SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #113
http://www.sarockdigest.com
10th July 2001
SPECIAL RODRIGUEZ BIRTHDAY EDITION
The South African Rock Music Digest
is a weekly, free, subscription e-mag,
edited by Brian Currin and Stephen Segerman
and delivered direct to your e-mailbox.
Established 27th January 1999.
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CONTENTS
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1.NEWS - Rodriguez returns!, North Sea Jazz on radio & TV
2.CHARTS - Top SA Albums & Songs, Top Selling SA CDs
3.CD REVIEWS - Waiting For The Dawn - Steve Louw
4.CLASSIC ROCK - The Grass Roots, Sugarman cover versions, Alive, Beginners Guide, Cold Fact
5.FORUM, REQUESTS & FEEDBACK - Forum, Live in SA
6.LIVE REVIEWS & GIG INFO - Rodriguez in SA March 1998
7.LINKS
8.BACK ISSUES
9.CONTRIBUTIONS
10.CONTACT DETAILS
11.SUBSCRIPTIONS
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1.NEWS
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RODRIGUEZ RETURNS - THE FACTS, THE FACTS AND ONLY THE FACTS
http://www.sarockdigest.com/rodriguez
"Sugar man you're the answer, that makes our questions disappear"
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the South African release of 'Cold Fact'. Last week saw the documentary 'Dead Men Don't Tour' broadcast on South African television and this week Rodriguez turns 59, as his youngest daughter, Regan, confirms the rumours of another tour to South Africa this time including Australia (his last trip downunder was in 1981!) and maybe even London.
There is also a possibility of an article, written by Tim Forster, appearing in UK magazine Mojo very soon, the first time ever that a major international music publication even recognizes the existence of Rodriguez (s'trange, but s'true). Digest co-editor, Stephen "Sugar" Segerman (guess where that nickname came from?), is in the US this week and meeting up with the Sugarman himself on his birthday to present him with an NTSC copy of the video documentary. Sugar has confirmed that Rodriguez will be in SA between the 1st and 19th August and then in Australia from the 20th to the 29th August.
So in this frenzy of Rodriguez fever we dedicate this issue to the man, the mystery and the myth... happy birthday Rodriguez and thanks for your time...
"Sugar man, won't you hurry... bring back all those colours to my dreams".
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RODRIGUEZ ROCKS THE WORLD
I wanted to let anyone interested know that I have from a very good source that a Rodriguez Tour is in the works. Dates for South Africa and Australia are being set.
If all goes as planned Rodriguez will tour SA, Australia, and maybe make a stop in London. Let all interested parties know. I will send your greetings to my father and know that he is doing well and highly anticipating seeing your beautiful country again.
Best Wishes,
Regan Rodriguez
Climb Up On My Music
http://www.sarockdigest.com/rodriguez
The Great Rodriguez Website
http://www.rock.co.za/rodriguez
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THE INNER EAR: 18th July/22nd July
PINCH ME - I MUST BE DREAMING
TRIVIA QUIZ FOR JAZZERS
How does Sathima Bea Benjamin get high? Answer: On the music, the vibe, the love, that's how.
Who recently dismissed a whole era of jazz music as "little be-bop songs"? Answer: Ex-Weather Report co-leader, Joe Zawinul.
And who was inspired by - and in turn inspired - Miles Davis? Answer: .. You'll have to listen to PINCH ME - I MUST BE DREAMING on SAfm 104-107 in THE INNER EAR.
In his third and final programme on the African Harvest North Sea Jazz Festival held in Cape Town at the end of March, Nigel Vermaas presents his favourite verbal & musical gems from the African Harvest North Sea Jazz Festival.
You'll hear the thoughts of Marcus Miller, Sathima Bea Benjamin, Hein van de Geyn, Philip Catherine, Joe Zawinul, Phil Woods, Paul Hanmer and Mal Waldron, and some of the music recorded by the SABC at the Festival, including Sibongile Khumalo doing a brilliant version of MY FAVORITE THINGS, Phil Woods a swinging WILLOW WEEP FOR ME and Paul Hanmer with one of his originals: CAPE SPANISH INQUISITION.
Nigel, who's on his way to Holland for the "parent" 26-year old North Sea Jazz Festival in the Hague in July, says: "Talking to jazz legends like Zawinul, Woods and Waldron was inspiring. They have been part of the music, shaping that music, for over 50 years. Phil Woods at 69 recently won the Alto Sax Downbeat Readers Poll. And then there's Marcus Miller who, like Joe Zawinul, played extensively with Miles Davis, and wrote for him. And all of them were happy to talk about jazz - with considerably less ego than many of those in other spheres of music".
PINCH ME - I MUST BE DREAMING can be heard in THE INNER EAR (on SAFM 104-107) on Wednesday night 18th July just after the 9 o'clock news and again on Sunday morning 22nd at 9.30.
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NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL ON TV
A one-hour documentary on the North Sea Jazz Festival will be broadcast on Saturday 28th July at 9.30pm on SABC 3.
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KATE NORMINGTON LAUNCHES HER DEBUT SOLO RECORDING
June 2001 marked the long awaited solo album from Kate Normington entitled 'Mother’s Daughter', released by Sheer Sound. Now Kate launches this album at the Mixer on the 9th July.
VENUE: The Mixer in Melville
DATE: 9th July 2001
TIME: 7:30 for 8:00pm
TICKETS: R50.00 each
Call The Mixer on 011 482 1806/7 to book.
Album review at: http://www.rock.co.za/reviews.htm
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MEL BOTES
From the creator of the futuristic musical drama 'David's Confession - About Time' comes a new epic. Mel Botes will be performing sections of his new forthcoming English album entitled 'Flight of the Birds' which includes the songs 'Earthed', 'Desert Shore', 'Lonely is the Dancer' and 'Lazarus' at the Downtown Restaurant in Lynnwood, Pretoria on the 15th July.
His new Afrikaans album 'Oomblik van Waansin' is released this month... this production follows after a nationwide songwriting competition, which was won by Mel. The sponsors included Geraas, Beeld, Janus Musiek, Select Musiek and RP Studios.
Mel's performance will also include a select few Sting, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, David's Confession and Bob Dylan classics.
Mel will be joined by some of South Africa's top session musicians.
The Band:
Mel Botes - Vocals, Acoustic and Electric guitars, Harmonica
Clinton Waring - Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Piano
Vinnie Henrico - Drums and Percussion
Jasper jv Rensburg - Bass
Booking for the Downtown Restaurant in Lynnwood, Pretoria can be made on (012) 348-6910. The cost, which includes a three-course meal from this upmarket restaurant, is a mere R100 per person. That date again is the 15th July and the performance will commence at 20:00. Arrival at the venue should be by 18:00 and meals need be ordered before 19:00.
Mel Botes
http://www.rock.co.za/files/mel_botes.html
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EMINENT CHILD
Eminent Child leaves for Holland this week for a summertime open air show in the Groningen City Center
14 JULY
GROTE MARKT
GRONINGEN
20:00 - 22:00
It may be a bit of a hassle to get there for the South African, Australian and American fans (!) but from England it's a mere channel crossing..... and for those of you in the Netherlands - NO EXCUSES! :)
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2.CHARTS
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2a.THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK
http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Label)
1. [2] Snowflake - Zen Arcade (Indie)
2. [3] Showcase: 3 Unearthed - Various (Sony)
3. [5] Poles Apart - Karen Zoid (EMI)
4. [1] Memoirs Of A Clone - Watkin Tudor Jones Jnr (Chameleon)
5. [4] Rising Above The Madness - Lionel Bastos (SAFM)
6. [8] Xero - Binary (Indie)
7. [15] Live Fact - Rodriguez (Sony)
8. [10] Mother's Daughter - Kate Normington (Sheer/SAFm)
9. [7] Thin Shoes In June - Felix Laband (African Dope)
10 [6] Dreamland - Edi Niederlander (Indie)
11. [9] Steady On - Moodphase 5ive (African Dope)
12. [11] Seratonin - Fruit Fly Navigators (Indie)
13. [20] Alive In Jo'burg - Tananas (Sony SA)
14. [13] Burn - Venessa Nolan (Rhythm)
15. [12] Johnny Calls The Chemist - Falling Mirror (Retro Fresh)
16. [16] Merry-Go-Round - Wess-Lee (Scorpio)
17. [17] Danny K - Danny K (Gallo)
18. [14] The Moon Is A Spoon - Sunways (Fresh)
19. [19] OppiKoppi Tuned - Various Artists (OppiKoppi)
20. [18] Child Of The Light - Ernie Smith (Sheer)
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2b. THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN SONGS OF THE WEEK
http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Album/Label)
1. [1] King With A Crown - Spoon Feedas (‘Showcase: 3 Unearthed’/Sony)
2. [3] Crazy Over You - Zen Arcade (‘Snowflake’/Indie)
3. [2] Thank You - Lionel Bastos ('Rising Above The Madness'/SAFM
4. [5] Set Of Wheels (Karoo Anthem) - Karen Zoid (‘Poles Apart’/EMI)
5. [10] Undying Light - Edi Niederlander (‘Dreamland’/Indie)
6. [13] She Says - Cutting Jade (‘Showcase: 3 Unearthed’/Sony)
7. [6] Like A Holiday - Wess-Lee ('Merry-Go-Round'/Scorpio)
8. [4] Shout - Fruit Fly Navigators ('Seratonin'/Bionic)
9. [7] Johnny Calls The Chemist - Falling Mirror ('JCTC'/Retro Fresh)
10. [9] These Sparks Will Fly - Wess-Lee ('Merry-Go-Round'/Scorpio)
11. [16] Afrikaners Is Plesierig - Karen Zoid (‘Poles Apart’/EMI)
12. [-] Satellite Filler - Flowerheads (‘Showcase: 3 Unearthed’/Sony)
13. [12] Hurts So Bad - Danny K ('Danny K'/Gallo)
14. [8] Barefoot Girl - Binary ('Xero'/Indie)
15. [17] Long Holiday - The Sunshines ('Long Holiday' EP/Tel Michael)
16. [11] Max Normal - Watkin Tudor Jones Jnr ('Memoirs Of A
Clone'/Chameleon)
17. [14] Oxford Rd - Roswell Kings ('Wait For Me' EP/Indie)
18. [18] Fragile - Venessa Nolan ('Burn'/Rhythm)
19. [15] Colour Me In - Sunways ('The Moon Is A Spoon'/Fresh)
20. [20] My Angel - Adrian Shannon (EP/BMG)
Sponsored by Networld
http://www.new.co.za
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3. NEW AND RECENT RELEASES
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WAITING FOR THE DAWN - BIG SKY
(1990, re-issued on the Epic label, distributed by Sony Music SA)
http://www.stevelouw.com
This classic debut album by Big Sky (Steve Louw and Big Sky were the support act for the 1998 Rodriguez tour of SA), originally released in 1990 and for a long time unavailable has now been re-issued with 2 bonus tracks. It is appropriate that this CD should be re-issued on the Epic label, because it is an epic and powerful album, featuring a mix of musical talents from both SA and LA. Mixed by Shelly Yakus (U2, Tom Petty, Dire Straits) and produced by Kevin Shirley (The Council, Springbok N*** Girls, Iron Maiden, Black Crowes), this album features performances from Robbie McIntosh (Pretenders, Paul McCartney), Don Laka, Rupert Mellor (McCully Workshop), Roy Bittan (Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band), Benmont Tench (Tom Petty's Heartbreakers), McCoy Mrubata, Steve Newman (Tananas) and Honest Rod Nagel (All Night Radio, Blues Broers) to name just a few.
But forget the name-dropping; this album is epic because of the superb songs. Tracks like 'Waiting For The Dawn' (with bagpipes by the Cape Town Highlanders), 'Slow Dancing' and the gospel-tinged 'Power In The Darkness' captivate the listener. This album also includes a great version of Tom Waits' 'Downtown' (with references to "the sugar-man"... hmmm). One of the bonus tracks is a re-recording of a track from All Night Radio's (Steve's first band) second album 'The Killing Floor' titled 'Here Comes The Night' which itself was a cover of the old 1965 Them hit song, which featured a young Van Morrison.
(BC)
For more reviews of new and recent South African CD releases and re-issues please visit:
OPEN RECORD
http://www.openrecord.co.za
AMUZINE
http://www.rock.co.za/reviews.htm
EMERGING SOUNDS
http://www.emergingsounds.com
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4. CLASSIC ROCK
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SHILOH'S CORNER
GRASS ROOTS
Confusion often lay in the name the Grass Roots due to the fact that it was appropriated by a number of Californian groups. The early stages of Arthur Lee's Love, can claim this title but it was songwriters P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri who employed the name pseudonymously on several folk rock performances. The Grass Roots had overnight success with the classic "Lets Live for Today" (originally a hit for an Italian band called the Rokes). This track is now regarded as one of the most therapeutic comfort singles for the Vietnam veterans during the Hanoi disaster. Although regarded as a commercial attraction their musical ability was astounding with the Warren Entner on guitar, Creed Bratton also on guitar, Rob Grill on bass and Rick Coonce on drums. With brilliant dual lead guitar, the group forged into the sixties with classic tracks like "Midnight Confessions" (1968), "I'd wait a million years" (1969) and "Sooner or Later" (1971).
Originally known as the Thirteenth Floor these astounding musicians were recruited by Sloan and Barri as the real McCoy. During the latter sixties Sloan's input decreased while Barri remained as producer. They cracked the Billboard charts fourteen times between 1967 and 1973. The Grass Roots played a major role at a time when AM radio began yielding to FM complexity. The Sloan / Barri team were experts when it came to the virtual surf group concept and often the likes of Hal Blaine, Billy Strange, Tommy Tedesco and Carol Kaye were called in to session. Sloan's influence by Bob Dylan had a strong reflection on the group. Sloan's songwriting ability brought forth the protest of "Eve of Destruction" later to be recorded by Barry McGuire. Great singles like "Let me be" (Turtles) and "Take me for what I'm worth" (Searchers), formed part of the collective gemstones of Sloan's songwriting collection.
Very much in the flavour of the Monkees, what started as virtual, became a very real group of musicians that refused to be acknowledged as virtual puppets. The final combination resulted in excellent live concerts with gutsy fuzz-drenched electric and twelve-string acoustic guitar. Although in one sense an enigma to the American public, Sloan and Barri launched a group that hold the all-time record for the number of appearances on Dick Clark's television show. The Grass Roots were also one of the first groups to use four track machines during their recording sessions. Most of their music although capturing a commercial tinge did have the occasional psychedelic edge such as the elusive "Feelings", which caught the power of feedback effectively. The Grass Roots remain one of the most memorable groups to come out of the diverse sixties. Long live Sloan and Barri for their progressive songwriting and visionary tenacity.
Shiloh Noone, Cape Town
mailto:shiloh_noone@hotmail.com
http://www.sarockdigest.com/shiloh
Blues and Variation
Fine Music Radio 101.3 FM
Wednesdays 10 pm
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USA FOR AFRICA
Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music
SUGARMAN - THE MONKEYWRENCH
I bought an interesting CD in Austin, Texas in August last year. The music is modern psych-rock, more rock than psych, and for the most part the album is journeyman stuff, neither poor nor great - just tolerably good original rock. It's by the American group, The Monkeywrench, who have recorded a version of 'Sugar Man'. Here are my preliminary thoughts on their version of the song: flat vocals and guitar on the intro, though it picks up when the chorus begins -- purposefully flat. The singer is trying to sound jaded and perhaps worn out by a drug experience, but comes across as flat, lacking the emotional feeling Rodriguez, or Just Jinger for that matter, conveys.
The trippy middle, the interlude of sounds, is okay, they understood this part of the song, though it is very brief. All in all, an interesting and okay version by The Monkeywrench, but not as good as the two other versions I've heard: Sixto himself and Just Jinger.
What I wonder is how The Monkeywrench found this song, where they heard it. Why they decided to record it, however, is not a mystery, Sixto wrote a great song, no denying.
Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas
mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com
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LONDON LEKKER
London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music
ALIVE - RODRIGUEZ (1981)
http://www.sarockdigest.com/rodriguez
"Ladies and Gentlemen... Rodriguez". These few simple words form the
introduction to this rare live album. It seems almost understated. Did he just say Rodriguez? The guy who brought out the sublime 'Cold Fact' and then blew his brains out on stage while working behind a deli in a New York jail, dying of a drug overdose from battering his wife or something like that. No it's the other Rodriguez, the guy who brought out the sublime 'Cold Fact', then disappeared into a life of obscurity only to re-emerge years later, alive, well, and rocking.
In 1979 the man, the myth and his guitar took a trip to Australia where he drew larger crowds than Rod Stewart and mesmerised audiences in a way few artists can do. The resultant live album simply entitled 'Alive' captures the magic in a raw, stripped down way. The production seems almost non-existent which means what you hear is what that audience heard that evening. Sit too close to your speakers and you may find yourself reaching out to touch the man, it's that intimate.
As each song is recognised, the audience offers up respectful applause, but quickly quieten to listen. The songs are mellower than on the studio albums, this is thanks largely to some prominant flute work of José Guadiana and mandolin strumming from Steve Cooney, but still maintain their edge, thanks to the biting lyrics that we know and love, and also the familiar rough, yet somehow smooth vocal tones.
At times it sounds as though this was recorded in a small, smokey jazz joint on a night where everything slots perfectly into place, the band tightly knit and all focussed on producing an exceptional sound, the audience enraptured, and at the centre, this Mexican looking dude, relaxed and totally in command.
Strangely there's no 'Sugarman' or 'I Wonder', but they are not missed. There is 'Like Janis', 'A Most Disgusting Song' and a slow burning version of 'Inner City Blues' to keep the audience enthralled. And enthrall it does. As the sleeve notes say, "while some followers of the unlikely Messiah were obviously transported into the realms of ecstacy". Listening to 'Alive' this feeling is quite tangible, you breathe the audience's breath, you feel with the audiences senses, you hear with their ears, you share their heartbeats.
Rodriguez's albums are special, and this gem that captures the rare moment of the man in concert is no exception. It's mellow rock at it's biting best. It's everything you'd expect and more. Armed only with a guitar and a bunch of ten year old songs, Rodriguez strolled onto the stages of Australia, handed out some of the most precious memories rock fans could dream of then floated back to the safe haven of obscurity. Fortunately someone had the foresight to record the moment so those who weren't there could experience something of what happened there. One listen to 'Alive' and you will realise that Rodriguez was the one who put the awe in audience.
John Samson, London, UK
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com
http://www.sarockdigest.com/london
{'Alive' was recorded live at The Regent Theatre, Sydney, Australia, 17th & 18th March 1979 and released by Blue Goose Music to coincide with the 1981 Australian tour. In 1986 Powderworks Records re-issued this album on vinyl, but it has yet to be released on CD, if ever. - ed}
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SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS: 30 YEARS AGO
http://www.rock.co.za/charts
Friday, 9 July 1971
This week [last week] Title - Artist
1 [1] Funny, Funny - The Sweet
2 [2] Lonely Days and Lonely Nights - Lincoln*
3 [6] When Love Comes Knocking At Your Door - The Dealians*
4 [5] The Seagulls Name Was Nelson - Des & Dawn Lindberg*
5 [3] Joy To the World - Three Dog Night
6 [4] If Not For You - Olivia Newton-John
7 [8] Mozart Symphony No. 40 - Waldo De Los Rios
8 [9] Me and You And A Dog Named Boo - Lobo
9 [10] I Am ... I Said - Neil Diamond
10 [7] It Don't Come Easy - Ringo Starr
* South African Artists
The South African contingent was stacking up behind The Sweet with positions 2, 3 and 4 being reserved for the local talent. The top 10 was just a reshuffle of last weeks top 10. The only real top 10 new entry contender, 'Rosetta' by Price & Fame Together (Georgie Fame & Alan Price), ended it's upward motion by dropping from 12 to 17.
Two SA acts entered the top 20, Gentle People with 'Rain Rain Rain' and
Peanut Butter Conspiracy with 'Hold on to what you got'. Also entering the top 20 was pop svengali Jonathan King's Sakkarin with a cover of the Archie's 'Sugar Sugar'.
The top 20 also bid farewell to an all time classic, Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Have you ever seen the rain'. This had had a 17 week run on the charts, spending one of those at the top. It went on to become the 14th biggest hit of the year.
South Africans at number 1 this Week:
Kentucky Blues - Lauren Copley (1973)
John Samson
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com
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TOP 10 SA CLASSIC ROCK ALBUMS
http://www.freevote.com/booth/sarock
1.Africa She Too Can Cry - Hawk (1972)
2.African Day - Hawk (1971)*
3.Burnout - Hotline (1981)
4.Battle Hymn Of The Broken Hearted Horde - Freedoms Children (1968)
5.Boys Will Be Boys - Rabbitt (1975)
6.Live And Well - Hawk (1974)
7.A Croak And A Grunt In The Night - Rabbitt (1977)
8.In The Arena - Circus (1977)
9.Jack Of All Trades - Jack Hammer (1987)
10.Astra - Freedoms Children (1970)*
* Available on CD from http://www.oneworld.co.za
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TOP 10 ALL-TIME GREAT SA POP AND ROCK SONGS
http://www.freevote.com/booth/sapop
1.Master Jack - Four Jacks And A Jill (1968)
2.Weeping - Bright Blue (1987)
3.Hey Boy - Via Afrika (1983)
4.See Yourself (Clowns) - EllaMental (1984)
5.This Boy - Sweatband (1986)
6.As I Went Out One Morning (Damsel) - Tribe After Tribe (1985)
7.My Kind Of Girl - Cinema (1988)
8.Special Star - Mango Groove (1989)
9.ZX Dan - Radio Rats (1978)
10.You're Living Inside My Head - John Ireland (1979)
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BIRTHDAYS
JULY
10 Sixto Rodriguez (1942)
16 PJ Powers (born Penelope Jane Dunlop in 1961, some sources say 1960)
18 Piet "Hammer" Botha (1955)
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MORE COLD FACTS
http://www.sarockdigest.com/rodriguez
A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO RODRIGUEZ
Brian Currin
"You'll see man, I'm gonna get the Grammy Award and I'll stand up there and I'll say 'Thank you very much everybody for liking my songs but I want to tell you, the children of the inner city are starving!" - Rodriguez, a long time ago
"If anyone ever, EVER, deserved a Grammy, its Rodriguez" -
Justin, 6 July 2001
The artist known simply as Rodriguez was born Sixto (pronounced "Seez-toe") Diaz Rodriguez in Detroit, Michigan, USA on the 10th July 1942. He was the sixth child (the Sixth Prince) of immigrant Mexican parents. He recorded the cult classic album 'Cold Fact' in Detroit in 1969, but it sank without a trace in the US. His second album, 'Coming From Reality', was recorded in London in 1970 and released in 1971 with even less success. He made a huge impact on South Africans in the 70s, however, when 'Cold Fact' was released here in 1971 and again in 1974. He toured Australia in 1979 and also in 1981. Nothing more was heard from him, and nobody seemed to know where he was, or if he was even still alive. His appeal continued and 'Cold Fact' sold steadily through the years. He was "found" again in 1997 thanks to the internet and the perserverance of some die-hard fans.
In most of the world Rodriguez was ignored, but in South Africa, 'Cold Fact' is very well-known, especially the songs, 'I Wonder' and 'Sugar Man'. Despite the cold fact that he was never played on the radio, whenever pub musicians in SA play his songs everyone sings along to poetic lyrics like "...the moon is hanging in the purple sky..." or "...thanks for your time...".
Everybody thought his name was Jesus because of the song credits on the album and everyone thought he was dead! Then in September 1997, Eva Rodriguez posted a message on The Rodriguez Forum: "Rodriguez is my father! I'm serious." This led to a very successful tour of South Africa in March 1998. A live CD from the tour was released in June 1998 by Sony Music. Rodriguez played in Sweden in June that same year then played 2 nights at the Blues Room in Johannesburg (also in June) to launch the live CD. The video documentary of the 1998 SA tour was broadcast on SABC3 last week on the 5th. And now there is talk of a tour to South Africa, Australia and possibly London.
The best place to start to discover the magic and the mystery of Rodriguez is to listen to 'Cold Fact', then try 'After the Fact' (the SA re-release of 'Coming From Reality'), digest the lyrics of this poetic genius, read the comments on The Rodriguez Forum <http://cd.co.za/chat.html> and try to understand the effect this man has had on so many lives over so many years... and remember who sang:
"Climb up on my music and my songs will set you free"
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COLD FACT - RODRIGUEZ
http://www.rock.co.za/files/coldfact.html
"Sugar Man, won’t you hurry, ‘cause I’m tired of these scenes"
Dipped sweetly in the psychedelia of the sixties, this the first album from a mysteriously unknown artist, mingles simple folk guitar with astonishing lyrics about drugs, depression and inner city blues. Rodriguez’s distinct nasal voice ambles through a dozen simple tunes addressing the turbulent backdrop of America in the sixties and does so with such impressionable beauty that it has catapulted him into cult status in many far flung corners of the globe. Such is the demand, that both 'Cold Fact', and the second album 'Coming From Reality' (re-released in 1976, in South Africa only, as 'After The Fact'), have been remastered on CD format, some 20 years later.
For many, this album is one magnificent trip, lost in the haze of hippiness, and indeed the album is laced with narcotic references, but as far as talent goes, 'Cold Fact' is a remarkable album perfect for idealists and dreamers. The obsessive 'I Wonder', perhaps the best known of the album’s tracks, is a simple tune that mirrors the type of questions you’ve always wanted to ask of certain people and never had the courage, but it is the album’s ultra-trippy opening number, 'Sugar Man' which really lends the album an air of intrigue. Others such as 'Crucify Your Mind', 'Jane S. Piddy' and 'Forget It' are both poignant and subtly beautiful.
However, it is the album as a whole, it’s poetic lyrics and the bohemian fueled mystery surrounding it that makes it so appealing to several generations, even years after the artist signed off with the words "thanks for your time, then you can thank me for mine and after that’s said, forget it."
This album, in short, eventually becomes part of your lifestyle.
Andrew Bond, April 1998
For all the latest Rodriguez news and info, visit:
The Great Rodriguez Website
http://www.rock.co.za/rodriguez
Climb Up On My Music - a site dedicated to Rodriguez
http://www.sarockdigest.com/rodriguez
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5.FORUM, REQUESTS AND FEEDBACK
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DEAD MEN DON'T TOUR
http://www.sarockdigest.com/rodriguez
One of the many, many messages we have received since the SABC TV broadcast on the 5th July...
The Rodriguez documentary on Channel 3 last night was FANTASTIC. A brilliant musician who's absence over the last 20 or so years can only be to the industry's (and our) loss. His message is still as relevant today as it was then. Great to see so many young faces of kids who were'nt even born when he first hit the scene. (I became a fan around the early eighties!). What are the chances of Port Elizabeth (where I live) being included as a concert venue if he comes back again? To the organisers of the documentary, please, please try to get it re-broadcast again. You are so right about the other stuff forced on us. This is truly great music.
Regards
Beverley
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GENTLE PEOPLE
On the 9th of July 2001 it will be 30 years since the Gentle People had a hit with "Rain Rain Rain" [SA #3]. They were really good years. To celebrate the band, I have created a small website with photos of performances at Smuggies in Durban (1969), Club Tomorrow in Joburg (1971) and Bretts in Salisbury (Harare)(1972). Some really interesting shots of some of the top artists in their youth then but still on the scene today. You can find this site at http://www.geocities.com/bbprodza.
Kevin Mason (Gentle People 1969-1973)
http://www.geocities.com/mad_mason
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WE LIVE IN ONE WORLD
We have a great club here in Santa Monica [California] called the Temple Bar where they feature world beat artists weekly. When I came across your website, I was attracted to the idea of getting to know more about the music that comes from your country... especially since Art, my Hubbie, is a Musician [a percussionist]. He used to play with an artist from Texas, where we're originally from, who recently passed away. She was an EMI-Latin recording Artist, Selena Quintanilla. Selena and Art would always play around with her music in search of different styles to mix it with. Now he's working on his own world beat demo where the drums will definitely be the main focus.
We live in one world... and we both want to learn all that we can
from it! And in this day and age... with all of our technology...
this is an excellent way to feed our minds!
Take Care,
Jessica
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LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA
THe new Bon Jovi live CD 'One Wild Night', a compilation of live tracks through the years (from 1985 to now), includes the track 'Rockin' In The Free World' which was recorded at the Johannesburg Athletics Stadium on 1st December 1995. This live version of the Neil Young song off Neil's 1989 'Freedom' album was originally released as a track on the Bon Jovi CD single 'These Days' in 1996.
It got me thinking about overseas artists who have recorded live in South Africa. Rodriguez immediately springs to mind (I can't imagine why?) with 'Live Fact' (1998) and of course Chris de Burgh's 'Live in SA' (1979, re-issued on CD in 1997 with bonus studio song 'Riding On The Rainbow'). Lovelace Watkins (remember 'The Way I Am'? It hit #6 on the Springbok charts in 1974), Percy Sledge and the Manhattans have all released live albums recorded in South Africa. Bryan Adams' CD single 'Inside Out' released last year also included 2 live tracks recorded during his very successful tour of South Africa in May 1999.
Are there any others that anyone can think of?
Brian
mailto:brian@cd.co.za
---------------
SOUND SOLUTIONS
http://www.rock.co.za/soundsolutions
A Cape Town-based music resource that offers two main areas of expertise and assistance:
1) Music Searches - Assists in recommending and finding relevant music
soundtracks for television, cinema and radio commercials and
productions.
2) Music Licensing - Assists in obtaining the publishing and recording
rights for music to be used as soundtracks for commercials and other
productions.
For more info, please contact:
Stephen Segerman or Graham Katz
021 461-9541
mailto:sugar@cd.co.za
______________________________________________
6.LIVE REVIEWS AND GIG INFO
----------------------------
FROM SWEET SONGS TO STREET SONGS
Rodriguez live at the Bellville Velodrome,
7th March 1998
Rodriguez, March 1998: "I've never even played a gig in America, my home country. I've jammed informally with friends, yes, but never a formal concert. Nobody was ever interested in my music."
Well, trust me, Rodriguez, we are interested... f*** are we ever!
From the simplistic, yet instantly recognisable bass guitar intro of 'I
Wonder', to the last fading echoes of 'Forget It', the show at the Bellville Velodrome enthralled everyone from the die-hard old fans with their balding heads and beer paunches to the new virgin devotees.
From sweet songs to street songs,
from bitter to beautiful,
from minor keys to metal mayhem,
from tear-jerker to tear-it-up,
from disgusting songs to rock anthems...
this was truly a magic show of vast proportions.
Rodriguez has not released new material in over 25 years, he has never had any chart-topping singles, yet he opens to a standing ovation - and
everybody sings along to all the songs.
Reuben Samuels started a slow drum beat and when Graeme Currie introduced the classic bass line to 'I Wonder' the crowd went wild in instant recognition and when The Man slipped quietly onto the stage, the Velodrome stood up in adoration for this long-lost legend. 'I Wonder' was wonderful and afterwards, Rodriguez just stood and stared at the audience in awe.
A highlight of the evening was the solo rendition of 'A Most Digusting Song' sung with great humour. "There's someone here who's almost a virgin I'm told" was met with much laughter. And when he sang "your government will provide the shrugs" a responsive chord was hit, even though this song was written in 1970!
The show ended with an absolutely incredible blues-rock version of 'Climb Up On My Music'. Willem Möller burnt up his fretboard with a classic rock guitar solo and Russel Taylor played a jazzy-blues keyboard solo which left us breathless.
Rodriguez slipped away as the band ended the song, but soon returned to
perform a 3-song encore starting with 'Sugar Man', then 'Establishment
Blues' and ending with the perfect show-closer 'Forget It' with those
poignant words "Thanks for your time".
"Thank you, Cape Town" sang Rodriguez.
No, thank YOU, Rodriguez - the mystery and myth may be gone, but the music and memories will live forever and the magic of that night will stay with us always.
Brian Currin
mailto:brian@cd.co.za
Climb Up On My Music
http://www.sarockdigest.com/rodriguez
---------------
340ml
10 August (Fri)
Oppikoppi - Pretoria. 11am
---------------
AUTHENTIC GIGS
THURSDAY 12 JULY
Riku Latte, The Diesel Wh*res - Rhythm and Brew, Benoni
FRIDAY 13 JULY
Nelson - Equinox, Bethlehem
SATURDAY 14 JULY
Cutting Jade, 57 - The Walkway, Randfontein
THURSDAY 19 JULY
Pestroy, Riku Latte - Rhythm and Brew, Benoni
FRIDAY 20 JULY
Speedy AKA Richard Santana - Point Break, Margate
SATURDAY 21 JULY
Saron Gas, Justin Vee - Cloud 9, Umhlanga
Cutting Jade, Starseed - The Walkway, Randfontein
THURSDAY 26 JULY
57, Pestroy - Rhythm and Brew, Benoni
FRIDAY 27 JULY
Barney Simon - Rafterz, Vanderbijlpark
SATURDAY 28 JULY
Nelson - Cloud 9, Umhlanga
Barney Simon - Exit, Klerksdorp
Tweak, Starseed - The Walkway, Randfontein
For more info:
Beth Hillary
Authentic Ideas (Pty) Ltd
T: 011-646-6467
F: 011-646-6441
C: 073-152-6262
E: mailto:beth@authentic.co.za
-----------------
BASSLINE
http://www.basslinejazzclub.co.za
---------------
BINARY
http://www.binaryonline.co.za
Binary Live & Online @ Bugsy's on Tues 10th July. Live video footage on http://binaryonline.co.za for all fans away from JHB. Verge will also be there with their camera's snapping. You could be famous on http://www.verge.co.za. Binary CDs and merchandise will also be on sale @ the door.
---------------
FRUIT FLY NAVIGATORS
Wed 18 July - Rivets (Durban) UNPLUGGED
Sat 21 July - Cloud 9 (Umhlanga) with Saron Gas
‘5FM Showcase: 3 Unearthed’ featuring 'Shout' - available online at http://www.oneworld.co.za
--------------------
HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB
The Troubadour, Kalk Bay
Every Wednesday night 8:30
Entrance R15 - bar available
Rob Anderson (021) 7891021
mailto:anderson@botzoo.uct.ac.za
Nadia Scaillet (021) 4489834
mailto:noid@netactive.co.za
--------------
JESSE JORDAN
http://www.jessejordan.co.za
Al's - Knysna 14 July Oyster Festival
-------------
JULIAN'S
http://www.julianlaxton.com
mailto:julianlaxton@artslink.co.za
---------------
LIVE IN LONDON
http://www.sarockdigest.com/london
SA artists performing in London
--------------
NAKED NATIVES
http://www.nakednatives.co.za
Naked Natives have undertaken a series of 'unplugged' gigs in and around Durban.
---------------
OPPIKOPPI
http://www.oppikoppi.co.za
9-12 August 2001 - Oppikoppi - Pretoria @ Fountains Valley
21-23 September 2001 - Oppikoppi - Worcester @ Kleinplasie
---------------
RODRIGUEZ
http://www.sarodigest.com/rodriguez
1-19 August - South Africa
20-29 August - Australia
Dates & venues still to be confirmed
---------------
ROEKELOOS - GIG GUIDE
http://www.roekeloos.co.za/musiek.html
--------------
SARON GAS
One month only - exclusive - unplugged gigs!
11th July Bassline JHB
12th July Bassline JHB
14th July Grey Skies Centurion
20th July Nile Crocodile PTA
27th July Rhythm and Brew Boksburg/Benoni
28th July Selection Lodge Springs
---------------
SEMISANE
http://www.semisane.com
21 July Stokers Arms Newlands
8 August Independent Armchair Theatre Obs
---------------
SUNWAYS
July
Thu 12 Industry - Rivonia
Fri 13 Bohemian - Richmond
Sat 14 CD Warehouse - Rosebank
Wed 18 Mystic Boer - Bloemfontein
Fri 20 Star Of The West - Kimberley
Sat 28 Rafterz - vd Byl Park
August
Thur 9 Oppikoppi Fountains Valley Pretoria
Sat 18 Monty's - Pietersburg
Fri 24 Halfway House - Kimberley (TBC)
Sat 25 Equinox - Bethlehem
Thur 30 Tappas - Port Elizabeth (With Flatbox)
Fri 31 Barnacles - Port Alfred (With Flatbox)
---------------
THE WHAMMY BAR
Marine Circle
Tableview
(021) 557-5692
mailto:thewhammybar@mweb.co.za
Open Mon-Sun 6:00pm till late
The Whammy Bar is a live music venue that features original SA bands.
Bands start at 10.00pm Fri & Sat.
WED 11 JULY: JAM NIGHT/ OPEN MIC. Starting at 8:00pm, anyone with
an instrument is welcome!
THUR 12 JULY: ROCK'N RICK'S KARAOKE (starts at 9:00pm)
FRI 13 JULY: FLOWERHEADS with NEW FLYING MACHINE
SAT 14 JULY: It's the South African return of DORP with MY LATEST EX
SUN 15 JULY: SPIRITUALITY UNPLUGGED with the Vineyard Church
(starts at 6:00pm)
--------------
ZA@PLAY
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/art/music/
---------------
ZEN ARCADE
http://www.geocities.com/zenarcade1
Wednesday July 25 - Zen Arcade are appearing live at The Bohemian, 5
Park Road (cnr Menton Road), Richmond. Admittance to the gig, which
starts at 9.30pm is FREE. That's right: for nada ... gratis and for
nothing. You won't find a better deal for cutting-edge contemporary rock music in this town.
The band is also plotting a mini-tour of the Exotic Far East Rand towns
of Benoni, Boksburg and Springs (affectionately known as Suspension
City, by its quizzical natives). Details will follow.
Zen Contact:
Paul Drosdzol
Zer02Her0
082-685-0819
mailto:drosdzol@sowetan.co.za
________________________________________________
7.LINKS
---------
LINKS PAGES:
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdearmusic.com/links.html
A TO Z OF SA MUSICIANS
http://www.sarockdigest.com/musicians
AMUZINE
http://www.rock.co.za/links.htm
MUSIC.ORG
Original African, jazz, hip hop, reggae & kwaito artists
http://www.music.org.za/artists
SA ROCK DIGEST
http://www.sarockdigest.com/links
VAGABOND'S WORLD
http://www.rock.co.za/vagabond/links
ONE WORLD
http://www.oneworld.co.za/links.cfm
SEARCH ENGINE:
GOOGLE
http://www.google.com
Quick and accurate, highly recommended
ARTISTS:
AKKEDIS
http://www.stellenbosch.co.za/akkedis/
ALTERNATIEWE AFRIKANERS
http://www.afrikaner.co.za/tronk10/
ROBIN AULD
http://www.robinauld.co.za
BINARY
http://www.binaryonline.com
BERNARD BINNS
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za
BIG SKY
http://www.stevelouw.com
BIZARRE BAZAAR
http://www.geocities.com/bizabaza
PIET BOTHA
http://www.pietbotha.com
JOHNNY CLEGG
http://www.johnnyclegg.com
CLOUT
http://www.clout.co.za
FOUR JACKS AND A JILL
http://www.fourjacksandajill.co.za/
LIESL GRAHAM
http://www.lieslgraham.co.za
LIELA GROENEWALD
http://www.liela.co.za
HELLOANGEL
http://www.helloangel.co.uk
IAN HENDERSON
http://www.ianhenderson.co.za
JACK HAMMER
http://www.rock.co.za/jackhammer
JESSE JORDAN
http://www.jessejordan.co.za
KOOS KOMBUIS
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
JULIAN LAXTON
http://www.julianlaxton.com
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.littlesister.co.za
BOBBY LOUW
http://www.bobbylouw.co.za
STEVE LOUW
http://www.stevelouw.com
NAKED NATIVES
http://www.nakednatives.co.za
VENESSA NOLAN
http://www.sunsetrecording.com/venessa
NOT THE MIDNIGHT MASS
http://www.sarockdigest.com/midnightmass
OFF THE EDGE
http://www.rock.co.za/offtheedge
PEDRO THE MUSIC MAN
http://users.iafrica.com/m/mu/musicman
RABBITT
http://www.rabbitt.co.za
RADIO RATS
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/radiorats
RODRIGUEZ: CLIMB UP ON MY MUSIC
A site dedicated to Rodriguez, the Sugar Man
http://www.sarockdigest.com/rodriguez
SEMISANE
http://www.semisane.com
SHARKBROTHER
http://www.sharkbrother.com
SKINCAGE
http://go.to/skincage
AMANDA STRYDOM
http://www.amandastrydom.com
THE SUNSHINES
http://www.thesunshines.com
VALIANT SWART
http://www.valiant.co.za
AMANDA TIFFIN
http://listen.to/amandatiffin
NOA TYLO
http://www.noatylo.co.za
ZEN ARCADE
http://www.geocities.com/zenarcade1
ARCHIVES:
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdEarMusic.com
RETROFRESH
http://www.freshmusic.co.za
OPEN RECORD
http://www.openrecord.co.za
SOUTH AFRICA'S ROCK FILES
The online archive for the History of South African Rock
http://www.rock.co.za/sarock
SOUTH AFRICAN RADIO CHARTS 1969-1989
http://www.rock.co.za/charts
SA ROCK DIGEST CHARTS 2000 onwards
http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts
NEWS:
AMUZINE
News, views, reviews and interviews
http://www.rock.co.za/
ARTSMART
Arts news from Kwazulu-Natal
http://www.artsmart.co.za
BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/newroom/toptens/sarockdigest.shtml
EMERGING SOUNDS
http://www.emergingsounds.co.za
JAZZNEWS RENDEZVOUS
http://www.egroups.com/group/JazznewsRendezvous
This newsletter is posted weekly on Sundays and looks at the
world of Jazz in South Africa and beyond.
POWERZONE
http://www.powerzone.co.za
SA MUSIC
http://www.samusic.co.za
STAGE
http://www.stage.co.za
TAMBOER KRANTJIE
http://www.pretoria.co.za
http://www.tamboer.co.za
SHOPPING:
ONE WORLD
http://www.oneworld.co.za/
Selling South African Music to the World
RECORD COMPANIES, LABELS & STUDIOS:
AFRIMUSIK
http://www.afrimusik.com
BMG
http://www.click2music.co.za
CAVEMAN PRODUCTIONS
Kevin Shirley's virtual cave
http://www.cavemanproductions.com
FRESH MUSIC
http://www.freshmusic.co.za
MELT2000
http://www.melt2000.com
MOUNTAIN RECORDS
http://www.mountain-africa.com
SHEER SOUND
http://www.sheer.co.za
SUNSET RECORDING STUDIOS
http://www.sunsetrecording.com
TL MASTERING
http://www.tl-mastering.com
RESOURCES:
BACKSTAGE
http://www.backstage.co.za/
INDEPENDENT DIGITAL
http://www.idig.za.net
RISA
http://www.risa.org.za/
Recording Industry of South Africa
SOUND SOLUTIONS
http://www.rock.co.za/soundsolutions
SOUTH AFRICAN SLANG
http://www.supertubes.co.za/bot_bar/surfrikan/slang_intro.html
RADIO:
CAPITAL 604
http://www.Capital604.com
SAFM (104-107KHz)
http://www.safm.co.za
BOOKS:
THE HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Garth Chilvers and Tom Jasiukowicz (TOGA, 1994)
http://www.sarockdigest.com/book
We are happy to exchange links with any good website supporting SA music. A good website in our opinion should be informative, regularly updated and linked back to us. If you already link to us and you believe your link should be here, please contact Brian Currin at mailto:sarock@sarockdigest.com
__________________________________________
8.BACK ISSUES
---------------
BACK ISSUES
http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives
Online and keyword searchable
__________________________________________
9.CONTRIBUTIONS
-----------------
Press releases:
Please submit all press releases to Sugar at mailto:sugar@cd.co.za
Contributions:
Please submit all contributions, reviews, requests, searches and comments by filling in the form at:
http://www.rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:sarock@sarockdigest.com
All e-mail submissions need to be in plain text e-mail format with NO attachments, please. You may, however, include web addresses (URLs) in your e-mails which point to websites or images on-line.
E-mails in HTML format, or e-mails all in lower-case or all in CAPITALS will tend to be ignored as they can take too long to correct for inclusion in the Digest.
Any e-mail with an ".exe" file attached will automatically be trashed.
Bulk mailings which show everybody's addresses also tend to get trashed automatically. Just use the "bcc" (blind carbon copy) function on your e-mail programme.
________________________________________
10.CONTACT DETAILS
-------------------
EDITORS
Brian Currin
mailto:vagabond@cd.co.za
http://www.rock.co.za/vagabond
Stephen Segerman
mailto:sugar@cd.co.za
http://www.cd.co.za
Postal Address:
Brian Currin
PO Box 521
Eppindust
7475
Cape Town
South Africa
MAIN CONTRIBUTORS
Kurt Shoemaker, USA
mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com
John Samson, UK
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com
Shiloh Noone, South Africa
mailto:shiloh_noone@hotmail.com
http://www.sarockdigest.com/shiloh
Tertius Louw, South Africa
mailto:louwt@mweb.co.za
________________________________________
11.SUBSCRIPTIONS
----------------
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