SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #81
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
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CONTENTS
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1.WHAT'S NEW - SA Rock Files, Retro Fresh, Mahotella Queens, KORA concert
2.CHARTS - Top 10 SA CDs, Top 20 SA songs, Top 20 SA Albums, Top 10 SA MP3 downloads, This week 30 years ago
3.ON STAGE - Not The Midnight Mass
4.NEW RELEASES - Saron Gas, Koos Kombuis, Sharkbrother
5.USA for SA - Four Jacks And A Jill
6.CLASSIC ROCK - Forces Favourites
7.FORUM - Suck singer dies, Shosholoza lyrics
8.REQUESTS - The Archies, Rabbitt, Duncan MacKay, Freedoms Children, PJ Powers, Rouge
9.ON THE NET - Google
10.WHAT'S ON
11.LINKS
12.BACK ISSUES
13.CONTRIBUTIONS
14.CONTACT DETAILS
15.SUBSCRIPTIONS
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1.WHAT'S NEW
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SA ROCK DIGEST CONTRIBUTIONS
This e-mag is a discussion forum for rock and pop music --
South African and International -- past, present and future.
All contributions, reviews, press releases, requests, searches and
comments are most welcome.
Please submit them using the online form at:
http://www.rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:sarock@new.co.za
All submissions need to be in plain text e-mail format with no attachments, please. You may, however, include URLs in your e-mails which point to websites or images on-line.
E-mails in HTML format, or e-mails all in lower-case or all in CAPITALS will tend to be ignored as they take too long to correct for inclusion in the Digest.
Any e-mail with an ".exe" file attached will automatically be trashed.
Bulk mailings which show everybody's addresses also tend to get trashed automatically.
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SA ROCK FILES WEBSITE
http://www.rock.co.za/sarock
29 October: Added a review of the Otis Waygood Band's 1977 disco single releases, thanks to Bas Möllenkramer
29 October: Added more chart info and a list of SA Number 1s, thanks to John Samson
26 October: Added SA acts on Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian and Zimbabwe charts, thanks to Chris Kimberley and John Samson.
22 October: Added complete alphabetical list of songs recorded by Hawk.
22 October: Completed SA Top 20 Hits by Year lists, thanks to John Samson.
21 October: Added info on November CD release of Hawk's 'African Day', thanks to Benjy Mudie from Retro Fresh.
21 October: Updated Hawk's 'Africa She Too Can Cry' pages, thanks to Bas Möllenkramer
21 October: Added 'Thinking Aloud' by John Ireland, thanks to John Samson.
20 October: Added SA Acts on US charts, thanks to John Samson.
19 October: The onsite Search Engine now searches René Mullenders' extensive South African music history websites as well.
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RETRO FRESH RELEASES
Just a quick update... éVoid ships this Friday, Via Afrika
will now be out on November 16.... tons of bands/musos have contacted me about RETRO and want Fresh to do something with their stuff...
I will be doing a Dog Detachment retrospective next year as well as a reissue (with bonus tracks, mixes and a DVD or enhanced CD track) of the Neill Solomon album 'The Occupant'... easily one of my favourite singer/songwriters and a splendid dude all round!
3 November 2000:
éVoid - éVoid (freshcd 106) with 5 bonus tracks and a 12-page booklet
16 November 2000:
Via Afrika - Via Afrika (freshcd 107)
Late November 2000:
Hawk - African Day (freshcd 108) with bonus live tracks
Otis Waygood Blues Band (The "Black" album) (freshcd 109)
Lesley Rae Dowling - Conspirare (compilation) (freshcd 110)
January 2001:
The Dynamics (freshcd 116)
February 2001:
Falling Mirror - Johnny Calls The Chemist (freshcd 112)
Visit the SA Rock Legends website for more info on the artists mentioned above.
http://www.rock.co.za/legends
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THE MAHOTELLA QUEENS WIN PRESTIGIOUS WOMEX 2000 AWARD
World-renowned traditional SA vocal group The Mahotella Queens won the WOMEX 2000 award for their 'Outstanding contribution to world music' last weekend at a ceremony held at the WOMEX 2000 Expo in Berlin.
The Mahotella Queens have been on the forefront of traditional music in South Africa for many years. This Mbaqanga and Gospel harmony trio performed for many years as the backing vocal group to Mahlathini. Following Simon 'Mahlatini' Nkabinde's recent passing, The Mahotella Queens continued performing as a trio.
The worldwide music expo WOMEX is the world's premier networking point exclusively dedicated to world, roots, folk, ethnic, traditional and local music of all kinds. The award ceremony has been held all over the world in the past, but returned to Berlin this year to celebrate 100 years of World Music.
Gallo Africa, and all proud SA music fans, congratulate The Mahotalla Queens on an exceptional achievement.
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ONE BILLION AGAINST AIDS
The biggest concert on the continent is taking place on 19 November 2000 at the Johannesburg Stadium.
Since its inception, the KORA ALL AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS has been known to
present innovative ideas to celebrate Africa's music and her artists. These KORA Ceremonies will take place over a weekend of activities. On 17 November, the African Fashion Designer Competition will take place, followed by the KORA AWARDS on Saturday, 18 November. The next day, Sunday 19 November, an AIDS Benefit ("One Billion Against AIDS") concert will be presented by the KORA Music Awards nominees. Fans will also see South African favourites M'du, Brenda Fassie and Ringo on stage.
In March 1998, Professor Gentiline of the Pan African Organisation Against Aids (OPALS) appealed to the Kora organization to help fund OPALS' anti-aids activities. Foreign donations were on the decrease and the organisation could not support the mobile clinics it had stationed all over Africa. Instead of contributing financially, Kora decided to mobilize its partners to generate R100 000 with a pledge to unite African musicians in an initiative to raise 1 billion CFA (2 million US Dollars) for OPALS.
Hosted by "Mama Afrika", Miriam Makeba, South Africans and visitors will be able to savour music from all over the African continent, brought together in one concert. Before each performance the particular artist will convey his or her personal short message about AIDS to Africa. This message will be delivered in the artists' mother tongue, so that all the various peoples on the continent can understand it. The concert will be recorded, packaged and broadcast to all the participating African countries. "The idea is that the message about AIDS should be carried across borders, since the HI Virus is also spread by the increased travel across borders on the continent. The
message from the icon to the fan will be that AIDS is our reality and we are dying of it. No one African country can defeat this plague on its own, but as a continent we can do it", says Mr Ernest Coovi Adjovi, Chairperson and Executive Producer of the KORA awards.
The partners for the KORA Billion Against AIDS Concert are: The Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology of the South African Government, The Department of Arts and Culture of the Provincial of the North West Province, the Government of the North West Province, Sun International, Air Afrique, Radio France International, Afrique Magazine, Khaya FM and African Broadcasters.
Tickets for the concert can be booked through Computicket. The concert
starts at 10:00 in the morning and will continue through the whole day. The biggest star attractions will be on stage in the evening.
CONTACT: Juan, Lindelwa or Genevieve on (011) 482 3671 or mailto:mje@global.co.za
http://www.kora.co.za
Juan Els
THE DANCING SATELLITE CO
Tel 27 11 482 3671
Fax 27 11 482 3672
082 774 1129
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2.CHARTS
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TOP 10 SOUTH AFRICAN CDs
This week [last week] Artist - Title
1. Mandoza - Nkalakatha
2. Not My Dog - Dogumentary
3. Brasse Vannie Kaap - Yskoud
4. Various - Tassenberg All Stars
5. Positive K - Plus 8 Various Mixes
6. Oleseng - Oa Lebona Naa?
7. Steve Hofmeyr - Beautiful Noise - The Music Of Neil Diamond
8. Brenda Fassie - Memeza
9. DJ Nasty - 2
10. Blk Sonshine - Blk Sonshine
Supplied by One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
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THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Label)
1. [2] Greatest Hits - Koos Kombuis (Gallo)
2. [1] Almost Human - Even Flow (demo)
3. [-] TajMahala - Sharkbrother (indie)
4. [3] Lately When She Cries - Jesse Jordan (Universal)
5. [5] A Life Less Strange - Semisane (BMG)
6. [-] The Very Best Of Mango Groove (Gallo)
7. [12] No Regrets - Kevin Duke (Ugly Duck Records)
8. [18] Miyela Afrika - Vusi Mahlasela (BMG)
9. [-] Tattered and Torn - Henry Ate
10. [-] Strange World - Just Jinger (BMG)
11. [8] Tassenberg All Stars (live) - Various (Rhythm)
12. [13] Die Ander Kant - Johannes Kerkorrel (Gallo)
13. [-] Faith In Love - Coleske (Gallo)
14. [9] The Instrumentals - Off The Edge (Independent)
15. [-] Seventies, Eighties, Nineties, Naughties - Boo! (Sony)
16. [10] While No One Was Looking - Little Sister (Gallo)
17. [20] Version 1 - Mjojo (Digital Cupboard)
18. [14] World - Albert Grey (AIR)
19. [-] Relaxzor - Springbok Nude Girls (Sony)
20. [16] Yvonne and Friends - Yvonne Chaka Chaka (Digital Cupboard)
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THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN SONGS OF THE WEEK
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Album/ Label)
1. [-] Smiley Skull Of Faith - Springbok Nude Girls (off album 'Relaxzor'/ Sony)
2. [7] African Dance - Mjojo (off album 'Version 1'/ Digital Cupboard)
3. [-] Aphrodite (feeling much more) - Coleske (off album 'Faith In Love'/ Gallo)
4. [5] Your Song - Just Jinger (off album 'Strange World'/ BMG)
5. [2] Eastern Bridge - Jesse Jordan (off album 'Lately When She Cries'/ Universal)
6. [3] I Need Your Sex - Casey B (off EP 'I Need Your Sex'/ DGR)
7. [-] Wish I Could Have Told You - Just Jinger (off album 'Strange World'/ BMG)
8. [4] A Proud People - Vusi Mahlasela (off album 'Miyela Afrika'/ BMG)
9. [-] 3rd Set - Sharkbrother (off album ' TajMahala'/ indie)
10. [-] Bicycle Sonder 'n Slot - Koos Kombuis (off 'Greatest Hits'/ Gallo)
11. [1] Endless - Even Flow (off demo CD 'Almost Human')
12 [14] Kwaito Right - Paul Hanmer (off album 'Playola'/ Sheer Sound)
13 [13] Woman - Ras Sheehama (off album 'Traveling'/ Digital Cupboard)
14. [12] Satisfy - Dreamshop (off EP 'Satisfy'/ BMG)
15. [17] Agitation - Blk Sonshine (off album 'Blk Sonshine'/ Fresh)
16 [11] Northern Sky - Jonathan Martin (off album 'Tassenberg All Stars'/ Rhythm Records)
17. [6] The Rains Fell - Albert Grey (off album 'World'/ Air music)
18. [10] Right Here - Semisane (off album 'A Life Less Strange'/ BMG)
19. [9] Slow Down - Yvonne Chaka Chaka (off album 'Yvonne And Friends'/
Digital Cupboard)
20. [20] All Roads - Liesl Graham (off album 'Something To Believe'/ Gallo)
Sponsored by Networld
http://www.new.co.za
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TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3 DOWNLOADS
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Style)
1. [1] Margarida - Choppa (Latino Kwaito)
2. [-] Blast - asqus (Dance)
3. [7] Crush - Fruit Fly Navigators (Modern Rock)
4. [6] Beautiful Thing - E'smile (African R&B)
5. [4] Wena U Bani...? - O'Da Meesta (Kwaito)
6. [RE] Peace Ina Da Land - Moshoeshoe (Reggae)
7. [19] Asyn - Brixton Moord & Roof Orkes (Afrikaans Alternative)
8. [10] War On the Dancefloor - Nexus (Dance)
9. [RE] Makoti - Yvonne Chaka Chaka (African Pop)
10. [18] Kom Kom - Kom Kom (Kwaito)
Supplied by Digital Cupboard
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
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SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS: 30 YEARS AGO
Friday, 30 October 1970
This week [last week] Title - Artist
1.[1] Burning Bridges - Mike Curb Congregation
2.[2] Mademoiselle Ninette - Mike Holm
3.[2] Looking Out My Back Door - Creedence Clearwater Revival
4.[5] Brown Eyes - Chris Andrews
5.[8] Cha-La-La, I Need You - The Shuffles
6.[4] I (Who Have Nothing) - Tom Jones
7.[6] Ain't Love A Funny Thing - Sam Evans
8.[13] Candida - Dawn
9.[16] Cracklin' Rosie - Neil Diamond
10.[9] Push Mr. Pride Aside - Percy Sledge
Supplied by John Samson
mailto:Thesamsons@aol.com
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LM RADIO CHARTS: 30 YEARS AGO
Sunday, 1 November 1970
1.[5] Cracklin' Rosie - Neil Diamond
2.[1] Band Of Gold - Freda Payne
3.[14] Let Me Bring You Up - Ron Dante
4.[8] Wild World - Jimmy Cliff
5.[-] Black Night - Deep Purple
6.[4] Montego Bay - Bobby Bloom
7.[10] Indiana Wants Me - R Dean Taylor
8.[-] I'll Be There - Jackson 5
9.[-] Melody Man - Petula Clark
10.[-] It's Only Make Believe - Glen Campbell
Dave Malherbe sent us a copy of Impact magazine from December 1970 and it included this chart from the late, great LM (Lourenco Marques)
radio. Nostalgia rules, OK?
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SOUTH AFRICAN NUMBER 1 HITS 1969-1989
The 25 South African songs that topped the Springbok Radio charts between 1969 and 1989. This list was compiled by John Samson.
Date song reached No.1 (Day-Month-year)/
TITLE - ARTIST (Number of weeks at the top spot)
14-Feb-69 CRY TO ME - STACCATOS (3)
03-Apr-70 LOVE IS A BEAUTIFUL SONG - DAVE MILLS (4)
05-Jun-70 SPIDER, SPIDER - TIDAL WAVE (1)
14-Aug-70 THE WEDDING - JODY WAYNE (3)
15-Jan-71 LOOK OUT, HERE COMES TOMORROW - DEALIANS (3)
07-May-71 PUT YOUR HAND IN THE HAND - ALAN GARRITY (4)
22-Oct-71 MAMMY BLUE - CHARISMA (12)
11-Aug-72 SUNDAY, MONDAY, TUESDAY - JESSICA JONES (3)
16-Feb-73 I DON'T WANNA PLAY HOUSE - BARBARA RAY (6)
06-Jul-73 KENTUCKY BLUES - LAUREN COPLEY (4)
31-Aug-73 CLAP YOUR HANDS AND STAMP YOUR FEET - MARIA (4)
22-Mar-74 LITTLE JIMMY - GWYNNETH ASHLEY -ROBIN (1)
31-Jan-75 SHE'S A WOMAN - NEIL HERBERT (1)
14-Mar-75 YOU ASKED ME TO - BOBBY ANGEL (2)
19-Mar-76 LET ME INTO YOUR LIFE - FLOOD (3)
09-Apr-76 I WON'T GIVE UP - BRUCE MILLAR (6)
18-Jun-76 ONE DAY AT A TIME - MARIE GIBSON (2)
20-Aug-76 RAMAJA - GLENYS LYNNE (3)
30-Dec-77 BUCCANEER - McCULLY WORKSHOP (2)
27-Jan-78 SUBSITUTE - CLOUT (8)
11-May-79 MICHAEL ROW THE BOAT ASHORE - RICHARD JON SMITH (9)
02-Aug-80 PARADISE ROAD - JOY (9)
22-Nov-80 MAN ON THE MOON - BALLYHOO (1)
12-Sep-81 HAK HOM BLOKKIES - DAVID KRAMER (4)
23-Aug-85 WOODPECKER FROM SPACE - CAFE SOCIETY (8)
Now there's a great idea for a compilation CD, hey?
SA Charts on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/charts
All these songs (except one) can be found on the following CDs available from One World <http://www.oneworld.co.za>:
The Best Of SA Pop volumes 1, 2 & 3
Quality Moments: Love Songs volumes 1, 2 & 3
Yesterdays Best Volume 2
I'm not sure where to find 'Woodpecker From Space' on CD. Anyone?
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3.ON STAGE
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NOT THE MIDNIGHT MASS
Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from October 31
South Africa's most enduring theatrical success story Not The Midnight Mass begins a three week run at Durban's Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from October 31. Running for twelve years the group's stalwarts, Graham Weir and Christine Weir, are now joined by actor-writer, Adrian Galley (last seen in Durban in the 1995 Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story), and musical actress, Neisha-Anne Harley, who blend seamlessly into the group adding a wealth of fresh appeal. The show's emphasis has turned to original songs and compositions.
Singing like angels, but with a devilish wit, they have been hailed both nationally and internationally for their unique blend of harmonies, humour and original writing. The exquisitely talented a cappella-singing-wizards show features a range of original material and goonish skits, alongside a mischievous treatment of classical and evergreen favourites. The show is 90% South African music, including songs by writers James Phillips and Roger Lucey.
These ever-popular vocal acrobats will be in Durban for a three week season which runs from October 31 to November 19 at 8pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and 6pm on Sundays. Booking is through Computicket or Teletix on (031) 3042753.
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4.NEW, RECENT AND UPCOMING RELEASES
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FRAGILE - SARON GAS
Top Emerging SA Rock band Saron Gas will be releasing their debut album "Fragile" in late October 2000.
Saron Gas formed in May 1999 with the three piece - Shaun Welgemoed [vocals/ guitar], Dave Cohoe [drums], and Dale Stewart [bass guitar/ backing vocals] - seeing rapid success with their first demo single "69 Tea" peaking at Number 2 on the 5FM Top 40 in early May 2000.
"Fragile", conceptualised and recorded at The Farm Studios, is produced by Brian O'Shea and Chris Tuck. The album consists of 12 tracks, and is a dynamic mixture of rock and ballad material. The first single off the album "Fine Again" is, to date, being well received by radio stations nationwide.
Saron Gas - the name eminating from a sound effects CD, with Saron being Spanish for Music of God - has to date reached the finals in the Emerging Sounds Competition and charted at number 1 on various regional and campus stations with previous demo singles.
The band can be noted for their perfomrances at top festivals: Splashy Fen, Oppikoppi and Woodstock - and have rapidly developed a loyal fan base. Saron Gas was selected by the voting SA public to perform at this year's State of the Nation concert.
November/ December 2000 sees Saron Gas embark on their nationwide tour to promote the album release - see tour dates section below.
FRONTLINE
Entertainment Management
Ingrid N Roding
Tel/Fax: +27 11 673 5787
Cell: 082 883 0535
email: mailto:ingrid@fem.co.za
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KOOS KOMBUIS - GREATEST HITS
Quote from the official Koos Kombuis website, maintained by Koos himself:
Ek verneem dat Anton Goosen (Bushrock) en Gallo Music in Oktober 2000 'n "Die beste van Koos Kombuis" CD uitreik, saamgestel uit liedjies wat reeds op vorige CD's was. Ek het geen insae in die samestelling van die CD, die omslagontwerp of enigiets anders nie. Koos Kombuis het, om die waarheid te sê, niks te doen met hierdie "Koos Kombuis" CD nie! Ek glo en vertrou die CD sal 'n goeie verskeidenheid bevat, maar ek glo nie die tyd is reg vir vrystelling van NOG 'n kompilasie CD, so kort na 'Mona Lisa' en 'Blou Kombuis' nie.
Koos Kombuis
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
Despite Koos' own misgivings this is a superb compilation of his past history and a great introduction for those who are still nervous about investigating "Alternatief Afrikaans". "Seks, Drugs and Boeremusiek", indeed!
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SHARKBROTHER - TAJ MAHALA
Atmospheric, ambient, haunting, stunning. Nick Cave meets Leonard Cohen in Tom Waits' lounge. This CD is different and wonderful and well worth a listen.
http://listen.to/sharkbrother
These and any other South African CDs are available from One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
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5.USA FOR SA
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MASTER JACK - FOUR JACKS AND A JILL
RCA Victor LSP-4019 (US release)
I have owned this album since 1968. In fact, 'Master Jack' was the
first album I ever bought. The second album was Led Zeppelin's first, but that is a different musical path. Though the reaction was delayed, 'Master Jack' was ultimately the gateway album to my South African enthusiasm.
Through the years, I figured one day to somehow find the addresses to
some South African music stores (and then a miracle occurred, right?) and arrange to buy Four Jacks and a Jill's local LPs. I knew they must have released some -- rock's history tells of many groups that had a hit or two in the States, but a long and successful career in their native lands -- Golden Earring and Shocking Blue being a couple, coincidently both from the Netherlands. And then a miracle did occur: the Internet.
In searching and exploring the Internet, I was not surprised to find
the two Very Best of Four Jacks and a Jill CDs over at One World, though I was mildly surprised that those two CDs were all that was in print. Naturally, I ordered them -- my first on-line order.
It's 32 years of listening to this album that make me go on at such
length about it, but what about the music?
Say what you will about Four Jacks and a Jill. I know their music is
light, goodtimes pop, and I know that style of music has its detractors. But like most people, I have many moods and many tastes, and when I want happy tunes bouncing lightly in the air, I put on Four Jacks and a Jill. ('The Best of South African Pop' compilation CDs run a close second.)
In fact, Four Jacks and a Jill's music is the perfect expression of
light, joyous pop music. Glenys Lynne's voice is so sweet and pure, she is a joy to hear. Her gospel albums are out of print, but I can readily
imagine that she sings gospel with utter conviction and beauty. After all, Glenys Lynne's voice is why I listen to Four Jacks and a Jill.
Four Jacks and a Jill make happy music, unabashedly romantic tunes,
and straight-forward emotional songs. This album has vast powers of
cheering up a soul. Many times I have shut the door on the world to
meditate a half an hour away to this album, then, refreshed, stepped back out to the buffeting world.
While the group has had many Jacks pass through the ranks, on this
album are long-time members Glenys Lynne (vocals), Clive Harding (bass), and Tony Hughes (drums), while the other two musos on this LP are Till Hanneman (rhythm guitar, trumpet, organ), and Bruce Bark (lead guitar, harmonica, saxophone, background vocals).
For all I know, the South African release has some different tracks
from the American release. Here are the songs on the album I know and love.
Side One:
'Mister Nico', written by SA's own David Marks, is a gentle and sad
song with a social conscience. I heard it a few times on WNDR out of
Syracuse, New York, as the follow-up to 'Master Jack'.
'Timothy' is a short, fun song with lyrics that sound as if they were
written in five inspired minutes, such is their unity.
'Sunny Side of Somewhere' There are five David Marks songs on this LP,
and this is another one. This song has pop greatness to it, it is a big
song in theme, if not vast.
'Penny Paper' is a nice daydream song about finding a place to live
with your special someone. As catchy and upbeat a tune as ever heard by
human ears. Also a David Marks tune.
'Hamba Liliwam' is a traditional tune arranged by Clive Harding. I'm
not sure what the bit about "Go away my love, my motorcar's got a flat tire, I can't fix it" means unless it is metaphorical language. But like all of these songs, one is soon singing along.
'I Looked Back'. Dylan may have said 'Don't Look Back', and so might
Satchel Paige the American baseball player ("Don't look back, something
might be gaining on you"). But Glenys sings about looking back at someone and seeing them look back at you. Presumably a romance is born. Schmaltzy? Yes, but definitely good schmaltz. No one can wear black and sneer all the time. ooner or later, everyone gets into a silly, romantic mood, and here's a song for him and her.
Side Two:
'Master Jack'. I don't care if I sound like a ten-year-old when I say
this, but this is my favorite song in the whole wide world. And it's
another penned by David Marks. Every note in this song points to a
memorable pop listen: the haunting plucked guitar, the floating vocals
singing enigmatic, yet meaningful, lyrics, and the way the drums kick in after some seconds to drive the song gently to the fade.... Just a
beautiful song whose parts all fit together perfectly.
'Fifi the Flea' is a silly song, but the strange psychedelic flea
circus imagery does have meaning. Be true to your love.
'Bobby Blows a Blue Note' is a song that actually wails. It's about a
horn player choosing his music over love, and the loneliness that ensues. Glenys Lynne well creates a bittersweet mood.
'Lonely Desert Boy' is a melancholy song, also one by David Marks.
On this LP, two of his songs have Deeper Significance, two are excellent pop, and this one falls in the middle. It is a pop song about loneliness, a song about the individual making his or her way through life.
'La La Song'. Glenys has a lovely way with a la-la. On many Four Jacks
and a Jill songs she breaks into "La-las" at the end. Don't think me
facetious, for I'm not, she la-las well, la-las come from her as easily as the rest of us breath, though her la-las are prettier. If one can be gifted in La-la-ing, Glenys Lynne is -- that girl can la-la!
The songs on 'Master Jack' stand outside of our modern cynical world
where so many statements have bitter or ironic meanings. These songs are what they are: pure, timeless, happy, and melodic pop songs.
Four of these songs are not among the 57 songs on the two Very Best of
CDs: 'Hamba Liliwam', 'Fifi the Flea', 'Bobby Blows a Blue Note', and 'La La Song'. hey are for collectors only.
My Four Jacks and a Jill collection is small, I own 'Master Jack',
'Fables' (their second American album release), and 'Now!' (a South African release that Andy Harrod of One World, sometimes known as Mad Andy, helped me acquire -- though I think of him as Saint Andy in this case. I also own both CD volumes of The Very Best of Four Jacks and a Jill. All that music is not enough, however, which is why I look forward to their new CD, '2000 and Beyond'.
I was thrilled to hear Four Jacks and a Jill were going on tour -- but
disappointed to miss them. The nearest to Austin, Texas, they are going to play will probably be Cape Town. I envy y'all who have a chance to see Four Jacks and a Jill perform.
A hope used to be that the woman I met and married would also enjoy the
music of Four Jacks and a Jill. Sometimes, life works out as one hopes
(Valerie also likes Squeal). The music on the album 'Master Jack' has so become a part of me over the years that I love it as a part of myself.
Websites:
http://www.3rdearmusic.com
http://www.oneworld.co.za
http://www.fourjacksandajill.co.za
Kurt Shoemaker
mailto:kbshoe@hotmail.com
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6.CLASSIC ROCK
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FORCES FAVOURITES
For those of you who don't know/remember "Forces Favourites" was a radio programme for "tannie en sussie to stuur groete to boetie who was doing his bit op die grens. (Or in English for the benefit of our international readers a dedications programme for family to send greetings to the boys fighting on the borders of South Africa).
The ironically titled "Forces Favourites" compilation was an album put out in the 80's with the support of the End Conscription Campaign and features some of the strongest political songs of the time.
The album opens with the upbeat jive punk "Pambere" by Mapantsula which is sung in Sotho (I think). The tune is great and the word Uhuru keeps cropping up every now and then.
The Aeroplanes "Natioanal (sic) Madness" follows and while the tune keeps the upbeat feel, the lyrics are biting ('National madness, a curse on the land, Jesus is murdered by his own hand'). These 2 opening songs both feature some great brass sounds.
The feeling then changes as we move into the darker and at times sinister "Potential Mutiny" by Stan James and "Numbered Again" by the Facts. There is a bluesy sound underlying these sombre tracks.
The Cherry Faced Lurchers then dish up a slice of Van Morrison with "Shot down in the Streets". A great song that has dramatic musical pauses and then fairly flows to the point where the vocalist is rushing to get the words out before the next pause. Van would have been proud of this song.
The Kalahari Surfers deliver a harsh synth sound to almost a march beat and features probably South Africa's first white rapping. Samples of the kommandant shouting orders during the musical bridges are used to great effect.
The raw and punky "Whitey" by the Softies and "Don't Believe" by In Simple English are both reminscent of the Ella Mental, especially the latter which feature a great vocal performance which if it isn't Heather Mac, it sounds a lot like her.
"Too much resistance" by Nude Red opens with a superb sax sound. The songs is vibrant, tuneful yet has a punky/ska edge to it. This to me is the best song on the album and had it not been for it's political message cold have been a hit.
The album ends with Roger Lucey's "Spaces tell Stories" and the bohemian Jennifer Fergusson's "Suburban Hum". Both are tinged with anger, the latter alternating between smokey jazz and experimental jazz. More great sax work on this one.
Overall this a great collection of powerful tunes. The message is no longer relevant (or is it?) but it's worth listening to for the music alone and sometimes it's good to remember the bad times.
John Samson
mailto:TheSamsons@aol.com
______________________________________________
7.FORUM
---------
RIP
A very good friend of mine Andy (Andrew) Ioannides ex-lead singer
of SUCK died on Sunday 15th Oct at approx 1.30am in East London due to a shooting accident.
Gary Van Zyl
Suck on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/timetosuck.html
-------------
SHOSHOLOZA
We often get requests for the complete lyrics to certain SA songs, 'Ag Pleez Deddy' very often, 'Suikerbossie' very rarely! But we do get many e-mails asking for the real words to the unofficial SA (sporting) anthem, 'Shosholoza'. This catchy singalong is similar to the US hands-on-hearter, 'The Star Spangled Banner', in that it has a middle section that no one knows the words to at all. In both songs, people generally do that garbled gibberish sound that we make when we have too-hot food in our mouths.
So, for all of you who always wondered what the words to Shosholoza actually were, here they are. Before we do that, may we add that the name 'Shosholoza' has no specific meaning and was derived from the onomatopoeic and repetitive sound of the train wheels transporting the migrant workers back to their families and homes in (then) Rhodesia. If you say the word over and over again, it does begin to sound like the shooshing sound of a train. It may also get you some weird stares from members of your household ("Yes sweetie, daddy is making train sounds").
Shosholoza
Chorus:
Shosholoza (2)
Ku lezontaba
Stimela si qhamuka e South Africa
Shosholoza (2)
Stimela si qhamuka e South Africa
Wena u ya baleka
Wena u ya baleka
Ku lezontaba
Stimela si qhamuka e South Africa
-----------------------------------
Shosholoza
Work, work, working in the sun
We will work as one
Shosholoza
Work, work, working in the rain
Till there's sun again
Shosholoza
Push, push pushing on and on
There's much to be done
Shosholoza
Push, push, pushing in the sun
We will push as one
The 1999 dance remix of 'Shosholoza' by Ladysmith Black Mambazo can be found on the 'Sound Offerings From South Africa Volume 2' CD available from One World <http://www.oneworld.co.za>
___________________________________________________
8.REQUESTS
-------------
SUMMER PRAYER FOR PEACE
Last year the world's population hit 6 billion. In 1971 a song came out with the words "3 billion people, live together, forever". After much investigation I discovered it was 'Summer Prayer for Peace' by the Archies, and apparently not released in the US since it was an anti-Vietnam song. I was a bit surprised that the radio stations did not play it last year.
My question: Where can one get hold of this song? I would really like to hear it again. Nostalgia!
Thanks,
Trevor
mailto:tenlag@mweb.co.za
---------------
FREEDOMS CHILDREN
I was wondering if you had an email address for anyone from Freedom's Children.... or perhaps a postal address? I'm very interested in the group and possibly releasing material from them if it's possible.
Thanks!
Dennis
mailto:Dennis@monsterrecords.com
Freedoms Children on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/freedomschildren
---------------
SPOKES AND METEORS
Now I'm looking for Spokes Mashiyane recordings. I could find a couple of them with Napster. Sometimes we can find there some interesting SA music. Thanks to your Digest, I could remember the great Meteors. Are there any MP3's available? I would be very happy if I could listen to their great hits, such as 'Meadowlands' and 'Totsie'.
Agarcia
mailto:agarcia@cybercable.fr
---------------
PJ POWERS
Do you think you could find out for me what her fan address is or a postal address?
Norma Battis
mailto:nbattiss@hotmail.com
PJ Powers on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/pj_index.html
---------------
ELOISE CONCERTO - ROUGE
I am living in Australia and am interested in obtaining a copy of this album either on vinyl/cassette/disc. I have been after this album for 17 years now. I would like your advice as to whether this album is available nowadays.
Robert Hilton
mailto:mukiwa@rocketmail.com
{Ed: This album is not available on CD, but the full 17 minute plus title track is on the 'Disco Fever' CD released by Gallo in 1999 and available from One World <http://www.oneworld.co.za>. Rouge should not be confused with UK band Rogue who had a hit in the 1976 with 'Dedication'.}
Rouge on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/rouge_eloise.html
---------------
RABBITT
I am looking for WAV files of the LP of the SA pop group Rabbitt (A Croak and a Grunt in the Night). I have the LP but can not play it anymore. Is the Rabbitt LP's on CD?
Andre
mailto:vaza@kidd.co.za
{Ed: unbelievable as it may seem, the band that spawned musical genius Trevor Rabin, has not had a proper CD re-issue programme. There is a very good compilation 'Rabbitt - The Hits' available, but neither 'Boys Will Be Boys' nor 'A Croak And A Grunt In The Night' have been properly released on CD.}
Rabbitt on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/rabbitt
---------------
DUNCAN MACKAY
Tell me please how can I get any work of amazing keyboarder Duncan Mackay.
Vladimir
mailto:jude@te.net.ua
Duncan MacKay on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/duncanmackay
{Ed: Duncan MacKay (brother of Gordon, but no relation to Ramsay) currently lives in Cape Town. His musical pedigree includes stints with 10cc, Cockney Rebel, Budgie, Kate Bush and Elkie Brooks.}
____________________________________________
9.ON THE NET
---------------
GOOGLE
http://www.google.com
The quickest and most accurate search engine we have ever seen. Try it, you'll like it...
______________________________________________
10.WHATS ON
--------------
AMETHYST
Amethyst will be playing at The Big Easy, Langerman drive, Kensington on 02 November 2000. Come and listen to the best full tilt rock this side of the world. We will be playing all original music on a double bill with the band Hard To Find. Bands start from about 21:30.
--------------
BARLEYCORN
Cape Town's Music Club
http://twisted.co.za/barleycorn/
--------------
BASSLINE
Mon 30th & Tues 31st: THE FRANK OPPERMAN BAND - R 30 - 9:30pm
Bookings: 011 - 482-6915
----------------
THE BIG TREE
Gant's Centre, Strand
http://www.icon.co.za/~diner/gigs.htm
--------------
GRAMLICH
Grämlich will be appearing live at THE BIG TREE (Strand) on Sat 4 Nov.
Doors open 9pm R10 cover (Ladies free entry before 10pm)
Free Teq for first 30 people and much more!
The Big Tree - Fabriek str., Gants Centre, Strand.
mailto:Gramlich@webmail.co.za
http://www.crosswinds.net/~gramlich
---------------
HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB
The Troubadour, Kalk Bay
Every Wednesday night 8:30
Entrance R15 - bar available
Rob Anderson (021) 7891021
mailto:anderson@botzoo.uct.ac.za
Nadia Scaillet (021) 4489834
mailto:noid@netactive.co.za
----------------
JESSE JORDAN
BIG TREE - Strand
Friday November 10 21:30
Friday November 17 21:00
Friday November 24 21:30
Wednesday December 6 Rock Festival Sponsored by Bavaria 20:00-02:00
4 bands for R20
Tuesday December 26 Rock Festival Sponsored by Bavaria 20:00-02:00
4 bands for R20
HIDDEN CELLAR - Stellenbosch
Saturday November 18 21:30. Couvert charge: R10
--------------
JULIAN'S
Whats on at Julian's Bistro & Theatre and When:
Wednesdays from 9 P.M. Blues Rock with "The Julian Laxton Band"
Thursdays from 9 P.M. "Highway Jam"
Fridays from 9 P.M. Blues with "The Mississippi Muthers"
Saturdays from 8.30 "THE LEGEND OF CLAPTON".
(Book at Julian's on 011-678-2880, or at Computicket)
Sundays from 2 P.M. Beer Braai & Music in the Garden with Colin Shamley.
Sundays from 6.30 P.M. Jazz with "The Art Kelly Band" + Guest Artists
For more info visit Julian's Website at: http://www.artslink.co.za/julian_laxton
-------------
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.littlesister.co.za
15 November
Up the Creek, Hatfield, Pretoria 9pm, tel. no 012 362 3712
16 November
Up the Creek, Hatfield, Pretoria 9pm, tel. no 012 362 3712
17 November
Pee Jays restaurant, Louis Trichardt
18 November
Pee Jays restaurant, Louis Trichardt
18 November
Fiksburg Cherry festival
24 & 25 November
The Barnyard, White River, tel no. 0137501117
------------------
NO I.D.
The band NO I.D. featuring Nadia Scaillet on vocals and guitar; Heather Burgess on flute and synth; Rob Whiteing on bass and Tony Holroyd on drums will be playing a mixture of grooves - from jazz to funk to modern house - at a new venue in Observatory called "The curve at the bijou" 178 Lower main road Observatory on Saturday 4th of November from 9.30 till late.
On Tues 14th November there is a jazz concert at the Independent Armchair Theatre in Obs. - our feature this evening is Alvin Dyers - one of Cape Town's most brilliant jazz guitarists. Other musicians will take to the stage as well. Tickets are available at R20 beforehand from the armchair theatre or at the door for R25.
Nadia Scaillet
mailto:noid@netactive.co.za
-----------------
PLETHORA
3rd Nov - Whammy Bar, Table View
4th Nov - The Rock aka The Jailhouse, Main Road, Paarl
24th Nov - Whammy Bar, Table View
9th Dec - Whammy Bar, Table View
-------------------
SARON GAS
Saron Gas to embark on a nationwide tour to support their new album release "FRAGILE".
24th November 2000 Boogie Nights Pretoria
25th November 2000 The Underground Bloemfontein
5th December 2000 Buccaneers East London [TBC]
7th December 2000 Tapas Port Elizabeth
8th December 2000 Tin Roof Knysna
9th December 2000 Independent Armchair Cape Town
23rd December 2000 Burn Durban
New album: FRAGILE available from all good music stores - 30th October 2000, includes the new single "FINE AGAIN" and the chart topping hit "69 Tea".
------------------
SSHHH
when: Fri Nov 3rd
Time: 11pm
where: Reality, 248 Jeppe Str, JHB
Sshhh have quietly been building up a reputation as one of the few bands in SA who can produce an authentic electronic 'LIVE' sound. Sshhh will be the first live band ever to perform at the underground dance club Reality.
Collaborating with DJ cliche' (beat & scratching), Sshhh will thrash out funky disco beats, drum & bass, house, jungle, big beat, trip pop & live percussion. Most of the material will be taken from the bands soon to be released album & remixed live into a dance set, spinning out
inyourfacefunkycheesymoveyourasskindatracks ... linked by the refusal to be straightjacked into one style.... inventive... uncompromising & radically danceable.
*special guest appearance by Craigie Dodds (Egyptian Nursery)
The evening will also include Digital Justice from Durban:drum & bass party & Reality All Stars Deep House, on the roof.
Doors open at 10pm
cover charge: R30
for further info please contact
Kerry Friedmann
cell: 082 455 3447
email: mailto:dewberry@iafrica.com
____________________________________________
11.LINKS
---------
Due to space constraints we have now rationalized this links section.
Use the links listed below to take you to where you need to go.
We are happy to exchange links with any good website supporting SA music. A good website needs to informative, regularly updated and linked back to us. If you already link to us and you believe your link should be here, please contact Brian Currin at mailto:sarock@new.co.za
LINKS PAGES:
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdearmusic.com/links.html
AMUZINE
http://www.rock.co.za/links.htm
SA ROCK FILES
http://www.rock.co.za/files/sarock_links.html
VAGABOND
http://www.rock.co.za/files/links.html
ONE WORLD
http://www.oneworld.co.za/links.cfm
SA MUSICIANS ON THE NET FROM A TO Z
http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/Rembrandt/SAArtists.html
SEARCH ENGINE:
GOOGLE
http://www.google.com
highly recommended
ARTISTS:
BERNARD BINNS
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za
PIET BOTHA & JACK HAMMER
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/pietbotha
JOHNNY CLEGG
http://members.nbci.com/termite2/Accueil.html
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.artslink.co.za/julian_laxton
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.littlesister.co.za
OFF THE EDGE
http://www.rock.co.za/offtheedge
SHARKBROTHER
http://listen.to/sharkbrother
ARCHIVES:
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdEarMusic.com
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
SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS 1969-1989
http://www.rock.co.za/charts
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/
AFRICAN INVASION OF ROCK
http://www.air.org.za
POWERZONE
http://www.powerzone.co.za
SHOPPING:
ONE WORLD
Selling South African Music to the World
http://www.oneworld.co.za/
RECORD COMPANIES, LABELS & STUDIOS:
AFRIMUSIK
http://www.afrimusik.com
BMG
http://www.click2music.co.za/
CAVEMAN PRODUCTIONS
Kevin Shirley's virtual cave
http://www.cavemanproductions.com
MELT2000
http://www.melt2000.com
MOUNTAIN RECORDS
http://www.mountain-africa.com
SUNSET RECORDING STUDIOS
Stellenbosch
http://www.sunsetrecording.com
RESOURCES:
BACKSTAGE
http://www.backstage.co.za/
MAGAZINES:
AMUZINE
African Music Magazine
http://www.cd.co.za
RADIO:
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
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
MUSIC ON-LINE:
DIGITAL CUPBOARD
African MP3s
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
---------------
BACK ISSUES
http://www.rock.co.za/sarockdigest
Online and keyword searchable
DOWNLOAD
Download all back issues of the Digest as a zip file (just over 1MB).
http://www.rock.co.za/files/sarockdigest.zip
__________________________________________
13.CONTRIBUTIONS
-----------------
This e-mag is a discussion forum for rock and pop music --
South African and International -- past, present and future.
All contributions, reviews, press releases, requests, searches and
comments are most welcome.
Please submit them to:
http://www.rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:sarock@new.co.za
All submissions need to be in plain text e-mail format with no attachments, please. You may, however, include URLs in your e-mails which point to websites or images on-line.
E-mails in HTML format, or e-mails all in lower-case or all in CAPITALS will tend to be ignored as they take too long to correct for inclusion in the Digest.
Any e-mail with an ".exe" file attached will automatically be trashed.
Bulk mailings which show everybody's addresses also tend to get trashed automatically.
________________________________________
14.CONTACT DETAILS
-------------------
EDITORS
Brian Currin
mailto:vagabond@new.co.za
http://www.rock.co.za/vagabond
http://www.rock.co.za/sarock
Stephen Segerman
mailto:sugar@cd.co.za
http://www.cd.co.za
Postal Address:
Brian Currin
PO Box 521
Eppindust
7460
Cape Town
South Africa
MAIN CONTRIBUTORS
Kurt Shoemaker, USA
kbshoe@hotmail.com
John Samson, UK
TheSamsons@aol.com
Bas Möllenkramer, the Netherlands
http://www.the-flames.com
Shiloh Noone, SA
Fine Music Radio
Theunis Engelbrecht, SA
De Kat
________________________________________
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...
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