SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE NUMBER 31
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The South African Rock Music Digest
is a weekly, free, subscription e-mag,
delivered direct to your e-mailbox.
Edited by Brian Currin and
Stephen "Sugar" Segerman.
Subscription and back issue
information at the end.
Established January 1999.
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INTRODUCTION
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This e-mag is a discussion forum for rock music --
South African and International -- past, present and future.
Read it, digest it, enjoy it, send in your comments
and tell your friends....
"Rock" is a very general term encompassing rock and roll,
pop, folk, rock, ethnic-rock, prog-rock, jazz-rock, country-rock,
soul, R&B, metal, indie, alternative, new wave, reggae, etc, etc.
Don't get hung up...if you want to say something about the music
YOU like...go ahead, say it.
Contributions and comments:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/contactme.html
or...
mailto:brian.currin@new.co.za
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CONTENTS
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In this issue:
News
Snippets
Review
Forum
Requests
Beginners guide
Hidden gems
Voting Booths
Links and ads
Back Issues
Rules
Subscriptions
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NEWS
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AARDKLOP
Keep your eyes and ears on the upcoming Aardklop Nasionale Kunstefees in Potchefstroom from the 29th September to the 3rd October. Although a recent addition to the small group of large art festivals (Grahamstown and Klein Karoo Fees), the word is that this Potchefstroom extravaganza will soon be the one to attend, due to its closer proximity (to Gauteng) and excellent line-up and organisation. There will be a full jazz and rock bill and all the artists, times and dates can be found at:
http://www.aardklop.co.za/
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WOODSTOCK: THE 90'S POP CULTURE EXPERIENCE
Woodstock: The 90's Pop Culture Experience is a three day music and lifestyle expo held over the weekend of the 24th of September, in Heidelberg Kloof, approximately 55 kilometers from Johannesburg.
AUTHENTIC IDEAS
(011) 646 6467/68/69/70
mailto:woodstock@authentic.co.za
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BARLEYCORN MUSIC CLUB
Monday 13th September
Bob and Chantal
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Terry Dean (who was a finalist in our Song Comp)
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Schiehalli'en (who was also a finalist in our Song Comp)
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Wishbone
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JT Band
Hopefully starting as close to 8pm as possible.
Myke Ashley Cooper
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SNIPPETS
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FREEDOMS CHILDREN FAMILY TREE
The roots and branches of South Africa's
greatest rock band is at:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/freedom_tree.html
Any comments and input would be most welcome.
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URBANZULU - BUSI MHLONGO
Stephen Segerman
Long regarded as one of the stellar female vocalists on the African continent, alongside Miriam Makeba and Letta Mbulu, Mhlongo has pulled out all the stops to produce an album that bristles with attitude, intelligence and one of the most awesome voices heard around these parts for years.
Mhlongo's voice cries, whoops, yearns, ululates and wraps itself around all these songs, creating a continuity and interest that keeps this album on a completely non-boring level. There are many complimentary similarities to the Juluka sound, with accordions and effervescent acoustic guitars adding a twinkly feel to the vocals. But this is Busi Mhlongo's album and she has grabbed her opportunity to impress with grace, enthusiasm and some very strong material.
"This is Maskanda for the millennium. Listen and be humbled." - album sleeve notes
MELT2000 have kindly supplied a copy of this CD to give away on this week's digest. Name just one of the songs on the album (Zulu or English title) to stand a chance of winning this excellent CD.
For a full review, visit Amuzine at:
http://www.rock.co.za/reviews.html
MELT2000
http://www.melt2000.com
Buy this CD at One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
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ROBERT CALVERT
One of the main forces behind that classic band,
Hawkwind, was SA-born Robert Calvert.
Born 1945 in Pretoria, died 14th August, 1988.
There is a strange and detailed site dedicated to the man at...
http://www.thing.de/projekte/future/
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REVIEW
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THE USUAL - BORN IN A STORM
Stephen Segerman
I always liked the casual, unassuming nature of this band's name. It somehow exuded an air of quiet confidence and a complete lack of pretension or hype. The members of the band – James Stewart (vocals), Paul Tizzard (drums), Johan "Yo-Yo" Buys (bass and, er, yo-yos) and Tom Fox (guitars) – always seemed to have a focused vision and unity of purpose. They started cautiously with their first two excellent EPs ('Six Songs From The Inside' and ' Like A Vision') before heading off to Reggie Bowman's Melbourne studios to record the 15 songs that appear on this, their debut full-length album. Originally the plan was to simply rework all the songs on those two EPs and release them as a full album, but, thankfully, the plan was extended and although many of those early tracks appear (in remixed versions) on this album, there is enough new material to make 'Born In A Storm' the wonderful piece of work many had hoped for.
It was Bright Blue who initially pioneered this Cape kwela-pop sound, but it's The Usual who has carried the torch since Bright Blue mostly disappeared. Now it is Tom Fox's understated and seminal guitar sound that provides the link between these two bands, not to mention the fact that Peter Cohen (ex-Bright Blue drummer) is the manager of The Usual. Fox's mbaqanga guitar licks and James Stewart's vocals have always formed the core of The Usual's sound, with Tizzard and Buys's rhythm section consistently providing the dynamic underbed to these songs. It's a simple formula, but one that has consistently produced some of the best SA pop of the decade. You want proof? Just listen to the opening six tracks, as strong a set of pop nuggets as ever kicked off an album. There's the hopeful and sparkling 'When I Look Into Your Eyes' and 'We'll Be Together As One', followed by the slow-burning title track and the slightly tweaked and gentler version of their first single, 'The Shape That I'm In'. 'Crocodile Eyes' and 'It's A Cold World Without You' follow, with the latter being the stand-out choice as the next single after 'Born In A Storm'. The balance of the album is as consistent as this opening salvo, with fresh versions of 'Like A Vision' and 'In My Head' also making their welcome re-appearances later on.
So 'Born In A Storm' has exceeded all expectations, including those of Street Level Studios, the band's faithful and supportive record company who always believed that this jangly SA folk-pop was well worth its tireless efforts. The Usual shared that belief and vision and stayed on its chosen path to the SA musical high ground. The quality, sound and shape of 'Born In A Storm' finds them further down that path than they could ever have imagined.
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FORUM
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LOOKING FOR OLD MUSIC BUDDIES
I spent a good couple of hours yesterday browsing [your website]. It was real nostalgic for me seeing the names of some of my old colleges. Way back in the 60's and 70's I was a drummer in the local scene playing with Johnny Sharpes band and being studio drummer for Billy Forrest at Troubadour recording studios. Other than the members of Johnny Sharpes band my best friends included, Peter Clifford and Eddie Ecksteen from the Bats, Ramsay McKay from Freedoms Children, Billy Forrest, Rupert Mellor and Sam Evans. I also hung around in those days with Julian Laxton and other members of the Freedoms Children, Jody Wayne, Alain de Wolfe and many other from various parts of the South African entertainment scene. I haven't seen or heard from any of them for over 20 years now as I left the scene and moved to live here in Switzerland. If you should have contact or know the whereabouts of any of these people I would be grateful if you would let me know there contact details. Another two real old scottish musician friends in South Africa are Billy McKinley (drummer) and John Elliot (Tenor saxaphone). I am back on the scene here in Zurich but this time I'm only playing jazz. I am returning to live in Cape Town in January 2001 and hope once again to take up the good old South African scene one more time.
Albert Rossi
mailto:arossi@access.ch
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THE FLAMES
I run a Flames website on http://www.the-flames.com and I'm seeking to buy a number of Flames- and related records. Especially the older singles and the Best Of The Flames LP. Also Soul Meeting in stereo. I can trade for superb sounding cd-r's of African Day / Africa She Too Can Cry / Otis Waygood / Simply Otis Waygood.
Oh and Brian, why not research and document the record company fire where SA treasures were lost forever.
Bas Möllenkramer
the Netherlands
mailto:mollyb@worldonline.nl
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4 JACKS & A JILL
In reference to Kurt Shoemaker's query (SA Rock Digest #29). They are still going strong. Glenys & Clive Harding - the nucleus of the band nearly 40 years on - have recorded a new album & an updated version of Master Jack. They are still performing.
Dave Marks
mailto:thirdear@iafrica.com
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REQUESTS
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INDIA
Please can you tell me who plays that brilliant harp on 'Hot Blooded Woman' by India?
Don Bryce
mailto:brycefamily@yebo.co.za
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REQUEST FROM CANADA
I'm e-mailing you from the land of the Maple Leaf, referred by Jon at the South African Music Site Webring. I'm looking for anything done by a particular choir. I have the CD "The Power of One" soundtrack and I believe the choir is the Bubwayo Church Choir. I absolutely love that CD and wonder if you know of any other recordings of this choir and where I might get them?
Leslie
mailto:leslie.wilson@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
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OOM
Checking out http://www.mp3.com recently I found a group called Oom and a track called Whito Kwaito. Absolutely fan-bleedin'-tastic! So why haven't I heard of them before? I know being here in England may have been half the problem, but from what I can gather, Kwaito is all the rage in SA. Right or wrong? A cross between ska and mbaqanga apparently?
I can't find their album 'No Loitering' at Oneworld. I could buy it online from MP3.com, but I'd rather spend my pounds in rands rather than dollars if you see what I mean. The yanks have enough dough already!
INFO INFO INFO on OOM PLEASE!!!
Trevor Perks
mailto:trevor.perks@virgin.net
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DRUMMING HEROES
When I was a young lad growing up in SA, my drumming heroes where Tony Moore, Chris van der Schyff and Kendal Kay. They where all pretty busy in the 70's studio circuit. Anyone know what's happened to them?
Gikas Markantonatos
mailto:gikas@customsystem.com
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A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO SOUTH AFRICAN POP AND ROCK ON CD
Brian Currin
This will be a regular feature, recommending various easy-to-find
CDs that highlight the history of SA pop and rock music.
A few issues back I wrote a piece on the Best of SA Pop volume 2.
Read it here: http://www.rock.co.za/files/forgotten_classics.html
Kurt Shoemaker (a recent and already regular contributor to the Digest) wrote this short review. Remember Kurt is not South African, but rather an American (of Dutch descent) expanding his musical horizons...
THE BEST OF SA POP VOLUME 2
Kurt Shoemaker
My first impressions are that the first disc is lovely, pleasant, but that the second disc has more to my taste. After a quick skim, the first disc seems to have lighter pop of disc of apparently earlier era songs, actual rock 'n' roll stuff. Don't misunderstand me, it will get spun plenty. Valerie thinks the first side has a Four Jacks and a Jill flavor or feel, kinda goodtime rock 'n' roll, at least the samples I hit.
'Buccaneer' -- the killer song I hoped it would be. A number of pretty
ballads on the disc, and all first-listen likeable, but also enough rockers to satisfy, also. I know a band is supposed to do one at least slow song per set, but I generally favor up-tempo songs with a good bottom. 'Substitute' -- great tune; why did I think it was a Who cover? {Its actually a cover of an obscure Righteous Brothers song - ed}. I'm glad it's not. 'Venus', was it you who said you thought this version better than the original? {I confess - ed}. I enjoy Shocking Blue, have several albums and CDs, but on the first listen think I might end up agreeing with you. 'Better the Devil You Know', yeah, good song. 'Shadows', 'ZX Dan', 'Weeping' (wonderful!), this disc 2 is rich -- I'm playing it as I type -- this is great stuff.
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HIDDEN GEMS
Here are 2 recent South African songs that deserve a listen...
TRex and the Thin White Duke - Lockwood MacKay
This wonderful track, which pays tribute to the music and
influence of Marc Bolan and David Bowie, brings back memories
of those 70s glam rock days. This epic song can be found on
the It's My Party '97 compilation CD. The MacKay here is Duncan
MacKay, famous keyboard player for Kate Bush, 10cc, Cockney Rebel and
many others.
Hell's Angel - Al'stair
David Kramer meets Anton Goosen...s'true, but what makes this a stand out track is the guitar work of Mister Volume himself, Willem Moller. Also the line: "My snor is gedrop soos 'n Mosselbaai rob" - sorry no proper translation into English, but I found it very funny...
South Africa's answer to Joe Satriani, Mauritz Lotz, also plays some mean guitar in a couple of places on the CD 'My Hond Fanie' from which this track is taken.
More "hidden gems" in future issues...feel free to send in your suggestions.
mailto:brian.currin@new.co.za
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IN LIKE FLYNN
Stephen Segerman
Perseverance, as the wise man once pointed out, is the single most important key to success in anything. If so, then the rest of the South African entertainment industry should take a closer look at our least likely entertainment icon, Bill Flynn. Known best as an actor and comedian, Flynn has suddenly emerged as one of the most visible and hard-working performers around. Although his body of work may not appeal to all sectors of our widespread audience, one has to admire his prodigious output and energy.
At present, Flynn has his (and Paul Slabolepszy's) rugby movie 'Heel Against The Head' showing all over the place and the soundtrack from that movie is also selling nicely. The soundtrack features an assortment of SA artists as well as Bill and his friends on a few tracks. There's the album of retro-rock standards titled 'Rock 'n Roll Party' by Vinnie and the Viscounts (which is Bill and eight of his muso friends) on the CD shelves with Bill handling the vocals. He's also just released his new album, 'Gooi My 'n Tenor', which is a collection of spoofed-up opera tunes. That's three contemporary and diverse albums on the shelves at the same time, not a bad effort for just one person.
So, although many of you are not going to rush out and spend money on any of these, you still have to admire the perseverance of someone who spots gaps in the market and sends appropriate product hurtling into these spaces. Too many artists take themselves and their work far too seriously. The fruits of their creative psyches are gently coaxed into reality and the artists then sink back exhausted, awaiting the flow of cash and kudos that their singular output will no doubt produce, while their teams of marketers psyche themelves up for the 10 minutes of Warholian fame (everything in SA has been devalued!) that their blah-blah endeavours will hopefully produce. Then there's Bill, someone who loves his work, keeps his output flowing and just wants to have fun. You may not want to spend your money on any of his releases, but you could do a lot worse then to ignore his irreverance, energy, motivation and insight into the SA film and music industry and audience.
If you have already seen the new Bill Flynn rugby flick, 'Heel Against The Head', then you'll definitely want to grab this soundtrack featuring the 'A'-list of SA artists (I won't tell you what the 'A' stands for..). There's contributions from Mango Groove, PJ Powers and Dave Mills (not convinced yet?). Well there is also the new song from the highly-touted (and very popular in Europe) duo, Coleske, who cover the old Terry Dempsey single, 'Daydreamer', which achieved some US success when covered by David Cassidy. Coleske's eagerly-awaited follow-up to their self-titled debut album is on its way and, as this is their first offering in almost three years, it should keep their huge following very excited.
Reprinted from Amuzine
http://www.cd.co.za
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VOTING BOOTHS
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Visit these voting booths and cast a vote for YOUR favourite...
SA Rock album, from the 60s to the 90s and beyond...
http://www.freevote.com/booth/sarock
All-time Great SA Pop and Rock song
http://www.freevote.com/booth/sapop
McCully Workshop album
http://www.freevote.com/booth/mccully
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LINKS AND ADVERTS
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SOUTH AFRICA'S ROCK FILES
The online archive for the History of South African Rock
http://www.rock.co.za/sarock/
TOO GOOD TO BE FORGOTTEN
Post your message on the SA Rock message board
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb311757
AMUZINE
News, views, reviews and interviews
http://www.rock.co.za/
ONE WORLD
Selling South African Music to the World
http://www.oneworld.co.za/
5% discount for Digest members!
POWERZONE
The Hub of South African Music
http://www.powerzone.co.za/
INDIE MUSIC EXPLOSION
The Ultimate Independent Music Site in South Africa
http://www.indie.co.za/
GALLO MUSIC
Supporting South African Music
http://www.gallo.co.za/
BACKSTAGE
The Musician's Resource
http://www.backstage.co.za/
THE GIG GUIDE
Whats on in Cape Town
http://www.gig-guide.co.za/
ZA@PLAY
What's on in Cape Town and around South Africa
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/art/music/listing/music-ct.htm
SLY
Online magazine
http://www.sly.co.za/
STREET LEVEL RECORDS
Cape Town's Independent Record Label
http://www.streetlevel.co.za/
MUSICADS
Free musical equipment classifieds ad website
http://www.twisted.co.za/musicads/
SA MUSIC DATABASE
Over 100 links relating to South African music
http://members.xoom.com/samusicd/links.html
RIESTER INTERNATIONAL RECORDS
South African independent record company
http://www.riester-records.co.za/
JOL
News, updated daily
http://www.jol.co.za
FRESH MUSIC
Independent multi-faceted music group
http://www.fresh.co.za
AFRICAN INVASION OF ROCK
News, reviews and opinions
http://www.air.org.za
MOUNTAIN RECORDS
Music from and about Africa
http://www.mountain-africa.com
STAGE
SA Music magazine
http://www.stage.co.za
SCREEN AFRICA
broadcast • film • commercials • video • music • interactive
http://www.screenafrica.com
ARTSMART
arts news from Kwazulu-Natal
http://www.artsmart.co.za
MP3.COM
Listen to MP3s of South African artists
http://www.mp3.com/regions/africa/south_africa/
STRANGER THAN FICTION PRODUCTIONS
http://www.strangerthanfiction.co.uk
SPLASHY FEN
The festival, the CD, the book, the website
http://www.splashyfen.co.za
CDDB
CD Database Online
http://www7.cddb.com/
CDMAX
CD player for accessing the online CD database http://www.mindspring.com/~clark_tisdale/CDmax/
IMAGES OF ROCK
Your Ultimate Rock And Roll Experience
http://www.imagesofrock.com
VIBES MUSIC - N1 CITY, CAPE TOWN
Phone (021) 5953220
mailto:vibes@fast.co.za
OUTLAW RECORDS, CAPE TOWN
Branches at:
Cape Town Central (021) 4238145
Wynberg (021) 7972482
Claremont (021) 6717887
10% discount for Digest members!
RADIUM WRECKORDS
The home of the Radio Rats, The Glee Club, the Chauffeurs
and the Pop Guns
Radium Wreckords
Suite 207
Postnet
Private Bag X10
Flamwood
2572
Klerksdorp
mailto:jhandley@aghs.co.za
JEFF BECK: CRAZY FINGERS
A book by Annette Carson
mailto:carson@global.co.za
or call (011) 883 3619.
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BACK ISSUES
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All Digest back-issues can now be downloaded as one
small zip file (less than 400kb).
Go to: http://www.rock.co.za/files/sarockdigest.zip
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RULES
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For the basic rules of the Digest please visit:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/sa_rock_digest.html
or we can e-mail them to you.
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SUBSCRIPTIONS
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...and then subcribe yourself by sending an e-mail to
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"unsubscribe" has been known to work too...
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