SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #77
The South African Rock Music Digest
is a free, subscription e-mag, edited
by Brian Currin and Stephen Segerman
and delivered direct to your e-mailbox.
Established January 1999.
To unsubscribe: reply to this issue
with "unsubscribe digest" as subject
----------*********-----------
CONTENTS
-----------
1.WHAT'S NEW - Off The Edge, Little Sister, Devante, Melville Mardi Gras, Tassies All Stars Rock Fees
2.CHARTS - Top 10 CDs, Top 20 SA songs, Top 20 Rock Albums, Top 10 SA MP3 downloads, This week 30 years ago
3.ON STAGE - Smashing Pumpkins
4.NEW RELEASES - Jesse Jordan, Off The Edge, Nick Taylor, Jack Hammer, Wildebeest
5.USA for SA - Wildebeest's Bushrock 1
6.CLASSIC ROCK - Rhythm Of Life by Pocket Lips
7.SHILOH REMEMBERS: The Dale Hawkins Band
8.FORUM - Rock Lists, Long Live Vinyl, Respect
9.REQUESTS - Doctor Rat, Dog Detachment, The Usual
10.ON THE NET - Vagabond's World, Woodshed, Sharkbrother, Ramases, Tuerk Music
11.WHAT'S ON - Beguela, Fetish, Binary, Harbour Music Club, Liesl Graham, Little Sister, Not My Dog, Halcyon, Fruit Fly Navigators
12.LINKS AND ADS
13.BACK ISSUES
14.CONTRIBUTIONS
14.SUBSCRIPTIONS
_____________________________________________
1.WHAT'S NEW
---------------
OFF THE EDGE
http://www.rock.co.za/offtheedge
All the Off The Edge CDs, including the limited edition releases, are now available to purchase online from One World. <http://www.oneworld.co.za>
'The Instrumentals' limited edition CD has now been updated with a slightly different track listing. Peter Hanmer says that this is now the final edition of this CD.
Peter is hard at work recording an album with his new discovery Sherry Lee. The demos I've heard so far are stunning. Sherry Lee has re-recorded the epic 'St Aidans' from the 'Just Another Band' album, and dare I say it, it sounds even better than the original...
----------------
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.littlesister.co.za
In the studio recording their sixth official album, Little Sister has grown from strength to strength. On the forefront of the South African pop world for over ten years now, these musical stalwarts are taking their tremendous talent and nurturing it with the help of genius producer Lionel Bastos.
Having helped the girls dig deep in their creative reserves, Lionel has
taken their great songwriting skills and angelic voices to new heights - exploring new territory while still holding on to that winning formula which has kept them in the lime-light for over a decade.
The girls' influences range from the credible folk-genius of the likes of Shawn Colvin, kd lang, The Indigo Girls and Ani DiFranco while the
rock-tinged songs can be likened to those of Melissa Etheridge. Set to be released in March 2001, their newer material has combined African
influences with deep bass grooves, guitar melodies with awesome vocal
harmonies and is set to be one of the finest records of 2001.
The girls are currently hard at work in the studio as well as performing live at every available opportunity.
Little Sister are a hard gigging band, visit: http://www.littlesister.co.za/littlesister/gigs.html
----------------
DEVANTE
Durban's Devante is back after a hiatus of almost four years. The trio from Newlands East has just completed a four track EP entitled 'Elements of Love'. The EP will be released on October 16.
The first single from the EP is a reinterpretation of The Temptations classic, 'My Girl'. The EP was produced by Richard Aronson of Atlantic Starr fame. It was mastered by Tony Dawsey in New York. Dawsey is known for his work with Whitney Houston.
For more information:
Caroline Hillary (011) 788 0519
mailto:carolineh@gallo.co.za
-------------
COME ON TAKE ME TO THE MARDI GRAS
...where the people sing and play...
On Saturday October 14, The Melville Mardi Gras 2000 invites you to party in the streets.
Johannesburg’s favourite entertainment suburb is going to close its roads, open its doors and invite you to a street party that will rival New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, Nice, Venice and Cologne.
On Saturday October 14, between 9am and 7pm, Melville’s streets, between 4th Avenue and 7th Street will be turned into walkways, filled with the vibrant life of people having fun, street dancers, entertainers, markets, parades and carnival spirit, as The Melville Mardi Gras 2000 heralds Spring’s fertility and the warm rays of a summer to come.
All are welcome to this free party that will see Melville’s community - from residents to shop-owners, band together to show the country what unity really means. As everyone works side-by-side to show not only what Melville has to offer - from decor shops, to cloths shops, furniture and antique shops to trinket shops; some of the finest restaurants in the land and a nightlife unrivalled in Johannesburg - but what it’s people have to offer too.
The Melville Mardi Gras 2000 will be Melville - only better!
"The Melville Mardi Gras 2000 is so much more than just a day of great entertainment," says Mardi Gras organiser, Charles van Niekerk. "It’s also about raising community spirit and building a united and friendly neighbourhood atmosphere. In addition to this it is a great marketing tool for the suburb, where shop owners can show outsiders just why Melville has become Johannesburg’s most lively and trendy spot."
Throughout the day Melville’s streets will be filled with people enjoying the carnival atmosphere as families and friends roam from shop to shop, enjoying the activities on the way, which include:
· Children’s activities - Nando’s jumping castle, jugglers, balloon artists, tattoo artists, hair sprayers, space-ray gun show (1pm), The SA Rubber Man, Gerard The Clown (11.20am), buskers, mechanical bull, gyroscope and Mr Cool Show (2.30pm).
· Arts ands Crafts market - selling a variety of arts and crafts, with shops having sidewalk sales
· Beer tent - as with previous Melville Mardi Gras, a large beer tent will be erected in parking lot behind the Mugg & Bean where as usual, great merriment can be found.
· mini arts theatre - monologue performances and local film productions will be performed throughout the day, including workshops.
-----------------
TASSIES ALL STARS ROCK FEES
Tassenberg en Trip van Winkel Musiek Promosies bied aan
DIE LEGENDES SPEEL VOORT!
Pretoria gaan hard paartie wanner die legendes Sunnyside tref met die
Tassenberg Bus. Rooi tonge en pers tanne is aan die orde vannie dag. Die jol is natuurlik die Tassies All Stars Rock Fees wat plaasvind by Club Evolution, Esselen Straat 55, Sunnyside en die datum is 12 Oktober 2000.
Die kaartjies is R 30.00 en vooraf te koop deur Mainline Music (012) 341 5399 of skakel (12) 342 0530 en ook by die deur op die aand vannie
paartie. Die Rock Fees begin om 19h00 en sal duur tot die oggend ure wanneer die laaste man val. Getrou aan die Tassies tradisie gaan al die bands gatskop! Die volgende bands gaan optree :
VALIANT SWART - DIE MYSTIC BOER
JACK HAMMER - MAMBA BOTHA EN DIE POFADDERS
NOT MY DOG - THE DOGSTYLE STYLISTICS
BEESKRAAL - DIE RUMEVITE ROCKERS
DUUSMAN - UMSUNGU SAPIENS
LIELA GROENEWALD - DIE BRIXTON AKSIE ASTER
Tydens die jollige gebeurtenis sal die "TASSENBERG ALL STARS" CD amptelik in Gauteng vrygestel word. Die TASSIES CD bevat 10 snitte wat by vanjaat se KKNK in Oudtsoorn opgeneem is, in die Tassenberg Stal Teater. CD's sal op die aand weggegee word asook vooraf in die media.
Vir meer inligting kan die volgende Taskoppe gekontak word:
Dirk Uys - 083 715 6163
Hannalie Coetzee 012 - 342 0530
SHOT EN ONS CHECK JULLE BY DIE PAARTIE VANNIE JAAR!!!
______________________________________________
2.CHARTS
-----------
TOP 10 SOUTH AFRICAN CDs
This week [last week] Artist - Title
1. Mandoza - Nkalakatha
2. Positive K - Plus 8 Various Mixes
3. Not My Dog - Dogumentary
4. Oleseng - Oa Lebona Naa?
5. Brasse Vannie Kaap - Yskoud
6. Various - Tassenberg All Stars
7. Steve Hofmeyr - Beautiful Noise: The Music Of Neil Diamond
8. DJ Nasty - 2
9. Various - Fresh House Flava 4
10. Solly Moholo - Motlhang Ke Kolobetswa
Supplied by One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
------------
THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 ROCK ALBUMS OF THE WEEK
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Label)
1. [RE] A Life Less Strange - Semisane (BMG)
2. [-] The Instrumentals - Off The Edge (Independent)
3. [5] Lately When She Cries - Jesse Jordan (Universal)
4. [1] Tassenberg All Stars (live) - Various (Rhythm)
5. [3] Something To Believe - Liesl Graham (Gallo)
6. [2] While No One Was Looking - Little Sister (Gallo)
7. [4] The Best Of Robin Auld Vol. 1 (TicTicBang)
8. [-] In Concert with the LSO - Deep Purple (Spitfire)
9. [6] Just Another Band - Off The Edge (Independent)
10. [7] Yvonne and Friends - Yvonne Chaka Chaka (Digital Cupboard)
11. [-] Sherry Lee - Sherry Lee (demo)
12. [8] Bushrock 1 (live re-issue) - Wildebeest (Wildebeest)
13. [11] Physiognomy of The Soul - Bernard Binns (Hedonist)
14. [13] Anthology - Jack Hammer (Wildebeest)
15. [14] In The Meantime - Watershed (EMI)
16. [-] "Experience" Original Soundtrack - Jimi Hendrix (Brilliant)
17. [-] Classic Cuts no.14 - Various Artists (Classic Rock)
18. [-] Almost Human - Even Flow (demo)
19. [19] Reconstructing Alice - Sonja Herholdt (Universal)
20. [20] The Best Of Juluka/ Savuka featuring Johnny Clegg (EMI)
------------
THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN SONGS OF THE WEEK
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Album/ Label)
1. [1] Slow Down - Yvonne Chaka Chaka (off album ‘Yvonne And Friends’/
Digital Cupboard)
2. [-] Eastern Bridge - Jesse Jordan (off album 'Lately When She Cries'/ Universal)
3. [4] Right Here - Semisane (off album 'A Life Less Strange'/ BMG)
4. [13] Inner City Blues - Lungiswa (Xhosa version off album
'Lungiswa'/ MELT2000)
5. [2] Kwaito Right - Paul Hanmer (off album ‘Playola’/ Sheer Sound)
6. [3] My Hope Is In You - Youssou N’Dour (off album ‘Joko’/ SonySA)
7. [10] Dr Malombo - Tananas (off album 'Seed'/ SonySA)
8. [5] All Roads - Liesl Graham (off album ‘Something To Believe’/ Gallo)
9. [9] Sea Waves - Sipho Gumede (off album ‘New Era’/ Sheer Sound)
10. [8] Hoelykit? - McCoy Mrubata (off album ‘Hoelykit’)
11. [9] Follow The Sun - Cool Funk (off the EP ‘Walking On Sunshine’)
12. [11] Fundal - Lungiswa (off album 'Lungiswa'/ MELT2000)
13 [7] Satisfy - Dreamshop (off EP 'Satisfy'/ BMG)
14. [-] Don't Lie To Me - Watershed (off album 'In The Meantime'/ EMI)
15. [-] Underoverture - Off The Edge (off album 'The Instrumentals'/ Off The Edge)
16. [16] Sonny Boy - Sibongile Khumalo (off album ‘Immortal Secrets’/ Sony SA)
17. [17] 69 Tea - Saron Gas (off compilation ‘Showcase 2’/ Sony SA)
18. [14] Fiesta - Tim Hoare (off album ‘Cape Mystique’/ Gallo)
19. [-] Northern Sky - Jonathan Martin (off album ‘Tassenberg All Stars’/ Rhythm Records)
20. [-] Dreams - Sherry Lee (demo)
Sponsored by Networld
http://www.new.co.za
-------------
TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3 DOWNLOADS
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Style)
1. [10] Beautiful Thing - E'smile (African R&B)
2. [1] Margarida - Choppa (Latino Kwaito)
3. [8] I'll Breathe - Mia (Pop Ballad)
4. [2] Wena U Bani...? - O'Da Meesta (Kwaito)
5. [RE] Unity (Word of Truth) - E'smile (African R&B)
6. [RE] Foreplay - Ghetto Luv (R&B Kwaito)
7. [RE] Umthetho Wakho - Skeem (Kwaito)
8. [-] Mina Ngeke Ngilunge - Yvonne Chaka Chaka (African Pop)
9. [3] Get Me a 303 - MantratraX (Dance)
10. [RE] Never Again - Prophets of Da City (Hip Hop)
11. [6] Libertine - Absinthe Love (Industrial Pop)
12. [-] Jabulani Jive At 5 - Pajama Party (Dance Sport)
13. [-] Simswabisile - O'Da Meesta (Gospel Kwaito)
14. [11] Motherhush - Fetish (Alternative)
15. [13] Happy Mzanje - Katrina Fountain (African Jazz)
16. [--] Makoti - Yvonne Chaka Chaka (African Pop)
17. [4] Hypnotic - Benguela (Instrumental)
18. [RE] Uyabasaba Nah? - Skeem (Kwaito)
19. [RE] Vuka - Kom Kom (Kwaito)
20. [RE] Zumba - O'Da Meester (Kwaito)
Supplied by Digital Cupboard
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
----------------
SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS: 30 YEARS AGO
2 October 1970
This week [last week] Title - Artist
1. [2] Brown Eyes - Chris Andrews
2. [3] Neanderthal Man - Hotlegs
3. [1] Lola - The Kinks
4. [8] Mademoiselle Ninette - Mike Holm
5. [4] Lady D'arbanville - Cat Stevens
6. [5] The Wedding - Jody Wayne
7. [9] Love Of The Common People - Nicky Thomas
8. [6] Keep On Smiling - James Lloyd
9. [7] In The Summertime - Mungo Jerry
10. [11] Push Mr. Pride Aside - Percy Sledge
Supplied by John Samson
mailto:Thesamsons@aol.com
-------------
SPRINGBOK ALL-TIME TOP 30 (1969 to 1989)
1. I Need Someone - Alan Garrity*
2. I Can See Clearly Now - Johnny Nash
3. Cry To Me - Staccatos*
4. Never Gonna Give You Up - Rick Astley
5. Power Of Love - Jennifer Rush
6. You - Peter Maffey
7. Say You Say Me - Lionel Richie
8. Words - FR David
9. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday - Jessica Jones*
10. I Just Called To Say I Love You - Stevie Wonder
11. Baby Makes Her Blue Jeans Talk - Dr. Hook
12. I Want To Break Free - Queen
13. I Should Be So Lucky - Kylie Minogue
14. Clap Clap Sound - The Klaxons
15. La Bamba - Los Lobos
16. We Believe In Tomorrow - Freddy Breck
17. Woman (Beautiful Woman) - Don Gibson*
18. Manuel Goodbye - Audrey Landers
19. I Think We're Alone Now - Tiffany
20. Red Red Wine - UB40
21. Beautiful Sunday - Daniel Boone
22. Love Changes Everything - Climie Fisher
23. Sylvia's Mother - Dr. Hook
24. The Safety Dance - Men Without Hats
25. Loverboy - Billy Ocean
26. Nice To Be With You - Gallery
27. Mull Of Kintyre - Wings
28. Get Outta My Dreams - Billy Ocean
29. Mammy Blue - Charisma*
30. Rivers Of Babylon - Boney M
* = SA artists
Compiled by John Samson, based on the weekly Springbok Hits charts between 3rd January 1969 and 11th February 1989 (the charts were then discontinued).
______________________________________________
3.ON STAGE
------------
SMASHING PUMPKINS
They’re the world’s greatest rock act {sez who? - ed} and are set to perform their final concert ever - to South African audiences - when The Smashing Pumpkins bring their world tour, The Sacred and Profane, to Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town in November. And it all starts with The Edgars 5fm Birthday Concert at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Saturday, November 11.
The Smashing Pumpkins have been trying to make it to South Africa for a long time and they are now, finally, on their way. Everything, however, has its price and The Smashing Pumpkins could sadly not tour South Africa on October 28, the scheduled date for The Edgars 5fm Birthday Concert - hence the concert’s rescheduling to November 11 and the change of venue from Kyalami Race Track to SuperSport Park, Centurion.
So, instead of losing the chance of having The Smashing Pumpkins perform in South Africa, organisers simply found a new venue, opting for the 40 000-capacity SuperSport Park, Centurion near Pretoria.
"The opportunity to catch this phenomenal band live was too good to miss and changing the date and venue is a small compromise for what is going to be the band’s final hour," says Real Concert’s Roddy Quin.
Sadly, the change of venue results in the cancellation of previously-advertised activities to be held at The Edgars 5fm Birthday Concert, where the focus will now shift to purely the music when two top international acts (The Smashing Pumpkins being one) and two top South African acts take the stage to perform in what will be one of the biggest musical events the country has seen.
"We are thrilled to have The Smashing Pumpkins perform at our 25th Birthday Concert," says 5fm station manager, Anthony Duke. "The group are not only one of our listeners’ favourites, but also represent where 5fm are musically."
"We are now looking for another big-named band to compliment The Smashing Pumpkins and turn the event into the greatest line-up of progressive musicians possible," says Quin.
The Smashing Pumpkins go on to perform at The Westridge Tennis Stadium in Durban on November 12 and their final concert ever at the Bellville Velodrome in Cape Town on November 14.
Ticket prices for The Edgars 5fm Birthday Concert range from R110 to R250 (reserved seating, standing and Golden Circle standing) and are available from TicketWeb on 0861 400 500 or www.ticketweb.co.za <http://www.ticketweb.co.za>. Booking opens on Saturday, September 30.
Stay tuned to 5fm for further details. Visit http://www.5net.co.za for the latest information.
____________________________________
4.NEW AND RECENT RELEASES
---------------------------
LATELY WHEN SHE CRIES - JESSE JORDAN
Tuneful pop rock from the powerful voice of Jesse Jordan
THE INSTRUMENTALS - OFF THE EDGE
An album of instrumental guitar rock from Peter Hanmer
BUSHROCK 1 - WILDEBEEST
This classic album is now on CD, see review below
BOOTLEG - JACK HAMMER
Live CD due out within the next 2 weeks
FREE WHITE AND AFRICAN - NICK TAYLOR
New album due in a few weeks
______________________________________________
5.USA FOR SA
---------------
WILDEBEEST - BUSHROCK 1
I get a chuckle out of the introduction to Wildebeest's live set
'Bushrock 1' wherein the audience is advised to "settle back and relax" -- then the music begins, grabs one, throws one around, and does not let up through nine songs and nearly 45 minutes of straight ahead rock. Relax?! Only by moving to the music!
Take a sharp guitarist (Boet Farber) and a thundering, driving bassist
(Piet Botha) -- add an exuberantly talented drummer (Colin Pratley) and a rocking violin (Dave Tarr), sweeten with some lovely, yet strong, female vocals (Karlien van Niekerk), crank up the volume (you), and that's the basis of Wildebeest's thundering, stampeding rock album.
The songs are primarily driven by beat and rhythm, nonetheless the
other instruments come to the fore without the other players getting out of the road. Piet's bass punctuates and emphasizes as it drives along, the rock steady and creative drumming is ever present, and the violin here becomes an essential rock instrument. hen the guitar sears and soars. Masterful rock, and with the great Colin Pratley flailing away on the drums, I think of it as Progressive Jungle Music.
After a modest-tempo and emotional opening song, 'Tribal Fence',
'Bokslaai' cranks in with a Celtic-sounding fiddle over some furious rock guitar, earnest drumming, and driving bass.
Song number three is a dramatic number with moving vocals titled
'Russian and Chips' -- Actually, it's Astra's 'The Kid He Came From
Nazareth'. There is a Russian air to it in the fiddle and the shouted "Hey! Hey!"
'The Horseman' has soaring vocals and an urgent beat -- like most of
the CD it is definitely up tempo, yet the consistent fast pacing of the
songs is not the same enough to detract -- there is plenty of musical
variety here. This is an album to keep a party jumping.
The next song, 'Pofadder' {Puffadder, a type of snake - ed], a hard rock tune, surges in like a speeding train. A musical interlude, wherein the song is slowed in order to get let it steam ahead again, is filled by the lyrics to 'Slowly Toward The North'. Then the musicians kick the tune back into high gear. Like 'Bokslaai', the audience responds to the singer's call of "Pofadder!" with "Pofadder!"
'Pofadder' is followed by 'Living Drummers', and here Colin gets a
chance to demonstrate his virtuosity and stretch out a bit. Not merely a drum solo, but a musician playing percussion.
'Here We Go Again' follows, and the tempo slows a bit, while Karlien
sings the lovely melody. One of the guys periodically shouts "We gonna tell you all about it!" that distracts slightly, but this is a nice tune. It does not rush forward as do the other songs, but one needs valleys to know what the mountains look like -- not at all a bad rock, it just follows the previous seven songs.
'Hottentotsgot' {Afrikaans for a Praying Mantis - ed} goes off rocking in an instrumental direction from the previous tune, building slowly with some freaky noises.
The closing tune, 'No Time in the City' shows Wildebeest's creativity
and invention don't fade toward the end. This is a chugging tune that, in the lyrics, is more conventional rock than the rest of the album -- but the Wildebeest musicians don't play anything conventionally.
All in all, this is a CD that engages one's attention and holds one's
interest; pay attention and it rewards with listening pleasure -- there is a rich variety of rhythmic rock on this CD.
What a pair of shows these must have been live at the Sunnyside in
Pretoria in 1981. I'm certain they live vividly as wildly fun experiences in the memories of those who attended.
Last week I wrote about Jack Hammer's 'Death of a Gypsy' CD. This week
I have not been able to stop listening to either 'Death of a Gypsy' or
'Bushrock 1'. I have been alternating these two CDs in the hi fi -- with Wonderboom's new EP thrown in at appropriate moments. To judge by
Wonderboom's 'Never Ever Ever', Jack Hammer's 'Death of a Gypsy', and the projected re-releases heralded by 'Bushrock 1', the South African music scene is hot.
Like I said, I can't stop listening to this album, and why should I?
When I was a teenager who loved loud beat music, if I had bought this album it would have become one of my favorite hard rocking discs. Some things don't change.
Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas
mailto:kbshoe@hotmail.com
Originally released on vinyl in 1981 on Rap Records, SRLPC10. Re-issued on CD in May 2000 by Pofadder Productions, licenced to Wildebeest, WILD022. Available from One World <http://www.oneworld.co.za>
Wildebeest on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/bushrock.html
Piet Botha on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/pietbotha
Freedoms Children on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/freedomschildren
____________________________________
6.CLASSIC ROCK
----------------
RHYTHM OF LIFE - POCKET LIPS
'(It's Amazing) The Incredible Dance' was a novelty hit. You either hated it or loved it, but sufficient people loved it enough to propel it to number 6 in the SA charts. It was a catchy tune, but the northern suburbs vocals could become irritating. It was also edited for radio, taking out the bit where the singer sings the word Afrikaans followed by laughter as this was deemed to be taking the piss out of the Afrikaner.
Aside from the hit single, the rest of the tracks on this 6-track mini LP suffer from the same fate. Catchy tunes, somewhat ruined by the lyrics and vocals. The exception is the instrumental 'The Backtrack Strikes Back' which is a great piece of jazz tinged township jive.
I'm guessing that the Osrin noted as co-composer on all tracks is Ian Osrin of Oom as there is a similar feel to a number of the tracks, although Oom gets it right where this album fails. A learning experience perhaps.
'The Backtrack Strikes Back' re-appears as 'Nasty Habits' on the b-side and what it gains in lyrics, it loses in credibility. I think that the album was a piss take on South African society in general and not just the Afrikaner. Not lyrically, but by the way the Lips use various Sow-Thefrikan Eksents.
The album closes with the obscure title track which is just a drum beat. Is that what life has been reduced to, a few drumbeats? Come on guys at least let it be a rock beat, not a three year old banging away at a toy drum.
Mildly funny, at times irritating, great tunes, but not a classic.
John Samson
mailto:Thesamsons@aol.com
{Ed: 'It's Amazing' is available on CD on 'The Best Of SA Pop Volume 3' from One World <http://www.oneworld.co.za>}
______________________________________________
7.SHILOH REMEMBERS...
----------------------
THE DALE HAWKINS BAND
Short of recognition that is bestowed on other fifties rock and rollers and most likely a blessing in kind, no truer legend is found in the world of rock and roll. Hawkins had his roots while he toiled in cotton fields alongside the black field hands. After his navy career he worked as a counter clerk in a record store in Shreveport while at night he sang the blues along the Bossier strip which was a three mile stretch of bars and honky-tonks. Thanks to the Louisiana hayride which embraced Shreveport's local community radio station, which was now the unofficial nursery for aspiring rockabillies, Dale Hawkins had a speedy introduction into the media world of R&B.
Likened unto the latter John Mayall, Hawkins would bring forth a fruit salad of highly talented axe men that would move on to greater things in the sixties - such as sixteen year old James Burton who played the 53 Fender Telecaster which supplied one of the most recognisable licks in rock and roll. It was during this period that Dale Hawkins charted with his first big hit called 'Suzie Q' which peaked at number 27 on pop and 7 on the R&B charts. He became and overnight sensation at the Apollo theatre amongst an all black bill cast. Confusion to the author of 'Suzie Q' still reigns for it was Dale who claims he wrote the words, while James Burton is reputed to have written an instrumental version during the Nashville sessions.
Other great axe men to emerge was plectrum maestro, Kenny Paulson and a three fingered power country guitarist, Carl Adams. In stepped Telecaster genius, Roy Buchanan in 1958 while jamming with Dale at the Tulsa's Oklahoma band stand. Worth mentioning Buchanan did a reworking of little Walter's 'My Babe' which is most likely the finest ever applied to wax. Buchanan departed in the early sixties while Hawkins faded into drearier pop ballads and increased demise due to chemical substances. By 1975 Hawkins retired to North Little Rock, Arkansas, after he licked his reliance on speed and hard liquor. He is now involved in setting up crisis centres of drug abuse amongst adolescents.
James Burton found fame with the Ricky Nelson band and later Elvis Presley, while Roy Buchanan still remains one of the most underrated axe men to emerge from the States. Sadly he hung himself in jail in 1988. Kenny Paulson took to mainlining which ended his career while the notorious Carl Adams committed suicide in the sixties.
The inner circle of musicians that sessioned with Dale Hawkins would probably be labelled as Melvin Rodgers, Roy Buchanan, Mark Mathis and Dean Mathis, which was commonly known as Dale Hawkins and the Hawks but changed name due to Dale's cousin Ronnie, who had a band with the same name in Toronto, Canada. During the years of the fifties bass guitar could be attributed to Sonny Trammell while drummers varied from Anthony J Tuminello or Nick Roppolo. Even Dale struggles to remember the varied musicians that passed through his rock and roll circus.
Recommended:
Rock and Roll Tornado (MCA records)
Shiloh Noone
Fine Music Radio
Blues and Variations
______________________________________________
8.FORUM
---------
ROCK LISTS
http://www.rock.co.za/rocklists
Another idea for your lists site is a list of songs by South African artists that have been covered by international stars. Here's a few to start with. The album name is in brackets:
Johnny Clegg:
Asimbonaga - Joan Baez (Recently)
Great Heart - Jimmy Buffett (Hot Water)
Great Heart, Rolling Ocean & Dela - Lori Ruso (I Believe in Love Again)
John Kongos:
Tokoloshe Man - Happy Mondays (Rubaiyat - Elekra's 40th Anniversary Album)
He's gonna step on you again - Happy Mondays (recorded as 'Step on' - Pills & Thrills & Bellyaches)
John Samson
mailto:Thesamsons@aol.com
-----------------
LONG LIVE VINYL
I am in the process of putting together a website for vinyl collectors in South Africa. I would like the site to be a haven of information e.g. places to buy vinyl, people can swap vinyl etc. I would like this site to be where you could find a gemstone like Frank Zappa's 'Joe's Garage II' on vinyl! In addition the site could also be dedicated to turntables. What I ask of you is if any of your readers are willing to contribute with information e.g. record shops and what they would like to see on this site.
Shane Heusdens
All contributions/ suggestions/ comments can be emailed to:
mailto:africasgateway@hotmail.com
-----------------
RESPECT
I was interested to read your section on rock legends. I used to play in a number of bands in Cape Town and didn't see mention of any.
While these bands were not as big as The Flames they were huge in Cape Town eg The Big Beats, Lunar Five, Rockets, Pacifics, The Magnets, the Kwela Kids.
We eventually formed the Cape's first "Super Group" RESPECT which gave The Flames a run for their money. The line up included myself on bass, Issy Ariefdien on lead, Noel Kistamer on drums, Ivor Wagner on Hammond B3. Respect was also the beginnings of Pacific Express.
Mel da Silva
mailto:mdasilva@dynamite.com.au
___________________________________________________
9.REQUESTS
-------------
DOCTOR JONATHAN RAT
Do you know if Jonathan Handley, leader of the Radio Rats is going to be working in the medical profession in Cape Town or be what he should be, a full-time songwriter & musician and play gigs around town? The man is an absolute genius of note.
Gail Mortinson
mailto:gailm@bizpub.co.za
Radio Rats on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/radiorats
----------------
DOG DETACHMENT
My mates and I grew up to 'Fathoms of Fire'. I am desperately seeking the album (in any form). Do you have any suggestions?
Regards
Gavin
mailto:gavin.j.roberts@ernstyoung.com.au
Dog Detachment on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/dogdetachment
---------------
THE USUAL
Is the SA band the Usual planning to tour in the States (Washington, D.C.) anytime soon? I saw them the last time I was in SA... they put on a great show! I bought their two EPs in SA. They have become part on my regular listening library. I have turned many people on to them since I got back to the States.
Ronald Haddox
mailto:luzoro@aol.com
____________________________________________
10.ON THE NET
---------------
VAGABOND'S WORLD
http://www.rock.co.za/vagabond
Vagabond's World was launched onto the net in October 1997. It was originally known as Brian's "Too Old To Rock And Roll" website and was a tribute to the obscure and trivial in rock music.
It basically featured information that I collected over the years, but that couldn't be found anywhere else on the World Wide Web at the time. So the site included artists like Rodriguez, Ramases, Sweet Smoke; sections on Rock Lists, Set Lists and various other musical trivia.
So on this 3rd anniversary of its establishment, please go ahead, indulge yourself... I know I did...
http://www.rock.co.za/vagabond
------------
WOODSHED
http://www.fly.to/woodshed
Fly to Woodshed's website and enjoy...
------------
SHARKBROTHER
http://surf.to/sharkbrother
Surf over to Sharkbrother's homepage
------------
RAMASES
http://www.rock.co.za/ramases
The only known website for Ramases has recently been updated with info from Paul Hollyer, who was a friend of Ramases in the mid-70s.
-------------
TUERK MUSIC TECHNOLOGIES
http://www.tuerkmusic.co.za
Turnkey Music and Multimedia - the first MUSIC and MULTIMEDIA STORE to look after the PC needs of Musicians.
tel-011 7879563
fax-011 7928402
______________________________________________
11.WHATS ON
--------------
BENGUELA
Fri 6th Oct - Indie Armchair with ELX
Sat 21st Oct - Indie Armchair with Black Milk
-------------
FETISH
Fri 13th Oct - Durban, Rivets Bar Hilton Hotel
Tues 17th Oct - Jhb, Bluesroom
Wed 18th Oct - Bloem, Mystic Boer
Tues 24th Oct - Cape Town, new Chilli & Lime (Somerset rd)
Fri 27th Oct - PE, Boardwalk casino complex
-------------
BINARY
Binary will be performing @ the Aberlarde Sanction in Brixton on the 6th of October.
It's their first performance @ the venue. A few new tracks will be showcased for the first time. Binary will plug in @ around 11h15pm.
Supporting Act is Flat World Society.
Please contact Binary management for any more info ..
Ari
011 726 2046
mailto:arix@edu.co.za
-------------
HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB
Troubadour, Kalk Bay
mailto:harbourmusic@kalkbay.co.za
Wednesday 4th October
Lee Jones, Roger Lucey, and No ID.
Music starts 8.30, entrance R 15 non-members, R10 members, food and
bar available.
-------------
LIESL GRAHAM
http://www.lieslgraham.com
11 October 2000 21h00 - Rivets - Durban
--------------
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.littlesister.co.za
5 October
"SHARK SHACK", MUTUAL VILLAGE CENTRE, RIVONIA BOULEVARD, RIVONIA, JHB.
TEL. 807 7333 bookings essential.
6 October
"Who Cares", Burnette street, Hatfield, Pretoria tel: 012 362 58 25
7 October
Alberton Mardi Gras
7 October
Cotlands Gala Night and draw for Harley Davidson motorbike
13 October
"Who Cares", Burnette street, Hatfield, Pretoria tel: 012 362 58 25
14 October
Upington "Raisin Festival" time 20:00
20 October
Up the Creek, Hatfield, Pretoria tel. no 012 362 3712
27 October
"Who Cares", Burnette street, Hatfield, Pretoria tel: 012 362 58 25
----------------
NOT MY DOG
5 Oct - Tuks Joolplaas, Pretoria
--------------
FRUIT FLY NAVIGATORS
02 October - Durban Folk Club (Unplugged)
14 October - The Bat Cafe (Durban) with Jane Doe
Management: Dave Campbell
Cell: 082-8998729
Management: mailto:daveca@fedsure.co.za
Fan Mail: mailto:fruitflynavigators@mweb.co.za
---------------
HALCYON
Mon 2nd Oct - Durban Folk Club (Durban)
Sun 5th Nov - The Jam (Margate)
Contact Details:
Clayton Mongomery
083 447 0663
mailto:clmonty@mweb.co.za
____________________________________________
12.LINKS AND ADVERTS
-----------------------
VARIOUS ARTISTS:
SA ROCK LEGENDS
http://www.rock.co.za/legends
SA MUSICIANS ON THE NET FROM A TO Z
http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/Rembrandt/SAArtists.html
VETSEUN
http://www.afrikaner.co.za/tronk10/defmuz.htm
Piet Botha, Koos Kombuis, Valiant Swart, Battery 9, etc
ARTISTS:
ROBIN AULD
http://www.robinauld.co.za
BERNARD BINNS
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za
PIET BOTHA & JACK HAMMER
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/pietbotha
JOHNNY CLEGG
http://www.johnnyclegg.com
FOUR JACKS AND A JILL
http://www.fourjacksandajill.co.za/
LIESL GRAHAM
http://www.lieslgraham.com
KOOS KOMBUIS
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
JULIAN LAXTON
http://www.at.artslink.co.za/~julian_laxton
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.littlesister.co.za
KEVIN MASON
http://www.geocities.com/mad_mason
NO I.D.
http://www.noidtheband.com
ASHTON NYTE
http://www.ashtonnyte.com
OFF THE EDGE
http://www.rock.co.za/offtheedge
PLASTIC OCEAN
http://www.plasticocean.co.za
SHARKBROTHER
http://surf.to/sharkbrother
SPRINGBOK NUDE GIRLS
http://www.nudegirls.co.za
VALIANT SWART
http://www.valiant.co.za
TITUS
http://www.crosswinds.net/~glassmoon/titus/index.html
GEORG VOROS
http://www.georgvoros.com
WOODSHED
http://www.fly.to/woodshed
ARCHIVES:
THE LEGENDS OF SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK
Where SA rock legends still live
http://cd.co.za/legends
SOUTH AFRICA'S ROCK FILES
The online archive for the History of South African Rock
http://cd.co.za/sarock
OZNET MUSIC CHARTS
Archive of Australian, UK & US #1 Hit Singles from 1956 to 2000
http://www.q-net.net.au/~methinks/oz_net_music_chart.html
MESSAGE BOARD:
TOO GOOD TO BE FORGOTTEN
Post your message on the SA Rock message board
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb311757
NEWS:
AMUZINE
News, views, reviews and interviews
http://www.rock.co.za/
ARTSMART
Arts news from Kwazulu-Natal
http://www.artsmart.co.za
POWERZONE
News, classifieds and much more...
http://www.powerzone.co.za/
WALL OF SOUND
Up-to-date news on the International music scene
http://www.wallofsound.com
WHATS ON:
BARLEYCORN
Cape Town's Music Club
http://twisted.co.za/barleycorn/
THE BIG TREE
Gant's Centre, Strand
http://www.icon.co.za/~diner/gigs.htm
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
HIGH STREET THEATRE
Durbanville, Cape Town
http://www.highstreet.co.za/theatre.html
TAMBOER
Pretoria entertainment guide
http://www.tamboer.co.za
ZA@PLAY
What's on around South Africa
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/art/music/menu-music.htm
SHOPS:
MUSICA
SA's music retail chain
http://www.musica.co.za
ONE WORLD
Selling South African Music to the World
http://www.oneworld.co.za/
OUTLAW RECORDS, CAPE TOWN
Second-hand vinyl and CDs
http://www.outlawrecords.co.za
RENEGADE MUSIC
Strand concourse Cape Town
(021) 4185436
N1 City Goodwood
(021) 5952436
VIBES MUSIC
N1 City, Cape Town
(021) 5953220
mailto:vibes@fast.co.za
RECORD COMPANIES, LABELS & STUDIOS:
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdEarMusic.com
BEATROOT MUSIC
http://www.beatrootmusic.co.za/beatrootmusic.htm
BMG
http://www.click2music.co.za/
CAVEMAN PRODUCTIONS
Kevin Shirley's virtual cave
http://www.cavemanproductions.com
FRESH MUSIC
http://www.fresh.co.za
GALLO MUSIC
http://www.gallo.co.za/
INDIE MUSIC EXPLOSION
http://www.indie.co.za
MELT2000
http://www.melt2000.com
MIGHTY MUSIC PRODUCTIONS
http://www.mightymusic.co.za/
MOUNTAIN RECORDS
http://www.mountain-africa.com
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
Off Centre * Tic Tic Bang * Season To Taste * Shrapnel
mailto:tictic@iafrica.com
mailto:tasty@iafrica.com
RADIUM WRECKORDS
Jonathan Handley
Suite 89 Postnet
Private Bag X335
Cape Town
8000
mailto:capetowncentral@postnet.co.za
(attention: Jonathan Handley)
Phone: (021) 426 0179/80
Fax: (021) 426 0078
RIESTER INTERNATIONAL RECORDS
http://www.riester-records.co.za/
SHEER SOUND
http://www.sheer.co.za
STREET LEVEL RECORDS
http://www.streetlevel.co.za/
SUNSET RECORDING STUDIOS
Stellenbosch
http://www.sunsetrecording.com
TEQUILA MUSIC
http://www.tequila.co.za
TUERK MUSIC TECHNOLOGIES
http://www.tuerkmusic.co.za
TL MASTERING
Digital Mastering, Editing and Remastering
http://www.tl-mastering.com
mailto:prozak@iafrica.com
082 701 5096
RESOURCES:
BACKSTAGE
http://www.backstage.co.za/
INDIEZONE
http://www.indiezone.co.za
PEDRO THE MUSIC MAN
Music teacher
http://users.iafrica.com/m/mu/musicman
SHOW VILLAGE
sound - lights - dance
http://www.showvillage.co.za
MAGAZINES:
AMUZINE
African Music Magazine
http://www.cd.co.za
SLY
http://www.sly.co.za/
STAGE
http://www.stage.co.za
TOP FORTY
http://topforty.worldonline.co.za
RADIO:
DINOSAUR DAYS
The radio show, the CDs, the website
http://www.dinosaurdays.co.za
CAPITAL RADIO 604
http://www.Capital604.com
SAFM (104-107KHz)
Sugar, Digest co-editor, chats to Bruce Millar every Wednesday at 10.30am
http://www.safm.co.za
BOOKS:
THE HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Garth Chilvers and Tom Jasiukowicz (TOGA, 1994)
http://www.rock.co.za/files/book_order.html
KOOS se SONGS
Koos Kombuis
http://www.oneworld.co.za
SEX, DRUGS AND BOEREMUSIEK
Koos Kombuis
http://www.oneworld.co.za
TIGHTLINES
Robin Auld
http://www.robinauld.co.za
RHYTHM OF THE HEAD and DRUMMERCISE
Drumming books by Georg Voros
http://www.georgvoros.com
TRIVIA:
CLIMB UP ON MY MUSIC
A site dedicated to Rodriguez, the Sugar Man
http://www.rock.co.za/files/rodriguez.html
SPACE HYMNS
Ramases
http://www.rock.co.za/ramases
VAGABOND'S WORLD
Rock Trivia
http://cd.co.za/vagabond
PIOTR'S GREEN PAGES
Discographies and lyrics for the legends of rock
http://www.zetosa.com.pl/piotrus/greenpages
FESTIVALS:
SPLASHY FEN
The festival, the CD, the book, the website
http://www.splashyfen.co.za
OPPIKOPPI
http://www.oppikoppi.co.za
RUSTLERS VALLEY
http://www.rustlers.co.za
MUSIC ON-LINE:
CDDB
CD Database Online
http://www7.cddb.com/
CDMAX
CD player for accessing the online CD database http://www.mindspring.com/~clark_tisdale/CDmax/
DIGITAL CUPBOARD
African MP3s
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
MP3.COM
MP3s of South African artists
http://www.mp3.com/regions/africa/south_africa/
MP3 SOFTWARE
Links to download sites
http://www.rock.co.za/files/mp3software.html
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
13.BACK ISSUES
---------------
BACK ISSUES
http://www.rock.co.za/sarockdigest
Online and keyword searchable
__________________________________________
14.CONTRIBUTIONS
-----------------
This e-mag is a discussion forum for rock and pop music --
South African and International -- past, present and future.
All contributions are welcome, send them to:
http://www.rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:sarock@new.co.za
All contributions in plain text e-mail format with no attachments, please.
The following types of contributions may be ignored
as they take a while to fix:
HTML format e-mails (Outlook users, please note)
e-mails all in lowercase
e-mails all in CAPITALS
e-mails with attachments
Any e-mail with an ".exe" file attached will be automatically trashed so please don't even try.
________________________________________
15.SUBSCRIPTIONS
----------------
Send an e-mail to mailto:sarock@new.co.za with any words or phrases that vaguely indicate acceptance or... visit http://www.rock.co.za/sarockdigest and fill in the simple form.
--------
Want to unsubscribe from this e-mag?
Surely not, but if you really must, then just reply to this e-mail,
saying "I'm bored" or "get me out of here" or "I've had enough" or whatever. I'll get the idea, eventually.
"unsubscribe digest" has been known to work too...
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Back to Index