. Hint? Moi? NEVER!)

Lee is very passionate about Melodic Rock/AOR (Adult Orientated Rock, for the uninitiated) and he writes very well.

If you'd like to submit reviews of cds or lps, which will be posted on the website, please feel free (well, they will be, because you won't get paid for doing so). You can either email them to me on leon@rock.co.za or via the "Contacts" page on the website.

JANUS

Colin Orr, founder of the early 70's Germany-based UK hard rock/prog rock outfit, Janus, who's highly collectible "Gravedigger" album is still being featured on The RockIt Scientist, has recently completed material for a new album, which he's called "The 'S' Album".

Colin has reverted to his hard rock roots and the new material is fantastic! I should be getting a copy of the album (which may not get an official release) soon, and you can be sure that I'll feature it on the show. If you're interested to hear what Janus are sounding like nowadays, you can visit http://www.glossopdale.info/

Want to get your lover/husband/wife REALLY peed off when you're making love?

Phone her/him/it.

Favorite albums lists:

Remember to keep those Top 30 albums of all-time lists coming (send them via the "Contacts" page, where they can later be viewed on the "Feedback" page). You're welcome to add anything to your lists (top guitarists, bass players etc)

Playlists

Time constraints have recently prevented me from being able to compile the normal weekly write-ups. The actual featured playlist for the week will be up as soon as possible, though, so you will still at least be able to see what was featured in the meantime. I hope to be able to catch up with the full write-ups soon.

Gigs

If you have details of any forthcoming gigs or happenings, please let us know and we'll do what we can to help by punting them for you. If you are a venue owner/manager, please provide us with address and contact numbers, as well as band/artist line-ups, dates, cover charge, etc.

If you're in a band and would like your gigs mentioned on the show, please email me your details/dates, etc at least a week, if possible, before the gig(s). (leon@rock.co.za)

Gig info can be found on the RockIt Scientist website's newly designated "Gigs" page.

New Releases on CD

Albums reviewed:

Donald Fagan

Toto

Pat Travers

Southern Gypsey Queen

Jan Blohm

Tidal Waves

Jesse Jordan Band

Robin Trower

Ben Lee

Alison O'Donnell & Isabel Ni Chuireain

Santana

Tipton, Entwistle & Powell

Quidam

Chicago

UFO

Bondar & Wise

Jaco Pastorius Big Band

(Some brand new, others not so new, but worth a mention!)

Donald Fagan - Morph The Cat (Reprise Records 9362-49975-2)

Brand new album from one of the most respected musicians in the world. Fagan, together with Walter Becker, was a founding member of Steely Dan, back in the day. He's a fantastic songwriter, vocalist and keyboard player and he's played a major part in that famous band's success over the years. He's released a number of solo albums, starting with "The Nightfly" in the early 80's, always surrounded and supported by some of the best musicians, such as, in the case of this new album, Marvin Stamm on trumpet, Wayne Krantz and Hugh McCracken on guitar and Gordon Gottlieb on percussion.

Toto - Falling In Between (Frontiers Records FR CD 273)

Having severed their long relationship with Sony Records, this is their first album for the independent Italian Frontiers label, and, dare it be said, undoubtedly one of their best efforts in years, since their brilliant "Hydra" album, back in 1979. Stunning musicianship has always been the hallmark of this band, collectively or individually, which is undoubtedly why the various Toto members have appeared on so many other people's albums. Featuring guests Ian "Flamingo" Anderson, Shenkar, Jason Scheff and James Pankow (from Chicago), Lenny Castro, Joseph Williams and Steve Porcaro, the album, whilst still retaining the classic Toto sound, veers more towards progressive rock, albeit in a heavier "Kingdom Of Desire"- type feel. A bit of a personal opinion here, but they are far better as a heavier band. They positively cook on this album!

Keyboard player/vocalist, Greg Phillinganes, previously with Stevie Wonder's band, is now a permanent member, and he fits in very nicely with drummer Simon Phillips, bass player Mike Porcaro, vocalist Bobby Kimball, longtime Toto keyboard player/vocalist, David Paisch and guitarist/vocalist Steve Lukather, who also fronts another band, called El Grupo.

If all goes well, the album will soon be released locally, which will make it much more accessible to those who thought that this great band's albums are generally only available on import.

Pat Travers - P.T. Power Trio 2 (Blues Bureau International BB 20522)

Canadian guitarist/vocalist Pat Travers is one of those musicians who just gets better and better with each album. The first P.T. Power trio album, released in 2003, featured Travers, together with drummer Aynsley Dunbar and bass player Gunter Nezhoda. A covers album, the band did great versions of well known tracks by Grand Funk Railroad, Cream, Stray Dog, Robin Trower, Mountain and others.

The new album features Steve Evans on bass and Jeff Martin on drums & vocals. The idea of Pat Travers doing covers albums may not exactly rattle your cage, but not only does he choose great tracks of great bands to cover, he does them extremely well. This time 'round, the band do fantastic versions of tracks by Trapeze, Humble Pie, Montrose, Deep Purple, Bad Company and a host of others.

Southern Gypsey Queen - Sweet Voodoo (Wolmer Records F 1000504)

One of the many great South African bands who are distributed by Bowline Music. Recorded in 2004, this blues/rock quartet of Gareth Wilson (guitar & vocals), Paul Wilson (drums & vocals), Tammy Wilson (bass & vocals) and Thys Smit (guitar), are certainly one of the better blues rock outfits to come out of this neck of the woods. The tracks, which are self-penned by the band members, are strong and well written and have a distinct 70's boogie feel, with a touch of Southern rock. Think of Cry of Love meets Foghat meets AC/DC meets Skynyrd and you have a good idea of what the band sound like! Great stuff!

The band were featured on The RockIt Scientist recently and you can hear them again on the show shortly.

Contact Southern Gypsey Queen on gypsey@molteno-sa.co.za or visit www.sgq.co.za

"Sweet Voodoo" is well recorded and produced (by Lanie van der Walt) and is available locally.

Other bands/artists to look out for through Bowline Music are:

Jan Blohm - Melkstraat Confessions (Wildebeest Records F 1000485)

A very good Afrikaans guitarist/vocalist /harpist who's ten track album is jam packed with some great guitar (electric and acoustic) dominated blues rock and tongue-in-cheek song titles (such as "Boere Cinderella"!). Recorded in 2004, this a fine example of the quality of music that has been coming from the thriving Afrikaans music scene for a number of years.

Jacques Cronje and Martin "Ghita" Horne (who also plays guitar & bass), are on drums, Ettienne Moolman is on bass and Adam Tas is on acoustic guitar.

Given more exposure, musicians such as Jan Blohm have the potential to go far, and not only in South Africa.

Visit www.janblohm.co.za

Tidal Waves - Muzik An De Method (Wolmer Records F 1000679)

This original South African quartet of Jacob "Boogie Zakes" Wulana (keyboards/guitar/percussion and vocals), Samuel "Drumbo"Shoai (drums/vocals), Andile "Tolpy" Faku (keyboards) and Nhlanhla "Lucky" Mthalane (bass), are a serious find! Essentially a reggae outfit, the band's approach to the genre is fresh and exciting, and the musicianship is excellent!

"Boogie Zakes" will no doubt one day be acclaimed as one of the country's better songwriters and guitarists. You just gotta check this guy out!

Visit www.tidalwaves.co.za or contact the band at tidalwaves@ananzi.co.za

Jesse Jordan Band - Inconsistant Behaviour (Bowline Music R 2000452)

Another 2004 release, and a class album from beginning to end. Jesse Jordan is a great vocalist who would quite easily fit into any of the better melodic rock bands you can name, from anywhere in the world. (If comparison's have to be made, think of The Riverdogs' Rob Lamothe). Jordan also plays a lovely acoustic guitar and he's well supported by Alex Power (bass,vocals & keyboards) and Hein Schultz (electric guitar & vocals), with guests Rikus Nieuwenhuis and Johnny Pereira (drums) and Greg Smith (percussion and harp), with Ashton on piano on a few tracks.

This is a very pleasant album of varying styles, from melodic hard rock to acoustic/country rock and it should appeal to most tastes. Ashton's piano work on a number of the tracks will definitely remind you of the better days of Renaissance and Illusion. For the rockers, the riff on "Satellite" will keep you playing air guitar for weeks, as will the one on "Twisted Youth"!

Wanna hear it? Listen to The RockIt Scientist, on 1485 Radio Today (also on DStv Audio Channel 70)!!

Visit www.jessejordan.co.za

(The Jesse Jordan Band are playing at Vacca Matta, Edward Street in Bellville, in April)

More Bowline Music album reviews in future newsletters.

Many thanks to Annalise De Meillon-Muller for introducing me to some more of the fantastic talent we have here in South Africa.

All the above South African artist albums, and many more, are available locally, as well as online, via:

Bowline Music

P.O.Box 37104

Chempet

7442

(021)550-9700

www.bowline.co.za

Two drunks walking down the street. They see a large Alsatian licking it's whatsit.

''Hell, I wish I could do that'', says the one.

''You're crazy, man - he'll bite you!'', says his buddy.

Robin Trower - Living Out Of Time Live (Ruff Records RUF 1111)

You know him well (well, you should!). He's been around since the sixties, firstly as a member of The Paramounts, then Procol Harum, then Jade, and, more popularly, as a solo guitarist, and one with few equals, at that! Hendrix comparisons aside, Robin Trower is unquestionably one of the best guitarists of all time.

This is essentially the live release of the studio album of the same name he released a few years ago, although the album does contain Trower classics such as "Too Rolling Stoned","Bridge Of Sighs" and ''Day Of The Eagle".

Davey Pattison, erstwhile vocalist with Ronnie Montrose's Gamma and who was with Trower in the late 80's, is back with the band, as is bassist Dave Bronze and drummer Pete Thomson. The album, recorded at the Harmonie in Bonn, Germany, during the Rockpalast Crossroads Festival on 09 March 2005, is an essential addition to the collection of anyone who enjoys great guitarists.

Ben Lee - Awake Is The New Sleep (NewWest Records SLCD 096)

Distributed by Sheer Sound, one of the country's most dynamic and successful independent record companies. The album by Australian Ben Lee, who won an Australian Grammy (ARIA) Award for "best single", was released a few months amid much excitement. The single, "Catch My Disease", which appears on the album, spent 49 weeks at number 1 on Australia's indie charts, and it also received 4 ARIA awards.

Ben Lee is hot news at the moment, being Australia's number 1 indie artist, and he's destined to become the massive breakout independent artist of 2006. Best described as very pleasant and accessible acoustic/folky/melodic rock, the album features Lee on vocals, guitar, bass & percussion, together with Lara Meyerratken on keyboards, vocals, drums percussion and "enough atmosphere to start a planet", McGowan Southworth on guitar, vocals, keyboards & percussion, Brad Wood, Jason Schwartzman and Eric Gardner on drums, Rob Hann on bass and Chick Wolverton on percussion.

Ben Lee arrived in South Africa recently and will be performing at various venues. Check the press for details.

Alison O'Donnell & Isabel Ni Chuireain - Mise Agus Ise (Osmosys OSMO CD 033)

For the unitiated, Alison O'Donnell was one of the lovely ladies and voices with Irish Folf/Rock outfit Mellow Candle in the early 70's. Their "Swaddling Songs" album, released on Deram Records, is one of the rarest lps of the seventies and is worth big money!

Since then, she moved to South Africa where she featured with Flibbertigibbet and Ellamental. She was also involved in session work and alternative cabaret. She then moved to Belgium and featured with Eishtlinn. Now back in Dublin, she recorded this new album with songwriter/keyboard & accordion player/guitarist, Isabel Ni Chuireain (who featured with bands such as Major to Minor and Celtic Fusion). The album, which means "Myself and Herself" in Gaelic, also features Alison's ex-husband and fellow Mellow Candle member, Dave Williams (on guitar, fiddle & mandolin. He lives in Cape Town), as well as ex-Mellow Candle bass player, Frank Boylan. Other featured musicians are Brian Fleming on percussion, Martin Crossin on whistles and pipes, Jimmy Faulkner on guitars, Al Cowan and Dave McCune on drums, Andy Laking on acoustic bass, Denise Boyle on fiddle, Philip Masure and Sean Whelan on acoustic guitars.

It's an album of varying styles, from traditional Celtic folk to Reggae, from soft rock to jazz, but it's her fantastic voice that make this a very interesting and enjoyable recording. She was a great with Mellow Candle - she's "matured" into an excellent singer and songwriter today.

Visit www.alisonodonnell.com or contact isaccorda@yahoo.ie or browdonn@iol.ie

Santana - Santana 3 (Columbia /Legacy 82796902702)

Originally released in 1971, this is the 35th Anniversary Deluxe 2 CD Edition of one of the band's best albums. It contains 9 previously unreleased live and studio recordings, as well as the final concert at the legendary Fillmore West, which was recorded on July 4th, 1971.

Santana at this stage featured Carlos Santana and Neil Schon (guitar - Schon would later leave to form Journey, with Greg Rolie), Coke Escovedo, Jose "Chepito"Areas and Michael Carabello (percussion), Greg Rolie (keyboards & vocals), Mike Shrieve (drums) and David Brown (bass). Oddly enough, the three previously unreleased tracks that appear on CD 1, are actually damned good, and it's strange that they've remained unreleased for so long. "Gumbo", in particular, is prime Santana at their best.

(Glenn) Tipton,(John) Entwistle & (Cozy)Powell - Edge Of The World (Rhino Records 8122 73352 2)

Originally recorded in 1996, this album, which is now Judas Priest's Glenn Tipton's second solo release, was initially rejected by Atlantic Records. The guitarist had recorded the tracks with The Who's bass player John Entwistle and Rainbow/ Black Sabbath drummer Cozy Powell, (both of whom have since passed away), but the songs were rejected by the company because they felt that the musicians were a bit too "old school".

He changed the musicians and his debut album, "Baptizm Of Fire", was released, but the songs on what was to become "Edge Of The World", performed by these legendary musicians, remained unheard. Rhino/Warner Records then heard the tracks and agreed that they needed to be heard, and the album has now been released.

In all fairness, it has to be said that whilst Tipton is a very good guitarist and he writes great songs, his vocals are a tad on the weak side. Nonetheless, it's a good hard rock album that will appeal to most metalheads and rockers alike. Besides, having two legends like Entwistle and Powell playing together on one album is reason enough to get this Rhino Records release!

Quidam - surREvival (Rock-Serwis RSCD 063)

Released towards the end of 2005, this new release from Poland's Quidam was quite a jolt for regular Quidam fans like yours truly who were used to the stunning vocals of Emila Derkowska. She's now left the band and has been replaced by Bartek Kossowicz who is actually a very good singer (and who sings in English). This is Quidam at their heaviest and the slight change in style suits them very well. Their prog roots are still there, fortunately, and Jacek Zasada's flute is still a very prominent feature.

The other members are Zbyszek Florek on keyboards, Maciek Meller on guitars, Marlusz Ziolkowski on bass and Maciek Wroblewski on drums (YOU try and read those names out on air!).

It's a stunning effort from the band, but Emila Derkowska just gave them that slight edge that set them apart from so many other prog outfits. The Polish lyrics gave the band a very authentic and original feel. The fact that she's a bit of a hottie has nothing to do with it - promise!

Many thanks to John Rogan for supplying a copy of the album.

What's a Gladiator?

A very happy Roman muff diver. (Glad-he-ate-her...gedditt?)

Chicago - XXX (Rhino Records 8122 73362 2)

Thirty albums and still going strong, after all these years! The band that has carried their hometown's name with pride are almost one of the US's national treasures! Original members Lee Loughlane (trumpet), Walt Parazaider (woodwinds), Jimmy Pankow (trombone) and Robert Lamm (vocals & keyboards) have kept the flag flying through tragedy (the death of Terry Kath), changes in musical trends (when some dildo decided to replace drummers with computers), and the loss of a key member (Pete Cetera) to a lucrative solo career. Some of their 80's/early 90's material was a bit iffy, to say the least, but they've always come up with the odd gem.

This album, whilst not being "classic" Chicago (the much-missed Terry Kath/Danny Seraphine era), it contains some pretty good material. There are the usual TIE (tongue in ear - you know the type - when you're trying to get down 'n dirty!) ballads that Chicago have become legendary for, but there are a few great rockers too, with guitarist Keith Howland showing some good technique. Drummer Tris Imboden (remember him from the US melodic rock outfit Thunder?) is now one of the longest remaining "old school" members, as is keyboard player/vocalist, Bill Champlin, with Jason Scheff having replaced Cetera on bass and vocals.

Say what you like, Chicago's horn section was, and still is, one of the finest in the business.

UFO - Showtime (Steamhammer Records SPV 99562 2CD)

UFO are another band who've been around for one or two years (since the late 60's, in fact!). They've gone through numerous changes over the years and have experienced periods of inactivity, with the likes of the ever moody but brilliant Michael Schenker moving in and out of the band.

Original members Phil Mogg (vocals) and Pete Way (bass) have reformed the band on a few occasions, with the most recent line-up featuring longtime member Paul Raymond (ex-Chicken Shack/Savoy Brown/MSG and others) on keyboards, rhythm guitar & vocals, Vinnie Moore (ex-Vicious Rumours and also a renowed solo guitarist), together with Jason Bonham on drums. All the classics such as "Let It Roll", "Rock Bottom" and "Doctor Doctor" are there, as is a whole bunch of new material from the band's more recent album, "You Are Here". UFO's first live album, "Strangers In The Night", is considered by many to be one of the best live rock albums ever recorded. Whilst the double "Showtime" album, which was recorded in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, on May 13th 2005, is not quite in that league, it's nonetheless a fantastic effort from one of the UK's most important bands.

By the way, the concert was also released on DVD.

Bondar & Wise - A Live Legacy (Dharma Records - no number)

Keyboard player Al Bondar and drummer Bob Wise met in the early 70's and decided to form a band. Bondar was an unbelievably good Hammond C3 player whose style was a bit reminiscent of Lee Michaels or Keith Emerson. Much like present day Hammond players such as Barbara Dennerlein, he played bass pedals with a toe/heel technique. Bob Wise was a powerhouse of a drummer - he needed to be, to keep up with Bondar!

They recorded the tracks for this album during the second of three concerts they held in Michigan in the US during the early 70's. Unfortunately they weren't able to secure a record deal and the album remained unreleased until Dharma Records recently released the material (Bondar is a co-owner of the record company).

If keyboard dominated (remember, no guitar or vocals!) progressive rock is your bag, you need to get hold of this album. The playing is flawless and the recording is pretty good, seeing that it was recorded nearly 35 years ago! They certainly don't make keyboard players like this anymore.

Visit www.dharmarecords.com

Jaco Pastorius Big Band - The Word Is Out (Heads Up Records HUCD 3110)

What do you get when you combine a 19 piece big band whose members include guitarists Hiram Bullock and Mike Stern, bassists Mark Egan and Victor Wooten, drummer Peter Erskine, trumpet players Arturo Sandoval and Randy Brecker and a host of other big names, with one of the greatest bass players that ever lived? You get one of the finest big band albums ever recorded!

Pastorius, who was tragically killed in a brawl outside a club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 12 September 1987, was highly regarded by fans as well as by his peers. He featured on Weather Report's "Black Market" album and on Pat Metheny's "Bright Size Life" and these recordings are regarded as major landmarks in his fabled career.

This album follows his award winning and critically acclaimed 1976 recording "Word Of Mouth Revisited" by the Jaco Pastorius Big Band, and it would be appreciated by anyone into big band jazz, swing and blues.

New Releases on DVD

DVDs reviewed:

Iron Maiden

Chicken Shack

Nightwish

Joe Bonamassa

Iron Maiden - Death On The Road (Sanctuary 07464 51506 9)

An awesome three DVD set featuring a live concert filmed at Westfalenhalle in Dortmund, Germany on November 24th, 2003 (Of the three discs, one DVD is 5.1 Dolby Digital only, and the other is Stereo only). The "Special Features" DVD includes a 75 minute "Death On The Road" documentary, as well as a collection of unseen interviews with fans, filmed at The Earls Court Arena.

If there was ever a DVD set that was jam packed with great music and tons of special features, this is it!

Chicken Shack - I'd Rather Go Live (Angel Air NJPDVD 620)

Stan Webb is undoubtedly one of the best, yet most underrated vocalists/guitarists, to come out of the UK. He formed Chicken Shack in the 60's and he's kept the band going in various forms since then. This is the first (known) official concert footage of Stan The Man and his band, who are now Mick Jones drums on, Gary Davies on lead/rhythm guitar and Jim Rudge on bass.

The DVD was recorded in Lyme Regis, Southern England, during 2004, and the very appreciative crowd were treated to classics such as "The Thrill Is Gone", ''You Are The Sweetest Little Thing", and, of course, "I'd Rather Go Blind". The years have been very good to Stan - he can still hit those notes!

Bonus footage includes an interview with the great man, band history (which is quite a challenge to document correctly at the best of times!) and discography.

Nightwish - Highest Hopes (The Best of Nightwish) (Spinefarm Records 60249874071)

This is a CD/DVD (2 CDS, 1 DVD)combo of material from one of the hottest progressive metal bands around today. Formed in Finland in the mid to late 90's, they've taken the metal world by storm. The band is comprised of Emppu Vuorinen on guitars, Jukka Nevalainen on drums, Tuomas Holopainen on keyboards, Marco Hietala on bass and vocals and the stunning Tarja Turunen on vocals (who is sadly no longer with the band).

CD 1 is made up of studio tracks taken from the band's six studio albums, CD 2 is made up of live material. The live DVD footage is from concerts held in Germany and Finland between 2000 and 2003. They do a fantastic version of Gary Moore/Phil Lynott's "Over The Hills And Far Away".

Joe Bonamassa - Live at Rockpalast (Provogue PRDVD 7184-7)

There are just two words that describe this young US guitarist/vocalist: Unbelievably Good! He's given the blues/rock scene a serious kick up the butt since he exploded on the scene around six years ago, and he's developed into an amazingly talented and respected musician. His band of Eric Czar on bass and Kenny Kramme are just as good and they gel into this fantastically tight unit that compliment Bonamassa's playing in every way.

Recorded at the Burg Satzvey in Mechernich, Germany on 28 June 2005, the DVD features a fair amount of self-penned material, as well as his great versions of Jethro Tull's "A New Day Yesterday", Rod Stewart's "Blues Deluxe", Blind Faith's "Had To Cry Today" and Yes's "Heart Of The Sunrise'' .

This is Bonamassa's second DVD, and if you're not yet familiar with his material (he's released around six albums to date), you need to get introduced.

Thanks to Gerard Ziegler for getting me a copy of this great DVD!

Nosy old lady pokes her head over her neighbours wall and sees him digging a hole.

"What's the hole for?", she asks.

"It's a grave", says the neighbor

"For what?", asks she.

"For my goldfish'', he says, somberly

"That's a big hole for a goldfish!", says the old duck

"Yes, it's in your frigging cat!"

Bits and Pieces

Internet Magazine

Visit www.joday.com for the most informative and well written "Zine'' in the country! Jo Day is one of the county's best rock singers and her 'Zine is full of interesting bits of info about gigs, bands, happenings, etc etc.

Contact her on zine@joday.com.

Magazine

The UK's prestigious monthly Classic Rock magazine is undoubtedly one of the classiest and finest music magazines in the world. It's packed with expertly written new CD/DVD/Music Book reviews, articles, special offers, gigs, adverts and the like. The magazine has been around for a number of years and it's built up a reputation as being THE most respected music mag amongst music aficionados.

Contact: classicrock@futurenet.co.uk

Tel: 0207 317 2600

Fax: 0207 317 2686

Book

Rock Record 7, by Terry Hounsome, is possibly the most comprehensive and informative music reference book you're likely to find anywhere. Visit www.recordresearcher.com for downloads and more information about ordering this unbelievable piece of work that's invaluable to any record collector/music lover. You'll be astounded as to the amount of effort and research that's gone into his work. RockRom 10 CD-ROM is also now available.

Music/DVD Stores

Visit Look & Listen stores nationwide for a fantastic range of cds, dvds gaming, MP3's and accessories. They are the leaders when it comes to service and range of products, and if they don't have what you're looking for, they can order it for you.

(www.lookandlisten.co.za)

Contact Wayne Hampton at Compact Discovery, Edenvale (011)609-0624 or 0837980525 for the more obscure and hard to find music you'll hear on The RockIt Scientist.

Mabu Vinyl is one of Cape Town's best music stores and is situated in the city opposite the Long Street Baths at the top of Long Street. Here you can find a wide range of new and second hand LP's, 7" and 12" singles, CD's, DVD's, videos, music cassettes, magazines, books and more. Mabu also stocks a full range of the RetroFresh catalogue, some Rhythm Records titles (i.e. Fokofpolisiekar), as well as harder to find SA CD's like Sharkbrother, Off The Edge, BlueScream and a large range of current releases by SA independent artists like The Wild Eyes, Captain Stu and the Llamas, Mind Assault, Polstar, Lark and others. We also buy records, CDs and DVD's. Contact Stephen Segerman of Sugar Music with any requests or questions at the shop (021 423-7635) or email mabu@sugarmusic.co.za

Collectible/rare cd junkies in the Knysna area can visit The CD Hut, Shop 27/28, Pledge Street Square, 48 Main Road, Knysna. Contact Steve and Anne De Meuse on 044-382-5939 or stephanne1852@yahoo.com. If you happen to visit this beautiful part of the country, The CD Hut is a great place to browse through if you're looking for that elusive CD or DVD. Steve, Jeff and Anne are very knowledgeable and friendly and will no doubt be able to introduce you to some great music.

(Note: the store opens at 9.30am and closes at around 4.00pm, Mondays thru Fridays. Saturdays until around 1.30pm).

If you're in Cape Town, visit "Vibes Vinyl". This is a vinyl-only shop, run and owned by Alan Hilton, a respected and very knowledgeable vinyl and music collector. The store has an amazing amount of vinyl recordings in stock, both lp's and

7 singles, that have never been released on CD. They stock all types of music and have a great selection of South African stuff.

Alan also owns "Vibes", one of the country's best music stores.

(Contact 021-683-5676 or vibesvinyl@mweb.co.za)

For great second hand and new CD's, DVD's, LP's and Videos, visit "MicOgram" in Northcliff (Pick 'n Pay Centre, Beyers Naude Drive & Milner Street, Northcliff, Gauteng. Tel: (011) 782-4275 - Derek) or at FNB Bank City, shop C11, I First Place, FNB Bank City, Simmonds Street, Joburg City, Gauteng. Tel: (011) 492-2975. or 0833013234 - Jeff)

(CD's/LP's/DVD's/Videos also urgently needed!)

Radio

Benjy Mudie ("Rock of Ages" on Radio 2000), on Thursday evenings between 20H00 and midnight).

Shiloh Noone ("Blues and Variation" on Fine Music Radio 101.3fm), in the Cape area, on Wednesday evenings between 22H00 and midnight). Check out Shiloh's book, ''The Seeker's Guide To The Rhythm of Yesterday".

Barney Simon ("Night Zoo") on Tuksfm.

Check out www.rock.co.za/radio for listings and programmes.

If you'd like to hear music from bands/artist that generally don't get airplay on other stations, why don't you email the various stations and ask them to consider playing music you'd like to hear?

Here are some contact emails:

Jacaranda FM = onair@jacarandafm.co.za

East Coast Radio = ags@ecr.co.za / onair@ecr.co.za

94.7 Highveld = onair@highveld.co.za

KFM = justinek@kfm.co.za

OFM = live@ofm.co.za and cc nick@ofm.co.za

Algoa FM = live@algoafm.co.za

And lastly, of course, please remember to tune in to The RockIt Scientist Show on 1485 Radio Today, every Friday evening between 10.00pm and midnight, with the show repeated on Tuesdays between 11.00pm and 01.00am. If you have DStv, it's also available on Audio Channel 70.

The RockIt Scientist Website address again: www.rock.co.za/rockit. Email leon@rock.co.za

Cheers.

Leon



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