SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #214 http://www.sarockdigest.com Established 27th January 1999 18th August 2003 ---------------- EDITOR'S NOTE ---------------- If you miss any issues of the Digest, then you can still read each week's edition online at http://www.cd.co.za (updated Tuesdays). You can also find all the previous editions of the Digest archived at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives The deadline for Digest submissions and SA gig info is Friday 12 noon. If you would like to contact us, please do not reply to this newsletter! Rather send an email to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=Digest Thanks! Ed. -------------- IN THIS ISSUE -------------- V&A SA Music Week Line-up ... JHB International Festival ... Spyro Gyra ... Dave Marks on 'SA Blues' ... Biggish Band and FMR ... tAIT's 'Back Seat Driver' ... Track 4.... 'Die Mamba' ... Morocko ... 'Going Nowhere Slowly' at the Mercury ... Readers' letters to Sound Solutions ... Charts ... Recommended Live Events ... with a full list of those concerts and all the details at http://www.SAgigs.com ------------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK DIGEST ONLINE ------------------------------------- For a full-colour and clickable HTML version of the SA Rock Digest with images, please visit http://www.cd.co.za where the online version of the SA Rock Digest can be found. Updated every Tuesday. -------------------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK DIGEST ON THE RADIO -------------------------------------------- Digest co-editor Stephen Segerman presents his SA music slot on the Bruce Millar Show on SAfm (103-106fm) on Monday evenings between 9 and 9.30pm. ----------------------------------------- THE SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK ENCYCLOPEDIA ----------------------------------------- http://www.rock.co.za From Abstract Truth to Karen Zoid, from 'Astra' to 'Zen Boulders', from 'Ag Pleez Daddy' to 'ZX Dan'... visit the South African Rock Encyclopedia at http://www.rock.co.za ------------ SAGIGS.com ------------ http://www.SAgigs.com The SA Rock Digest list of Recommended Gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com ----------------------------- ONE WORLD ONLINE CD STORE ----------------------------- Selling South African Music to the World http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 ----------- CONTENTS ----------- 1.NEWS: V&A SA Music Week Line-up, JHB Festival, Spyro Gyra, Dave Marks On SA Blues 2.CHARTS: Top 30 SA mp3s & albums 3.NEW RELEASES: SA mp3s & CDs: tAIT, Track 4, Southern Gypsy Queen 4.USA FOR AFRICA: Morocko - 'Morocko' 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK: Piet Botha - 'Die Mamba' 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA: Springbok Radio charts, birthdays, Vinyl Junkies 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS: A Readers' Forum 8.LIVE MUSIC: Events round-up, SA Punk, 'GNS' at the Mercury 9.INFO: Subscriptions & contributions _____________________________________________ 1.NEWS -------- THE V&A WATERFRONT CELEBRATES SA MUSIC WEEK Some of the very best South African musicians will be performing live at the V & A Waterfront in celebration of SA Music Week 2003, which takes place from Saturday 23rd - Sunday 31st August. The V&A Waterfront's SA Music Week Festival will consist of live performances and facilitatory workshops for aspirant musicians and begins on Monday 23rd August. The purpose behind SA Music Week is to pay tribute to South Africa's homegrown legends while raising the profile of South African musicians and to showcase new talent. Performing live at the V & A Waterfront will be a spectacular array of musicians, including amongst others: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Tamara, Heinz, Skwatta Kamp, Mizchif, Crazy Lu, Jason Glover, Ami Williams, Allou April, Musa, Liesl, and Errol Dyers. The V&A Waterfront's SA Music Week Festival live programme runs from 17h00 - 21h00 daily in the marquee on Market Square with a nominal charge of R10-00 per show. All funds raised will go towards assisting the Township Music Education for Children and Youth - an organisation that works with youth in the townships teaching them to appreciate music through a comprehensive formal music education. Of special interest to aspirant musicians will be a valuable series of Living Music Workshops, in collaboration with Compact Disc Wherehouse. These workshops have been designed to impart instrument skills, nurture music appreciation (particularly with the younger generation) as well as to guide aspiring musicians through the intricacies of the business side of the music industry. As to other SAMW events happening around the country, no other info has been received by the Digest at time of going to press, but we do have a phone number for the organisers, try them at (011) 788 8725 ask for Rosie... See http://www.SAgigs.com for full listings of those V&A SMW performances and workshops. -------------- THE JHB INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Jo'burg International Festival (to give it its full, official title), is celebrating the fourth year of the Jo'burg International Festival in Newtown, Johannesburg, on 29 and 30 August. More than 150 musicians, 47 from abroad and over 100 from southern Africa will thrill jazz lovers in Newtown. The festival will take place over eight venues including the Market Theatre, Turbine Hall, Newtown Music Hall, formerly known as the Mega Music Warehouse, Horror Café, Niki's, The Lab, Kippies Jazz International and the Corporate Village Stage, which is being specially erected for the festival. Highlights of the festival include a jazz session with Joe Sample performing together with Bheki Mseleku, Donald Harrison and Oliver Mtukudzi on August 28 at the Standard Bank arena. This show is billed for only one night and tickets are still available at Computicket outlets countrywide. In Newtown the line-up includes Selaelo Selota, who will perform at the Market Theatre with Angela Boffil, a big name in jazz and R&B in the USA. Turbine Hall will pulsate with exotic sounds and the powerful voice of Regina Belle who is well known for tracks such as the hit, 'A Whole New World', from the movie 'Aladdin'. Fans of the alto saxophone, tenor saxophone and trumpet should be at Newtown Music Hall, where Donald Harrison and Kenny Garrett, both from the USA, will be playing together with SA artists Sipho Gumede, McCoy Mrubata, Andile Yenana and the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band. Other shows will be featuring artists such as Absolute Zero, 4 Sure from the Netherlands, Bhudaza and Friends, Kamb Quartet, Siyaya Jazz Band, Shaluza Max, Kapa Dech, Allou April, Tama Jazz Band, Mamelodi Phambili, African Jazz Moods and Bekezela, and will take place at the different venues. Tickets are only available at Computicket and prices range from R150 to R160. The Jo'burg International Festival is made possible by Standard Bank in association with T.Musicman, and is co-sponsored by South African Airways, The Don Hotel Group, Park Hyatt Hotel, Castle Milk Stout, Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), the Netherlands Embassy, the US Embassy, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA), Business Arts of South Africa (BASA), City Press, MMINO and National Arts Council. For more information about the Jo'burg International Festival visit www.joyofjazz.co.za -------------- SPYRO GYRA Internationally acclaimed jazz group, Spyro Gyra, will perform at Cape Events Centre [His People's Centre] at N1 City on Wednesday 27 August 2003. Galaxy Events has pulled off a scoop by securing a one-off performance in Cape Town before the group jets off to Johannesburg for the Joy of Jazz Festival on 29 August. Jimmy Dludlu and his band will open the show. Spyro Gyra features Jay Beckenstein on saxes, Tom Schuman on keyboards, Julio Fernandez on guitars, Scott Ambush on bass and Joel Rosenblatt on drums. The band has sold over 10 million records to date and their early release, 'Morning Dance', has become a national anthem for Cape Town lovers of Smooth Jazz. At the North Sea Jazz Festival Cape Town in 2002, Spyro Gyra was the most talked about act. Spyro Gyra also fell in love with the fans in Cape Town and the song, 'Cape Town Love', on their latest album 'Original Cinema', manifests this. The love affair continues on Wednesday 27th August at Cape Events Centre! Manenberg's Jazz Cafe at the Clock Tower on the V&A Waterfront hosts the After-Party. Ticket scaling R75.00 - R95.00 - R130.00 [Excluding Computicket fees] The event will raise much-needed funds for The Thembalitsha [New Hope] Foundation. Thembalitsha is a non-profit organisation that focuses on social development through education [Themba Schools], training [Themba Training] and healthcare [Themba Health]. Email: mailto:info@thembalitsha.org.za http://www.thembalitsha.org.za -------------- THE STORY OF THE BIRTH OF SAFRICAN FOLK 'N BLUES AND ROCK AND JAZZ! And SAfm's part in the proceedings thus far.... By David “Full” Marks The Blues are no longer Grey! Who is to say that the Blues is for the Rock of the Ages only or for the soul pleasure of the Southern US States or 78 RPM record collectors alone? Judging from the response to the last Blues Bottle gig, with these Greying Southern Blues Rock disciples, 3rd Ear Music would say that the legacy of rock 'n roll is doing what its founders set out to do in the '40's, '50's & '60's - right here in the Southern most tip of Africa - and that is to once and for all close the age, culture, gender and music-class gaps. Talk about rocking in the global village? Seriously Folks, the amount of emails to 3rd Ear, from the offsprings of those (old?) suspended folks who wallowed in Folk 'n Blues Rock way back when, has been most encouraging. The Blues is no longer entirely Grey (or bald) - although that sort of experience is most needed in this genre - it is alive and well, kicking for a new revolting generation to take over; no longer simply decomposing. (Sorry that just slipped out!) Another thing - No longer can Johannesburg claim to be the mainstream centre for Blues Rock Art; if the naked truth be known - or revealed - Durban has always had a tribe of closet Blues disciples, and they have most definitely come out! Public reaction to the Blues Train gigs at the Winston and the University of KZNatal's Blues Nights has brought Durban's followers and disciples to their knees - and thankfully through the door as well. And no small thanks to SAfm for that revival - Rafe Lavine, Bruce Millar, Monica Fairall and Richard Haslop. Their wireless shows are helping turn the tide of a new generation away from the lewd tube. (Ok so some of you flabby Folk 'n Rock Blues cynics may say that's not entirely difficult, given what's available - or not available - on TV). Especially if you are a Rock or Blues music lover or listener - be that Southern States, British dockyard or African roots style. Point is, there's a few hundred thousand people out there who tune into these SAfm Radio Shows. (And let's not forget Richard Nwamba's African Blues connection as well. Saturdays between 2 & 3pm). So for those of you who haven't tuned in after 9PM daily - because of your bad experience trying to understand the English language as she is now being spoke on other SAfm programmes - trust me, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by these post 9PM wireless shows - Monday to Friday where the Rock Radio journalists are as articulate as the language of Folk 'n Blues, Rock 'n Jazz, can be. However, these are only complementary substitutions for the real Live in-person thing - with which the Blues could not have survived or even been born - then or again! The Blue Bottles (or is that that Blues Bottle?) provides a perfect harbour and sea-shanty setting - no matter what music you're into. Come listen and dance if you are so moved! David Marks 3rd Ear Music Company (Est. 1969) /The Hidden Years Music Archive Project (Est. 1994) Website: www.3rdearmusic.com Email: mailto:thirdear@iafrica.com Listen to David Marks play the blues South African-style by downloading his version of 'Sarie Marais' (aka 'Sarie Blues'), at http//www.SAmp3.com -------------- THE BIGGISH BAND PARTNERS WITH FMR The Jazz Workshop Biggish Band has formed a partnership with the Cape Town Jazz and Classics radio station, Fine Music Radio 101.3. This partnership is geared towards greater exposure for both the JWBB and FMR 101.3. Accordingly the JWBB will be known as the “FMR Jazz Workshop Biggish Band”, and will be marketed by the radio station as their official representative on the South African music scene. The JWBB's policy of playing only original charts and arrangements of South African standards fits squarely with that of FMR, being the purveyor of a healthy chunk of airtime dedicated to SA artists in both genres. To launch this campaign the JWBB performed at the Artscape 'On the Side' Theatre on Friday July 18 for an invited audience of media representatives and some of FMR's radio personalities. The concert was well received with several mentions in the press over the following week. Jazz Workshop Biggish Band is an amateur Big Band based in Cape Town, led by trombonist Jannie 'Hanepoot' van Tonder. The JWBB plays original compositions written for the band, as well as arrangements of South African Jazz standards. The “Band” is comprised of: Saxes: Chris Dippenaar, John Ntshibilikwana, John Thorne, Graham Thorne, Nick Green Trumpets: Charlie Heyes, Douglas Armstrong, Dumani Katywa, Stephen Draper Trombones: Andrew O'Donoghue, Shelley Williams, Simon Hough, Oliver Taylor Rhythm (gt, pno, bs, dms, perc): Rick Beckman, Ralston van der Schyff, Sidney McKinnon, Ewan Inglis, Grant Jansen More info: mailto:jannie@bigband.co.za / 072 189 2481 or phone Cynthia at the Jazz Workshop on 021-424 4956 or check out http://www.work.co.za/userwebs/jannie/jwbb ----------------------------------- ---------- 2.CHARTS ---------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com 1. [3] (1) Make It Your System - Lazarus ('Parallax View'/Indie) 2. [6] (2) Geek - Jakkie Louw en Daai Band ('Klein Karoo Cowboy'/Afrimusik) 3. [10] (3) Fallacy - Not My Dog (Wolmer) 4. [15] (4) Summer Sun - Zen Arcade ('Release'/Indie) 5. [2] (2) Hillary - Mitsoo (Indie) 6. [1] (1) Fallen - Velve (Single/Street Level) 7. [7] (2) Ugly - Springcan ('Wicked Demos'/WickedRock) 8. [5] (1) Madiba 1990 - Bright Blue (SAmp3.com/Bright Productions) 9. [13] (9) Affliction - Scarlet Host ('Do It Yourself Volume 1' EP/Indie) 10. [8] (5) Race Past The Sun - Dolly Rockers ('Glory Glory'/Indie) 11. [9] (6) War - 12th Avenue (Demo/Indie) 12. [14] (10) Springbok Sampler - Springbok Nude Girls (Sony) 13. [4] (1) Donkey Rattle - Felix Laband ('4/4 Down The Stairs'/African Dope) 14. [16] (14) House (mix) Of The Rising Sun - Hot RS ('I Get So Excited'/EMI) 15. [25] (15) The Meaning Of Goodbye - James Stewart (Street Level) 16. [11] (3) Let's Get Naked - Evolver (Demo/Indie) 17. [20] (17) Save Your Love For Me - Grant Nuss ('Diversity'/Indie) 18. [23] (18) Makweru - Tananas ('Splashy Fen'/3eM) 19. [21] (19) Milk Cow Blues - Delta Blue ('Inbluesstation/Merchant Records) 20. [12] (3) Paralyzer - Ghetto Muffin ('Paralyzer'/Milestone) 21. [17] (12) Die Mamba - Piet Botha ('Die Mamba'/Rhythm Records) 22. [19] (5) Bleed - Loogaroo ('Loogaroo'/Indie) 23. [18] (1) The Banded - The Narrow ('Selfconscious'/Intervention) 24. [29] (24) Master Jack - David Marks (3eM) 25. [-] (25) Humanarium - Bed On Bricks (Indie) 26. [-] (26) Fabulous Day (Kwaito Mix) - Redd-Angel (Sexy Records) 27. [22] (2) Incision - Pyramid Tongue ('Wicked Demos'/WickedRock) 28. [-] (28) Cosmo Girl - The Fallen (Indie) 29. [27] (2) Drop 'n Roll - Track 4 (Demo/Indie) 30. [24] (1) Get Some - Soil 7t7 ('Soil 7t7' & 'Wicked Rock'/Indie) -------------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [1] (1) Chasing The Sun - Karen Zoid (EMI) 2. [3] (2) No Warning - Jo Day (Legend) 3. [5] (3) Rocking Against The System Vol 2 - Various (RetroFresh) 4. [6] (4) Release - Zen Arcade (Indie) 5. [8] (5) Kicking and Screaming - Toxic Shame (Legend) 6. [2] (2) Homegrown Vol 2 - Various (EMI) 7. [10] (7) The Present Is Passed (The Best Of) - No Friends of Harry (RetroFresh) 8. [4] (1) TNTLC - BOO! (BMG) 9. [15] (9) Inbluesstation - Delta Blue (Merchant) 10. [16] (10) Back Seat Driver - Tait (Fresh) 11. [9] (9) Roger Lucey - 21 Years Down The Road (3eM) 12. [19] (12) Klein Karoo Cowboy - Jakkie Louw (Afrimusik) 13 [14] (13) The First Lady And The Boys - Tamara Dey (Gallo) 14. [7] (2) Healing Destination - Mac McKenzie and The Goema Captains Of Cape Town (Afribeat) 15. [12] (3) Paralyzer - Ghetto Muffin (Milestone) 16. [11] (1) Die Mamba - Piet Botha (Rhythm) 17. [13] (6) Amandla! - OST (BMGSA) 18. [17] (1) Wrapped In Stone - Watershed (EMI) 19. [18] (1) Mellow Drama - Phringe (USM) 20. [30] (20) Drop The Debt - Various (Sheer) 21. [21] (3) Uit Ons Koppe Uit - Ekstra Dik (Indie) 22. [20] (2) Ceremony - Cofield Mundi (Fresh) 23. [26] (23) The Remix Collection - Brenda Fassie (EMI) 24. [27] (24) Sui - Benguela (Open Record) 25. [24] (2) Soil 7t7 - Soil 7t7 (Indie) 26. [28] (26) Slow Rain (The Complete Celtic Rumours) - Celtic Rumours (Retro Fresh) 27. [22] (4) Confessions In Dub - Jerome Arthur (Forest Moon) 28. [23] (13) Mamani - Joy Denalane (SonyMusic) 29. [-] (29) Johnny Clegg - A South Africaqn Story - Live (Value) 30. [25] (2) Selfconscious - The Narrow (Intervention Arts) READ http://www.rock.co.za/files/sarock_legends_2000.html LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 _____________________________________________ 3. NEW, RECENT AND UPCOMING RELEASES ----------------------------------------- ------ MP3s ------ We now feature readers' MP3 reviews in this section. If you feel the urge to tell us, in less then 50 words, why you like any MP3 currently hosted at SAmp3.com Then please email us at: mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=mp3reviews and all worthy contributions will be published. -------------- NEW MP3's: SEVEN DAY STORY - 'CRYSTAL CLEAR' You previously knew Seven Day Story from their first single, 'All Eyes On Me', and more recently for their appropriately laconic theme tune for the fantastic (and getting better) SA TV series, 'Going Nowhere Slowly' (How was that Graskop double-Bungy jump two episodes ago!). 'Crystal Clear' is closer to the band's harder rock style and introduces the Cape band's newly-altered line-up with two new members -Michael Horne on drums and Christo Van Der Rijst on guitar. Seven Day Story has been busy with pre-production for their debut album (due out in October), which will be recorded at Electric Chicken Studios in Randburg from 22nd September. So till that new batch of songs arrives, this will have to keep you going nowhere slowly for a while, but it's a very cool tune, so, to quote lead singer Michael Naranjo...”Thaaat's aaaall riiiiiight!” See the Live section below for a review of the 'Going Nowhere Slowly' gig at the Mercury Live last Friday night with Seven Day Story, Scarlet Host and Kelvin Declined. -------------- YSTERVARK - 'LET ME KNOW' Ystervark are Pieter Ploos van Amstel (vocalist), Hardy le Roux (guitarist), Max Theron (bass) and Riaan Diedericks (drums). Despite their Afrikaans name (an ystervark is a porcupine, not to be confused with a krimpvarkie which is a hedgehog or an aardvark which is... oh never mind) and the fact that they come from the Free State, these guys sing in English... and they do it very well. 'Let Me Know' is a funky tempo-changing rock ballad with a sort of Red Hot Chili Peppers type influence (or maybe not). Taken from their demo CD 'Living It Up'. ----- CDs ----- TAIT - 'BACK STREET DRIVER' [FRESH] Chris Tait has been on the fringes of the SA rock scene for some years now, firstly as a member of The Shooflys and later with Social Piranha. But the affable rock star nevertheless felt that his contribution to those groups was diluted by too much band democracy, and too many “back seat drivers”. So he undertook to set up his own band, with him as the captain, so that he could produce his own songs in his own way. So Chris Tait is now the vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for tAIT alongside loyal bassist Alun Curtis - who has played alongside him in both those previous bands - guitarist Quinton Jansen, and drummer Charl Brewer. All the songs on 'Back Seat Driver' were written and produced by Chris Tait, apart from 'When She's Gone' which was written by Jansen. The 13-track album was recorded at Street Level Studios in Cape Town and mixed by Chris Tait and Richard Black, who also played some extra guitar on the album. Other guest artists were James Stewart (that distinctive piano on 'In My Arms') and drummer Peter Cohen. tAIT's first single, '(I Think I Can) Relate', caught the attention of Benjy Mudie's son Declan (an A&R man in training) during 2002, and the band were soon signed to the normally very selective Fresh Music label. 'Relate' ploughed a successful radio playlisting furrow for 'In My Arms', the band's first big hit which was recorded on 16-track tape (for its noticeably fresh sound!), and is currently a staple SA radio smash. This first full debut album from the band took two years to complete and takes those two songs' hooks and yearning vocals as a starting point for an album that offers further optimism for the current SA pop-rock landscape. Nothing beats a good song and 'Back Seat Driver' is full of them. 'Back Seat Driver' arrives with just the right blend of swagger and sensitivity and 12 original songs that never stray too far from Chris Tait's consistently hooky “soft intro/big rock chorus” format. The album kicks off with the cautious optimism of 'The Best Days Of My Life', and heads straight into the next single, 'Classroom Blues', which, despite its seemingly naive tone, masks a chilling pre-Columbine attitude (“So open your eyes, look at the trees, consider this your last day”). By now everyone and their granny should be able and keen to sing along to 'In My Arms', as sure a radio pop hit as we have ever had in SA. 'In My Arms' is alternatively known as “Tracy's Song”, due to the fact that Chris Tait wrote it for his (then) ex-girlfriend after treating her very badly. So the song is a genuinely moving plea for reconciliation which happily worked as Tracy gets a loving and grateful credit on the sleeve. Elsewhere there's the very perky title track, the sweet and sentimental 'Don't Let Me Go', and a song called 'Yesterday' that is similar to 'In My Arms' but with not as catchy a chorus. 'When She's Gone' and 'Tea For 2' both feature jazzier openings with crunchy rock fillings. '(I Think I Can) Relate' appears twice on the album, firstly in its original squealing guitar format, and later in its more acoustic version as a bonus track, following the big, strong album closer, 'Stand By Me'. 'Back Street Driver' is a straight-up pop-rock album with no airs, graces or fake attitudes, but with just the right amounts of rough charm and good chewns. Front seat rock! READ LISTEN BUY http://www.tait.co.za http://www.freshmusic.co.za -------------- SPOTLIGHT ON: SOUTHERN GYPSY QUEEN This four-piece band hails from Molteno, a small town in the heart of the Stormberg Mountains. The Southern Gypsy Queen play a very blues influenced style of rock, but if you listen carefully you can hear jazz, country and even classical music woven very carefully into the music giving it a lot of personality and emotion. The band's influences range widely from Jimi Hendrix to Pink Floyd and even heavier rock like AC/DC and Metallica. The show includes a fantastic balance of original songs and classic covers of the old rock legends. The songs deal with very down to earth issues like the problems in Zimbabwe, losing loved ones, falling in love with the girl next door, drinking whiskey and having good times. Another highlight of the show is a '70's rock tribute where the band pays tribute to the great rock bands from the '70's. Expect to hear songs from bands like Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and the Rolling Stones. The Gypsys have linked up with Piet Botha and the Jack Hammer band who've always been a great inspiration to them. South African music guru, Dirk Uys, gave them their first major break at the Klein Karoo Festival where they were described as the find of the festival and have extremely positive forecasts for their future. The band have just returned from a national tour including Pretoria and Johannesburg and are moving up to Pretoria where they will be the opening act for Delta Blue at the Nile Crocodile on the 23rd August and for Piet Botha at the Impala Hotel in Potchefstroom . They will also be seen at the Drakenstein on the 24th/25th and 26th of September in Potch as well as O'Hagans on the 27th of September. You can also catch them at Blue Moon in Nelspruit on the 30th Of August as well as the 3rd of October at Cafe Barcelona in Pretoria. -------------- THE ZAZONE.COM SA BAND SPOTLIGHT --------------------------------------- LAD, the dedicated webmaster of ZaZone.com, will be throwing a regular spotlight on one of the many SA bands currently affiliated to his SA music site: TRACK4 TRACK4 is a really exciting band who has already won a Battle of the Bands competition (2003) at Kya Sands and who has a lot of promise. They've already compiled an EP, which they sell at gigs and is also given out to the people who make the most noise! TRACK4 are back in the studio again and will be recording and mixing new tracks over the next few months. Their tracks are tight and hardcore, yet each track is clear and strong. It's rock, but it's different. Their style is very unique and they continue to surprise with their diverse skills. It's hard to believe that this sort of sound can come from a drummer (Jay), bass guitarist (Nick), guitarist (Frankie) and a vocalist (daddyevil). The current team have been together for one and a half years now and are currently aiming to be the biggest South African underground band and finally get signed overseas. Listen, for example, to 'Drop And Roll', with it's grinding bassline (currently on SAmp3.com) and then listen to 'Br_eak'. It's a hard-hitting track with an "in-your-face" message. 'Hands Down' is another melodious track with excellent rap-like vocals (daddyevil being backed by Frankie). I really like the "can't you see you took the pain and threw it away" portion of the song. 'Apart Inside', one the first tracks they recorded, for some reason (which I don't understand) reminds me of a track by The Police, I think it's a portion of the guitar work, but I'm not sure. I'd describe this track as "laid back" compared to the rest of their work. TRACK4 are playing RP Studio's Band Festival at Tempo's on 30 August and at the Big Day Out in Durban. They have, incidentally, had great feedback from the Durban crowds when they played at Burn and the crowds in Pietermartizburg. Watch out for a gig in your area and listen out for their new tracks: 'Left Scarred' and 'Disposed' - if they're anything like I know TRACK4, they're gonna kick ass! The band's website is at http://www.track4.co.za where you'll be able to download the tracks FREE and find more information on the band! (LAD) Sponsored by zaZone.com Promoting SA Music... -------------- Email your MP3 reviews to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=mp3reviews Download South African mp3's from http://www.SAmp3.com South African Music: Loud 'n Proud -------------- ONE WORLD http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 Selling South African Music To The World --------------- MORE REVIEWS --------------- More reviews can be found at: Open Record http://www.openrecord.co.za Amuzine http://www.cd.co.za/reviews.htm ______________________________________ 4.USA FOR AFRICA ------------------- Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music. 'MOROCKO' - MOROCKO [TRUTONE, marketed by Polydor, POLY 5522] I'm tempted to call this album slick, but that implies a soulless mastery of formula. 'Morocko' by Morocko sounds like they love what they do - though the music certainly is polished MOR rock from 1981 and recorded in California. Some funk, higher register Little River Band vocals, and some Toto-like rock all add up to an album guaranteed not to offend anyone, but not one to interest those seeking barbed wire rock either. Still, it will please the many who just want perky songs and a little dancing. Morocko plays a bit funky and a lot like Toto and other radio bands of that era as they bounce along on the mellow side of vocal rock. Like Toto, yes, but with more emotion and enthusiasm, and with just as much professional skill on this well-made batch of light 'n' tight pop rock. Jethro Butow, guitars and vocals, is a familiar name, as are Les Goode on bass and Cedric Samson, vocals, drums, and percussion. Another familiar muso is Mike Faure playing the smooth sax. All band members contribute various songs, too - something not often seen. With longer songs, one over six minutes, the album flows seamlessly, but the songs with sharper guitar and rockier sound catch my attention, songs like 'Don't You Think That We Had it Right', 'Share My Life', and the album closer, 'Doesn't Show'. Morocko doesn't mess around with over-emotive ballads, they play music to move to easily, and they keep it groovin'. Pretty good git up 'n' go here, but to hear Morockan roll, you're going to have to find the vinyl - it's not on CD. (with a big "Thanks, hoss" from Texas to Boksburg Johnny.) READ http://www.rock.co.za/files/morocko.html Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com _________________________________ 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK ------------------------ London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music 'DIE MAMBA' - PIET BOTHA Piet Botha seems to have a thing about snakes. In his song, 'Blues for Louise', he proclaims 'Vir jou is ek bang, banger as 'n pofadder.' Now he is telling us that people call him the mamba. Piet has been in the SA music scene for a long time, so he can hardly be regarded as a green mamba. The only other option is that he is a black mamba. Either way as a mamba, he's a pretty poisonous dude. But hang on, where's the poison in song titles like 'Warm Heuning' and 'Die Gemmerbroodman'. In fact there is very little venom in the songs that are presented here. However, like previous offerings from the man who also goes under the name of Hammer, the lyrics are keen observations of South African life, highlighting some of its beauty in songs like 'Man Met Kitaar', but also something of the bleaker side in a song like 'Jacob Klipkop', where he sings of the effects border duty had on the troopies. Musically I found 'Die Mamba' more world weary than his previous albums. There is a tangible sense of melancholy that pervades the album while his gravelly Leonard Cohen voice sounds almost dismissive. But don't be deceived by this. This is a serious album with some fine guitar playing and laid back jazzy bits that prevent it from becoming depressing or throwaway. His take on 'House of The Rising Son' which is renamed 'Bordello' and talks of a house in Jozi's red light area is a fine example of what's on offer. (The track could also have been called 'Visions of Johanna-sburg'). I have not found this to be one of Piet's easiest albums to get into, but once in, I have found it to be highly rewarding and worthy of repeated listenings. It's one to kick off your shoes to, grab a bottle of your favourite wine, and retreat into the couch with. A final thought, if Lou Bega ever covered a Piet Botha song, would he call it 'Mamba No. 5?' READ LISTEN BUY http://www.pietbotha.com John Samson, London mailto:john@sarockdigest.com _________________________________________ 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA -------------------- SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS http://www.cd.co.za/charts This week [Last week] Title - Artist SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS http://www.cd.co.za/charts This week [Last week] Title - Artist 30 YEARS AGO (17 August 1973) 1 [1] Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree - Dawn & Tony Orlando 2 [3] Kentucky Blues - Lauren Copley 3 [2] That's Why I Love You - Richard Jon Smith 4 [8] Time - The Dealians 5 [7] Maori Love Song - Double Vision 25 YEARS AGO (18 August 1978) 1 [1] Rivers Of Babylon - Boney M 2 [3] Love Is In The Air - John Paul Young 3 [4] Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty 4 [2] So You Win Again - Copperfield 5 [6] You're The One That I Want - John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John 20 YEARS AGO (19 August 1983) 1 [1] Flashdance - Irene Cara 2 [2] Buffalo Soldier - Bob Marley 3 [3] Every Breath You Take - The Police 4 [8] Baby Jane - Rod Stewart 5 [5] Change - Tears For Fears 15 YEARS AGO (18 August 1988) 1 [3] Rise To The Occasion - Climie Fisher 2 [4] Dreaming - OMD 3 [1] I Should Be So Lucky - Kylie Minogue 4 [2] Love Changes Everything - Climie Fisher 5 [5] Underneath The Radar - Underworld ------------- CHART CHAT ------------- Lauren Copley (who currently works at UCT Hospital in Cape Town) bounced back in 1973 after having dropped to 3, she was back at 2. With Richard Jon Smith at 3 and the Dealians at 4, this week had a strong SA showing. 'Time' was The Dealian's first top 5 hit since 1971's 'When Love Comes Knocking At Your Door.' They had had 2 other top 20 hits in between, but neither made the top 10. Double Vision's success with 'Maori Love Song' followed in the wake of the band touring SA with Four Jacks and a Jill in 1972. This week in 1978 Clout must have been glad that they had topped the charts in January of that year as Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta headed up the charts with the song that had denied Clout a UK number 1. 'You're The One That I Want' from the movie 'Grease' remains one of the biggest selling singles in the UK. 1983 saw no change for 'Change', in fact the only change in the top 5 was that 'Drop the Pilot' dropped out and 'Baby Jane' was the new addition. The latter was Rockin' Rod's 6th top 20 hit, and except for his first hit, 'You Wear It Well', all the others made top 10, however before 'Baby Jane' only 1981's 'Passion' had topped the charts. Was 'Baby Jane' to be his next number 1? Keep watching. Although the top 5 in 1988 comprised the same songs, there was a major shake up in their order. Kylie's 7-week run at the top was finally broken, but 'I Should Be So Lucky' was the longest running number 1 by an Aussie, beating Midnight Oil's 5-week run with 'Beds Are Burning'. Interestingly it was the previous week's number 3 that jumped up to number 1 while Climie Fisher's other hit dropped 2 spots. South Africans at number 1 this week: The Wedding - Jody Wayne (1970) Sunday, Monday, Tuesday - Jessica Jones (1972) Paradise Road - Joy (1980) South African New Entries this week: 19-Aug-66 Love Minus Zero - Dream Merchants 19-Aug-66 Sea Of Heartbreak - Dickie Loader 20-Aug-71 Joey The Lipstick Collector - Dennis (aka Billy Forrest) 20-Aug-71 Money Baby - Tidal Wave 21-Aug-70 That's Why God Made The World - Johnny Collini 21-Aug-82 Gee Vir My 'n Bietjie Country - Cora Marie 22-Aug-75 She's A Woman - Alan Garrity 23-Aug-74 A Rose Has To Die - Dennis East 24-Aug-73 Ek Verlang Nog Altyd - Mynie & Jan John Samson --------------- VINYL JUNKIES --------------- This section is for collectors of vinyl, both South African and International. MABU VINYL 34 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town Sweatband - 'No Sweat' (LP) Clout - 'Clout' (LP) Ratau Mike Makhalemele - 'Thabang' (LP) Springbok Radio Silver Jubilee Show - Various (2xLP) John Edmond - 'Rhodesia, The Brave And The Beautiful' (LP) Jeremy Taylor - 'Ag Pleez Daddy And Other Hits' (LP) Cash paid for records in saleable condition. Jacques Vosloo (+27 21) 423 7635 mailto:vinyl@sarockdigest.com -------------- VIBES VINYL Stadium-on-Main, Main Road, Claremont This week's specials: Robin Auld - 'Love Kills' (LP) Ballyhoo - 'Man On The Moon ' (LP) Billy the Kid - 'Lock Up Your Daughters' (LP) Edi Niederlander - 'Hear No Evil' (LP) Jennifer Ferguson - 'Hand Around The Heart' (LP) Jennifer Ferguson - 'Untimely' (LP) We pay top prices for top quality. Want Lists Welcome! Call us at: 021-683 5676 mailto:claus@vibesvinyl.com Visit our website at http://www.vibesvinyl.com ----------- BIRTHDAYS ----------- 19 Lorne Shields (1948) 20 Gwynneth Ashley Robin (born Gwynneth Joubert 1960, died May 1976) 24 John Ireland (born John Griffith, 1954) 28 Johnny Gibson (1947) 29 Steve Hofmeyr (1964) If you have info on any South African artists' dates of birth, please Send them to mailto:brian@rock.co.za?subject=birthdays ______________________________________________ 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS --------------------- A Readers' Forum featuring a selection of the email requests, questions, searches, and other pieces of random info we receive each week at the Digest. Sometimes we can assist, other times we look to you, our collectively well-informed readers to contact these writers and help out as well. Thanks! -------------- INFO ON SALINGA I have been requested to do research into the life and music of Peter Salinga, for the University of NW, with the possibility of him being awarded a posthumous honourary degree. Is it possible that you could direct me in a direction to achieve this? Cheers Lance T. mailto:travis@telkomsa.net -------------- LOOKING FOR BRU'S! Do you perhaps have an e-mail address of the Coleske Brothers or their agent for booking purposes? I will appreciate it if you can forward it to me. Regards, Eddie Muller mailto:plhm@intekom.co.za Ed. - You should be able to track them down through Gallo SA, their record company. -------------- HE LIKES DOLLYS! Hi Recently I pulled out some old SA CD's that were converted from the original cassette/LP-only releases and I was delighted to find old Dolly Rockers music. I was a huge fan and attended most of their Cape Town gigs. The songs haven't aged much at all, tracks like 'Walk Right Through Me', 'Suicide Annie', 'Dive', 'Heart Hits The Ground' are as fresh as they were 10 years ago. They made lots of great catchy songs including the pre-Dolly Rockers tracks, 'All that Jazz' and 'S.O.S', which they recorded as the band Penguins in Bondage. Fine music that was matched by the equally good 'Glory Glory' album. Greg, Pitchie and Co. Thanks for all the great tunes!!!! Dave Sass Subterania Music mailto:davesass@telkomsa.net Ed. - News from the Dolly Rockers is that there is a new album, the follow-up to 'Glory, Glory', being released soon. The Dolly Rockers' tracks, 'Suicide Annie' and 'Sleepytown', were also featured on recent episodes of 'Going Nowhere Slowly'. A great and consistent South African band who have still not received the broader recognition they truly deserve. http://www.thedollyrockers.co.za -------------- LILA SETS JOHNNY STRAIGHT Dear Johnny from Boksburg (Rock Digest #213) I think you have that oke from Simply Red mixed up with "Just Jinger" who was so sadly left on her own after her fellow Spiced Girls left... Lila Ed. - Thanks for sorting that out Lila! -------------- TANDY FAN Hi! Little seems to be known here about wonderful singer Sharon Tandy. I love her sixties Atlantic (UK) stuff. Did she ever record a song called 'It's an uphill climb to the bottom'? Are any Atlantic compilations available in SA? Thanks! Kees Mailto:kees.brinkerink@keyaccess.nl -------------- LED ZEP IN SA? Hi, I have been hearing rumours that Led Zeppelin will be performing a one-off concert in Johannesburg as part of their current world tour. Do you have any info on this? Lenny Ed. - Yeah, we also heard the same rumours, including that there are two versions of Led Zeppelin currently touring, with some very strange guest band members. But till we get any confirmation on any level, they remain just that, rumours. -------------- NEWS FOR DEEP PURPLE AND URIAH HEEP FANS http://www.prog-nose.org/engels/overview3.htm DEEP PURPLE/URIAH HEEP Super group To Begin Mixing Debut Album - Aug.11, 2003 The new super group featuring members of URIAH HEEP, DEEP PURPLE and OZZY OSBOURNE's former bass player Bob Daisley is putting the finishing touches on its debut album, tentatively due in late 2003/early 2004 through an as-yet-undisclosed label. The as-yet-unnamed band, which consists of Daisley, Lee Kerslake (URIAH HEEP) on drums, Jon Lord (DEEP PURPLE) and Don Airey (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW [and DEEP PURPLE]) on keyboards, Steve Morse ([DIXIE DREGS,] DEEP PURPLE) on guitar, and Jimmy Barnes (COLD CHISEL) on vocals, has finished recording the CD and will complete the mixing process within a month. "There are five new original songs written by Steve, Jimmy, Lee and Bob together and they fit right in with the old classics," reads a post on Daisley's web site. "The total recording took just 15 days, which in this day and age seems like a miracle. Rumour even has it that maybe some old OZZY OSBOURNE band songs have been re-recorded at the same time. Sent in by Dave the Deep Purple Fan Ed. - Thanks, Dave... and Deep Purple's brand new studio CD 'Bananas', featuring keyboardist Don Airey (who replaced Jon Lord), is being released at the end of August by EMI. I've had the privilege of hearing a pre-release of this album and it rocks... big time. Read more at: http://www.thehighwaystar.com -------------- DO YOU WANT TO BE A SCHOOLBOY AGAIN?? Hey! Do you ou's got any Asylum Kids LP's?? Have they ever put this stuff out on CD? I have two of their LP's and a couple of 7"'s but I am looking for anything I may have missed. I am also interested in any other obscure 1978-88 punk/rock/goth SA music on wax... Please let me know Cheers, Greg mailto:vividnoise@mindspring.com 479A Flat Shoals Ave, Atlanta, GA, 30316, USA Ed. - We have forwarded your email to Jacques at Mabu Vinyl in Cape Town who does occasionally find an Asylum Kids LP. Also try Andre Wilm's official Asylum Kids/Tribe After Tribe/Robbi Robb website at http://www.robbirobb.com And RetroFresh are planning to release an Asylum Kids retrospective CD sometime soon. -------------- MIDI FILES SOUGHT We are interested in purchasing Afrikaans Midi Files for our business to use as backing trax. Please can you urgently advise where these can be purchased on the internet? Regards, Syrinx Music mailto:pvanrooyen@pps.co.za -------------- DAVE'S NOT HERE! Hi! Just a short word about Dave Matthews. Is it not possible to run a short profile on him as I'm sure there are plenty out there that would like to know more about this "homegrown” lad and maybe we could even get word to him for a tour SA sometime! - if we could spread the word as to who he really is and where he comes from. Thanx for a great site, keep up the good work, rock on. Cheers, Chris B. mailto:chrisb@alnet.co.za -------------- JOHNNY Howzit Who wrote 'Crocodile Rock'? Was it Crocodile Dundee or Crocodile Harris? Johnny from Boksburg Ed. - I always thought it was Chris Rock on Alligator Records! -------------- LM RADIO MEMORIES Yo Eds, me again! Check your time by the BP chime. [Ding-dong] It's nine 'o clock. This is the medium-wave service of Lourenço Marques Radio, Portugal, Moçambique, broadcasting on three-two-seven metres, nine-one-seven kilocycles and also on short-wave in the twenty-five, forty-nine and sixty metre-band....... If you're old enough to remember this, then treat yourself to a dose of nostalgia! SA Rock Digest has mentioned the phenomenal success of www.pumamouse.com site on more than one occasion. Recently I donated my collection of LM Radio recordings to Pumamouse. If you are an old LM fan, check it out! You may be particularly interested in hearing David Davies tell the story of how he came out to LM, from England, to start up LM Radio. (One wonders, was he Southern Africa's first commercial broadcaster? Quite possibly so!) Here's the link: http://pumamouse.com/othersaradioserviceslmVerySpecialSoundFile.html Then there's a little essay that I wrote. It's located at: http://pumamouse.com/othersaradioserviceslmEssayMyFirstKiss.html It's only from people like you and me, where Pumamouse gets these recordings, these 'gems of history', from. If you have any recordings of any OTR - Old Time Radio - why not share them with the world through Pumamouse? I must add that there is no trading with Pumamouse. All material is donated. At least this way we know that Rock 'n Roll will never die! Chris. mailto:chris.boyle@oribi.co.za Ed. - Pumamouse also has huge collection of old Springbok Radio programmes including the adverts! "Braaivleis, Rugby, Sunny Skies and Chevrolet", anyone? (see reader's letter below). -------------- BUST!! Hi, I am writing just to notify you about one dreadful thing that happened to me. One day I was listening to my Sweet Smoke album (I am 17), enjoying it, then I decided to go to the house of a friend of mine. When I came home, I climbed upstairs and saw some LP pieces! In that instant I realised that those pieces belonged to my Sweet Smoke album!! What happened was that my father had a fight with my mom and he broke my LP, because he never liked and it talks about pot. It was one of my worst days in my life, and I just want to share my sorrow with you, in memory of my destroyed LP. Bye. Thank you for listening!! Luiz Henrique Brazil mailto:supernariz2@hotmail.com Ed.- Ooh, that's just nasty. Anyone want to help Luiz with a replacement for his Sweet Smoke LP? http://www.cd.co.za/sweetsmoke -------------- DROVE MY CHEVY TO THE LEVEE Hi, Remember that ad that went: "Braaivleis, rugby, sunny skies and Chevrolet". I am trying to find the lyrics for this old classic as I now live in London and find myself trying to sing it every time we have a braai here, any suggestions? Regards, Ray Peentner mailto:rpeentner@siebel.com Ed. - You'll find an mp3 download of this old radio advert at http://pumamouse.com/chevycomm.mp3 From The Pumamouse Old Time Radio Website http://pumamouse.com/radiosoundfiles -------------- RABBITT HUNTING Found your site by chance. I'm British but grew up in Durban from age 9 to 21 before coming back to London in '86. Loved your site as it brought back loads of memories and names I had forgotten. Cheers! Still no joy in downloading Rabbitt's 'Charlie' though. Been trying to get it for years. James mailto:j.corr@ntlworld.com -------------- THE BLACK DIAMONDS Yo Mr. Editors, Sirs, Back then, which was like long ago, back in the early sixties, there was a group called........? This is where the amnesia kicks in. Like magnesia, it gives me the sh*ts cos getting old is not where its at! The memory is not where it's supposed to be either! Your article on The Flames/Beach Boys reminded me of them. Also a group of 'colour', from Josie - as memory serves me - they were called The Black Diamonds. Question is: Am I right or was my rooibos stooking for too long this morning? If I am right, what's happened to them? Who were they? Any recordings left? Just wondering! Chris Boyle. mailto:chris.boyle@oribi.co.za Ed. - we checked with Johnny from Boksburg and all he could tell us was that “they were known as Black Diamonds and they weren't from the '60's but from just now, and were the band that became Semisonics with the singer Tanita Tikara who sang the song from the first Big Brothers program”. Or maybe not! -------------- GOT A QUESTION? Please email any musical questions to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=soundsolutions ----------------------------- THE DIGEST CLASSIFIED ADS ----------------------------- To advertise in this section please email: mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=classifieds -------------- MTI GROUP INITIATIVE My company has started an initiative to expose unemployed people to the use of computing i.e. internet access, emails, basic typing skills, compiling of CV's, etc. The main objective is to get them employed, or start their businesses. We strive to improve accessibility to IT as a result of this innovative contribution, improve everyone's capacity to reach their full potential and gain chances in life. The MTIgroup is looking for any equipment that is redundant in your company e.g. desks, computers, printers, any item etc. working or scrap to buy at minimal fee. Perhaps your company's storeroom may be filled with items that are no longer used or in use, any excess or obsolete items are needed, we will get it to be used and clean your storeroom for you. We have many young people that have the potential to do any office work or be trained further. We help train them in basic computing skills. I have a number of personal profiles for these young people. My vision would be to see them getting employed. And if your company have any kind of idea you're welcome to get involved. Should you have any further queries about this appeal, please do not hesitate to contact MTI GROUP as we would be more than happy of your assistance. Kind regards, Dumisani Mtshali Support Team MTI GROUP P.O.Box 32577 Braamfontein 2017 Website: http://www.mtigroup.co.za/communities.htm Email: mailto:mtshalidk@mtigroup.co.za Mobile: +27 (0) 83-549-5701 -------------- ULTIMA MASTERING STUDIO A new Mastering Studio!! "The single best thing you can do to your mixes is getting them professionally mastered at Ultima Mastering Studio" Recent projects are: Valiant Swart - 'Maanhare' Theuns Jordaan - 'Tjailatyd' Johnny Clegg - 'Live at the Nelson Mandela Theatre' Tweak - 'Dirty Sanchez and the Misfit Kidz' Toxic Shame - 'Kicking and Screaming' Sonder Grense Projek Call Evert de Munnik cell: 082-654 1876 e-mail: mailto:evert@ultimamastering.co.za Website: www.ultimamastering.co.za -------------- CSR STUDIOS OFFER Attention all aspiring vocalists in Gauteng! For a limited period only - the opportunity to record your own version of any of the latest pop songs available from our catalogue for the unbelievably discounted price of R1500 per song. This price is inclusive of Vat and a CD copy of your recording. For more information on the above offer, please contact Michele/Caroline CSR Studios (011) 463 6182 mailto:csrstu@global.co.za -------------- VAGABOND MUSIC & WEB http://www.vagabond.za.net Get your band or your business online. We design from scratch or take over the maintenance when your hotshot designer gets bored with updating. Clients include: www.freshmusic.co.za , www.rhythmrecords.co.za , www.eiservices.co.za , www.pietbotha.com , www.gregsgolftours.co.za , www.25hourstudio.com , www.jamesonline.co.za (James Stewart) and www.tait.co.za Contact Brian on 0825678779 or use the form at http://www.vagabond.za.net/contact --------------- SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC QUOTA COALITION Support this SA musicians' initiative, looking to greatly increase the amounts of SA music played on the nation's radio stations. Join the movement, sign up, or read more at http://www.samqc.org.za -------------- GET YOURSELF A NEW REDIRECTABLE EMAIL ADDRESS Are you tired of complicated hotmail or yahoo email addresses, or is your corporate address very uncool? Or is your favourite nickname already taken? For only R150 per year we will supply you an email address such as mailto:yourchoiceofname@rock.co.za which will redirect to your current address. Choose from the list below: sarockdigest.com rock.co.za samp3.com saklank.com sagigs.com sugarman.org Email: mailto:CanIgetAnewEmailAddressPlease@rock.co.za for details. -------------- The Sound Solutions and Digest Classified sections are sponsored by: SOUND SOLUTIONS - a private music library in Cape Town that offers music searches, and the sourcing and recommending of songs and music soundtracks for television, film, and radio productions and commercials. Contact: Stephen Segerman - (021) 461-9541 mailto:sugar@cd.co.za ______________________________________________ 8.LIVE MUSIC --------------- ------------------- UPCOMING EVENTS ------------------- Watch out for: THE V&A WATERFRONT CELEBRATES SA MUSIC WEEK - Some of the very best South African musicians will be performing live at the V & A Waterfront from 25 -31 August in celebration of SA Music Week. The V&A Waterfront's SA Music Week Festival will consist of live performances and facilitatory workshops for aspirant musicians. A DOPE NITE OUT IN LONDON - Thurs 4th September at Elektrowerks (7 Torrens St, behind Angel tube station). This event kicks off Groovevine's promotion efforts for African Dope in the UK and should be a cracker with Max Normal's return to the UK after a 2 year gap and Godessa's first appearance in the UK..... plus Sibot and legendary Ninja Tunes DJs SPYRO GYRA - Internationally acclaimed jazz group, Spyro Gyra, will perform at Cape Events Centre [His People's Centre] at N1 City on Wednesday 27 August 2003. Galaxy Events has pulled off a scoop by securing a one-off performance in Cape Town before the group jets off to Johannesburg for the Joy of Jazz Festival on 29 August. GODESSA AT PUKKELPOP - SA's dopest female mcs Godessa will be burning up the stage at Belgium's prestigious Pukkelpop festival on 29-31 august, as part of the OppiKoppi/Pukkelpop culltural exchange SA LIVE IN CONCERT - 23 August 2003 - The largest live SA Music and Beerfest ever in the Southern Hemisphere! At Nasrec Expo Centre with: Arno Carsten's New Porn, Tweak, Wonderboom, BOO!, Cutting Jade, Zen Arcade, Pestroy, Deity's Muse, 8 Year Itch, Highley Unlikely and others. SLINKY WORLD TOUR FEATURING MAURO PICOTTO - 5fm music and Liquidreams Productions present superclub Slinky on their world tour featuring DJ icon Maurro Picotto, who will perform two exclusive dates on Friday the 5th September at Truth in Johannesburg and Saturday 6th September at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town. BRIAN FINCH & KEN E HENSON - The duo will return to Durban for 2 nights only - Sunday 24th and Monday 25th August - before setting off on an East Coast Tour. QUIET IS THE NEW LOUD IN DURBAN - Ian Henderson, Dave Birch (Squeal), Matt Wilkinson (Perez), Roly Strukmeyer (Butternut), Mike Goddard (Perez), Nux Schwartz (Scooter's Union), Angus Kerr and newcomer, Kasia in a unique stripped-bare acoustic format from Wed 20th to Sun 24th August at the Catalina Theatre. 'NEWTOWN NIGHTMARES' - The launch party for Wrench Productions, a new SA Production Company, will be taking place on August 23 at the esteemed "Horror Café" in Newtown, Johannesburg, featuring four bands: the Stevie Wonderfuls, All This For Nothing, Shifty and Gary Two Teeth & the Slash Dogs . THE CAPE TIMES 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS' - Bands that made Cape Town rock, and the fans scream, in the sixties and early seventies will battle for recognition again, in a series of five shows at Dockside with the first of four preliminary rounds on July 27 and the finals on August 31. CD WHEREHOUSE HIP HOP FESTIVAL IN CAPE TOWN - A series of hip hop events, workshops, and open mic competitions is about to hit CD Wherehouse at the V & A Waterfront. CDW, showing its support to the local beat makers and culture creators is proud to announce 2 weekends in a row of culture, music, and passion to the cause -that's Aug 23rd and 30th. TIM PARR - The legendary SA guitarist is August's featured artist at the Independent Armchair Theatre. Having spent the '80's in EllaMental, Tim was also a member of The Zap Dragons and more recently the 'trance rock' of Colourfields. Expect only the best every Thursday this month from one of the country's most experienced and respected performers. JOE SAMPLE - The Jazz maestro and member of the legendary quartet, The Crusaders, is heading to South Africa this August for two performances, as part of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival series on the 28th of August at the Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg, and on the 30th at the Cape Town International Convention Centre SEPULTURA - WitchdoctorRecords.com, deliverers of The Haunted and Entombed to SA stages, will be bringing Sepultura to South Africa in September. SIX OF NINE - Cape Town band, previously known as Dayspring, heading off in August on the Solarpop X-Tour around the Cape. Details below. SOUTHERN GYPSY QUEEN - This four-piece band hail from Molteno, a small town in the heart of the Stormberg Mountains. The Southern Gypsy Queen play a very blues-influenced style of rock, but if you listen carefully you can hear Jazz, Country and even classical music woven very carefully into the music giving it a lot of personality and emotion. URBAN STORYTELLERS - A collective of South Africa's finest musicians leave their bands at home to tell the stories and sing the songs that shaped their lives. At the Independent Armchair Theatre, Lower Main Road, Observatory 23 August 2003 WOODSTOCK 5 - The 2003 version begins on Thursday 25th and runs until Sunday 28th September at its new home at Roodeplaat Dam, just north of Pretoria. Confirmed bands include Tweak, Wonderboom, Mean Mr Mustard, Pink Noise, Cutting Jade, The Narrow, Zen Arcade, Jo Day, Soil 7t7, El Camino, and Thirteen. X TOUR 2003 - The extreme music tour that is currently taking Cape Town by storm is officially up and running! With two shows down and three to go those who have had the privilege to attend will tell you... This Tour Rocks!! Featuring Six Of Nine, Flint, Neshamah, 5 Star Society, Sidearm 66, Flint, Serving Suggestion, and Not Guilty. TASCHE NORTIER - Tasche Nortier (Ex Black Diamond) will be headlining a vocal performance concert featuring Amanda Tiffin at the Durbanville High School Auditorium on Sat 23rd August at 8pm. Tickets are R80.00 each. mailto:info@ripchord.co.za Details of all these events at http://www.SAgigs.com -------- SA PUNK -------- By Daniel Neville SIBLING RIVALRY LOOKING FOR BRASS If you play a brass instrument such as the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, etc, and you live in the Durban area, and have your own instrument, and are keen to be in a band that is still going to keep its heavy edge with a brass sound in the background..... Well this is for you.... Sibling Rivalry is looking for a dedicated member to fill this spot. Here's some of their influences: The Clash, NOFX, Rancid, System of a Down, Sublime, Less Than Jake, Grade, Liberata, The Specials, No Doubt, Randy, The Living End, Anti-flag, AFI, Fuzigish, Leek and the Bouncing Uptones, Mad Caddies, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Nirvana, Janie Jones and many, many more. So if you are keen call Matt on (031) 3032035/6 or e-mail him at mailto:mitlodge@mweb.co.za See http://www.SAgigs.com for details and other SA Punk gigs ----------- LIVE IN SA ----------- 'GOING NOWHERE SLOWLY' AT THE MERCURY If you didn't get yourself down to Mercury Live in Cape Town this past Friday night, then you severely missed out on not only a great line-up of hot SA Bands, but a seriously funny rip-off of the Grammy Awards, and the chance to be on the highly successful TV series, 'Going Nowhere Slowly'. Proceedings started with the arrival of Michael Naranjo (vocalist from Seven Day Story) with Kurt Schoonraad (The show's presenter, who was the MC for the evening) in "Big Red", a 1970 Chrysler 383 V8 and the star of the TV show. Kurt took the stage in front of a packed audience and launched into a hysterical comedy routine that included calling up the band members to present the "Grammy Awards". Anton (Scarlet Host), in a red wig and Mark (Kelvin Declined) hammed it up and presented an award to Seven Day Story for “Best TV series theme tune”. Scarlet Host took the award for “Best progressive rock band” and Kelvin Declined for “Most improved rock act”. Seven Day Story then kicked off with a dynamic set featuring its new members - Mike Horne on drums and Christo Van Der Rijst on lead guitar - with Deon Morris on bass and Mike Naranjo, as usual, delivering a powerful vocal performance. The atmosphere was true to Grammy standards, as the audience sang along to Seven Day Story's 'Going Nowhere Slowly' theme. Kurt Schoonraad even joined them on stage to sing a chorus or two! DJ Paul Playdon (Ex UCT Radio) kept the vibe going between acts before the next award was handed out with more comedy from Kurt (“My girlfriend wanted me to get her something expensive that she didn't need, so I got her a course of Chemotherapy!”, etc). Some Limited edition EP's (with one track from each of the evening's bands) were given away to the enthusiastic audience. Scarlet Host were up next and gave an outstanding performance. The band was really tight, and was highlighted by Lindsay's vocal talent. One member of the audience remarked on how amazed they were at such a huge voice coming from such a slenderly built front man! More comedy followed with Kelvin Declined coming up to receive their award, before launching into a blistering set that would make any SA musician proud! The audience yelled out for their favourite songs, and danced up a storm in front of the stage. The slick sound and lighting lent a stadium-venue atmosphere to the show and the band changeovers were very slick and quick. The last event on the agenda was to call up the “Best dressed guy and girl” (that was Bingo & Lesley). Thanks go out to Sean (Mercury Live), David Moore and Riyazz Dalvie from Big Blue Productions ('Going Nowhere Slowly' film crew), Wynand (Sound), and Aidan (Sound and organisation), Nick Ludford (Lighting), Paul Playdon (DJ), Gustav Andor (Stage Magazine and for providing the Jose Cuervo Tequila!), Stage Models, The Bands (who entered into the true spirit of the evening) and most of all, the fans and media who came to support SA Music at its best! Aidan Harper PS - There are a few copies of the limited edition EP's from the Mercury gig still available for R35. The tracks included on the CD are: Seven Day Story - 'Going Nowhere Slowly'; Scarlet Host - 'In From The Cold'; and Kelvin Declined - 'Drugs Me'. And the 'Going Nowhere Slowly' team are still looking for SA tracks to use in the series (Sundays at 17h30 on TV3). Contact Aidan at maito:info@ripchord.co.za -------------- X TOUR 2003 The extreme music tour that is currently taking Cape Town by storm is officially up and running! With two shows down and three to go those who have had the privilege to attend will tell you this… X Tour Rocks!!! Claremont saw some stellar performances by Six Of Nine, Serving Suggestion, 5 Star Society and Neshamah. Watching 5 Star Society build their show to an absolute crescendo and delivering a breathtaking finale left the crowd awed and wanting more! Serving Suggestion were their usual witty selves, providing a fun show that had everyone partying along, especially with their great cover of Jungle Book's “Bear Necessities”! Somerset West saw the same line-up, except for Not Guilty replacing Serving Suggestion. Newcomers Six Of Nine had the crowd eating out of their hands, leaving many amazed that this was only their 4th official gig together as a band! Not Guilty rocked the house in a big way and Neshamah clearly showed how an American tour could boost a band's stage performance from brilliant to completely over-the-top! The sound and lights were nothing short of amazing on both shows, adding atmosphere on top of the already impressive stage performances of all the bands involved. Give-aways abounded and added an exciting twist to the freebie tradition by the organisers throwing marked ping-pong balls into the audience with linked redeemable prizes. Those who ducked, dived and jumped successfully found themselves walking away with free T-shirts, CD's, mugs, stickers, key-chains and a host of other really cool freebies, compliments of Playstation 2 and Silent Screams. The rest of X Tour 2003 promises to be as great, if not better, than these past two shows with the much anticipated conclusion at Boogaloos Tygervalley on 30 August 2003. There all the bands that have taken part in the tour will be performing, including Serving Suggestion, who initially was not scheduled to perform. To give the public who have not attended the first two shows an idea of what the shows were like, Solarpop, the organisation responsible for X Tour, have posted some great photos of the event on the official tour site, www.solarpop.com. Dates for the remaining events are as follows: 22 August - Bothasig Town Hall (Feat. Six Of Nine, Flint, Neshamah, 5 Star Society) 23 August - Fish Hoek Civic Center (Feat. Six Of Nine, Sidearm 66, Neshamah, 5 Star Society) 30 August - Boogaloos Skate Park Tygervalley. (Feat. Six Of Nine, Flint, Neshamah, 5 Star Society, Serving Suggestion, Sidearm 66, Not Guilty) ----------- GIG GUIDE ----------- The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.comPlease send all gig info to mailto:sugar@sagigs.com?subject=gigs in a plain text e-mail by Friday 12noon. ___________________________________________ 9.INFO ------- ------ LINKS ------ Links to artists, gig guides, resources, record labels, recording studios, music trivia and more at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/links ---------------- SUBSCRIPTIONS ---------------- To subscribe - please send e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=NewSubscriber Address changes - please send an e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=SubcriberAddressChange To unsubscribe - please send a blank e-mail to: mailto:unsubscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=Unsubscribe ------------ BACK ISSUES ------------- http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives Online and keyword searchable ----------------------------------- PRESS RELEASES & CONTRIBUTIONS ----------------------------------- Please submit all press releases, contributions, reviews, gig & festival dates, requests, searches and comments to mailto:sugar@sarockdigest.com?subject=SARockDigest -------- EDITORS -------- Brian Currin & Stephen Segerman mailto:editors@sarockdigest.com?subject=SARockDigest --------------- CONTRIBUTORS --------------- John Samson Kurt Shoemaker Carina Laubscher Tertius Louw Daniel Neville Wicked Mike Gabi Muller Don Bryce LAD Proofed by Ronx A SUGAR MUSIC PRODUCTION http://www.sugarmusic.co.za <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>