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www.sugarman.org - the Official Rodriguez website
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Contents


This week's contents:

Editorial: The week in brief
News: Limp Bizkit, Fokofpolisiekar, Klippies and Cola Sessions, Cape Town Festival, 'Giant Steps' at Spier, Melanie Lowe, The Rudimentals, Splashy Fen.
Charts: SA Rock Digest MP3 and Album Charts
New Releases: New SA MP3's and CD's, Street Level, James Stewart, DNA Strings, Maiden League Records, The Dollyrockers, Jason Glover, One World February Releases.
Classic SA Rock: USA For Africa; A Naartjie In The UK; Vinyl Junkies; South African Rock Lists
Sound Solutions: A reader's forum - letters, info, questions and answers
Live Music: Events round-up, Soulfly, RP Studios Emerging Sounds, SA Punk, Sharon Tandy, CountryBilly BBQ Breakout II.
SA Music Links And Resources: Contact Details

[]
Editorial

THE WEEK IN BRIEF

Edgars and 5FM Music, in association with Big Concerts, are proud to announce that Limp Bizkit's "Back 2 Basics" SA Tour is back on track after it was postponed last month .... Last week SA punk sensations, Fokofpolisiekar, found themselves embroiled in an election hassle as their names were branded across a number of election posters in the Cape ..... Fokofpolisiekar are set to appear with Buckfever Underground at the upcoming Klippies and Cola Sessions.

Grahamstown will host the second leg of the Melanie Lowe 'Live the Music' national tour, with 2003 Idols contestant Jason Lowe set to team up with his famous blonde sister and top Gauteng band DI-M-T at the Monument Theatre on Friday, March 26 ..... This week sees the 2004 staging of the Giant Steps music concerts at Spier in Stellenbosch with The Blue Heads, and Vusi Mahlasela and Judith Sephuma, two of BMG Africa's biggest names, headlining gigs at the festival .....

Monday 15 March signals the start of the week-long Stage of Democracy in the Company's Gardens. Catering for devotees of most musical genres, the event will serve as a platform for emerging musicians and musical giants alike .... Cape Town ska-punk group, The Rudimentals, have some gigs lined up as their single, 'Gangsta', climbs the SAmp3 charts .... The adrenalin-pumping 'extra-musical' adventures of this year's 15th Annual Splashy Fen Festival (Thursday 8th April to Monday 12th April) are lining up to promise the most broad-interest open-air extravaganza ever.

There is news of some of the bands on the Maiden League label including Antipathy and The Doppler Effect ..... Listening to The Dollyrockers' new album, 'The Heat', reveals many '80's and '90's influences on the band, this week E. Borgnine (surely an alias? - Ed.) looks at some of them ..... DNA Strings will be launching their album, 'El Niño', at Roxy's at the Grand West Casino.

This week LAD is back with another zaZone spotlight, this week it's on Jason Glover .... Kurt Shoemaker reviews that first, great Mango Groove album .... John Samson tells us all about Lumiere, a new ex-Zim group performing in London, John reviews Lumiere's 'The Broken EP', and their recent live gig.

Catch Max Cavelera and an all-star line-up of the new Soulfly, as they tear through South Africa this March for four exclusive shows .... There's the usual RP Studios Emerging Sounds competition updates .... Mike Atherton (not the cricketer) sent us a short piece on that Sharon Tandy London gig .... Expectations were reasonable for CountryBilly BBQ Breakout II, but by the time Martin Rocka and the Sick Shop launched into their somewhat rowdy version of Gene Vincent's 'Be-Bop a-lula', it was falling quite within reason to call it one of the better shows of the Mercury Live year thus far.

There's also the usual weekly mp3 and album charts, recommended SA gigs, letters to Sound Solutions, Digest Classifieds, old SA charts, and what's new on the shelves at Mabu Vinyl and CD and Vibes Vinyl.

And that is some of SA music, this week ...

If you would like to contact us, please send an email to
mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=Digest

Thanks!
Ed.

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[]   SA TOP SELLING CDS
    []
Supplied by OneWorld.co.za

1. Rodriguez - Cold Fact
2. Juluka - - African Litany
3. Jeremy taylor - Ag Pleez Deddy
4. Various Artists - Women Of Mambazo
5. Juluka - Scatterlings
6. Rodriguez - After The Fact
7. Ipi Tombi - Original Cast Recording
8. Blomkrag - Boerecountry
9. Fokofpolisiekar- As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand
10. David Abbate- Crush
[]
   

Springbok Top 10 songs
15/20/25/30 Years Ago

    []
Supplied by John Samson

35 YEARS AGO (07 March 1969)

1 [8] Crimson And Clover - Tommy Jones & The Shondells
2 [5] I Started A Joke - Bee Gees
3 [1] Cry To Me - The Staccatos
4 [2] Sugar Pie Honey Bunch - Johnny Rivers
5 [4] That's All I Want From You - Oscar Toney Jnr

30 YEARS AGO (08 March 1974)

1 [2] If You Need Me - After All
2 [1] The Peacemaker - Albert Hammond
3 [4] Little Jimmy - Gwynneth Ashly Robin
4 [5] Charly - Sean Rennie
5 [6] Photograph - Ringo Starr

25 YEARS AGO (09 March 1979)

1 [1] Too Much Heaven - Bee Gees
2 [2] My Life - Billy Joel
3 [3] Le Freak - Chic
4 [4] Stumblin' In - Suzi Quatro & Chris Norman
5 [5] I Want To See The Bright Lights - Julie Covington

20 YEARS AGO (02 March 1984)

1 [1] Red Red Wine - UB40
2 [2] Karma Chameleon - Culture Club
3 [3] Dolce Vita - Ryan Paris
4 [8] Islands In The Stream - Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton
5 [4] All Night Long - Lionel Richie

* See 'Chart Chat' in 'Classic SA Rock' section below.

[]
   

Top 50 New SA Music Titles

    []
Available at OneWorld.co.za

1. Mzekezeke - 'Storotoro'
2. Freshlyground - Jika Jika
3. Danny K - J23
4. Tait - 'Back Seat Driver'
5. Arno Carstens - Another Universe
6. Benguela - 'SUI'
7. Skwatta Kamp - 'Mkhukhu Funkshen'
8. Strydom, Amanda - 'Verspreide Donderbuie/Scattered Thunder'
9. Oliver Mtukudzi - 'Tsivo'
10. Various Artists - 'Who Left The Boks Out?'
11. Zen Arcade - 'Release'
12. Kekana, Steve - 'Best Of'
13. Various Artists - 'Meloding'
14. Swiegers, Andre - 'Turn On The Light'
15. Lee, Virginia - 'Spanish Nights And You'
16. Jonathan Butler - 'The Ultimate Butler'
17. Eden - 'Point Of No Return'
18. Sliq Angel - 'Sliq Angel'
19. Andries Bezuidenhout - 'Insomniak Se Droomalmanak'
20. Grant Nuss - 'Diversity'
21. Senyaka feat DJ Bakstina - 'Pay Back'
22. Chris Tokalon - 'Soulbird Sound Journeys'
23. Michael Payne - 'DeCOMpress'
24. My Shade - 'Bedtime Musick'
25. Rodriguez - 'Coming From Reality'
26. Watershed - 'Wrapped In Stone'
27. Soil 7t7 - 'Soil 7t7'
28. No Friends Of Harry - 'Best Of'
29. Saron Gas – 'Fragile' (Revised Edition)
30. BOO! - 'TNTLC'
31. Piet Botha - 'Die Mamba'
32. Ghetto Muffin - 'Paralyzer'
33. Various Artists - African Ivories
34. Mike Ratu Makhalamele - The Very Best Of
35. Jabu Khanyile - Wankolota
36. Swazi Tlokwe Sehume - (In Concert) Mmino Wa Thaba - My First Love
37. Jannie Du Toit - ....So Ver
38. Various Artists - Praise & Worship In Africa
39. Radio Rats - 'Into The Night We Slide'
40. Tribe After Tribe - Power
41. Chiskop - Sunday
42. Soweto String Quartet - Our World
43. Don Laka - The Best Of Kwai-Jazz
44. Skwirmish - The EP
45. De-JaVu - Lilly Dance
46. Bushmen Of The Kalahari - !Ngubi Tietie
47. Tumi And The Volume - At The Bassline
48. Old Mol - 'Rock The Bed Springs'
49. Sacha - 'Sacha' ....and many other SA titles all available at OneWorld.co.za

  []
   

WORTH BUYING

    []
The 5 Sugar currently recommends...

1 The Dollyrockers - 'The Heat'
2004's first big SA rock album, featuring the alt.country rock leanings of band leader, guitarist and vocalist, Greg Donnelly. With 'Lovesong', and a sizzling new version of old favourite, 'Silverfish'.


2 Soulja - '21 Gunslut'
Debut album from the Cape Town hard rock band who inpressed all when they supported Sepultura. Tough rock with strong elements of melody on songs like 'Plan My Attack', and a touch of reggae-rock with new single, 'War/No More Trouble'. Soulja are on the March.

3 Various Artists - 'African Dope Sound System'
The third in the series of fantastic compilation albums from the African Dope label to follow 'African Dope Vol 1' and 'Cape Of Good Dope'. A selection of the finest and hippest new SA break beats, electronica, ragga, dub and more.

4 Fokofpolisiekar - 'Another Universe'
Great name for a great new Afrikaans punk band from Belville featuring the lads who were previously New World Inside. Currently building a following nationwide with this fresh blast of take-no-prisoners SA punk.

5 The Rudimentals - 'More Fire'
Dynamic debut album from Cape Town's finest ska-punk outfit. Includes the first single, 'Noh TV' and 'Gangsta'.



SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK ENCYCLOPEDIA

From Abstract Truth to Karen Zoid, from 'Astra' to 'Zen Boulders', from 'Ag Pleez Deddy' to 'ZX Dan'... visit the online archive for the history (and future) of South African Rock at:

http://www.rock.co.za

The SA Rock Encyclopedia is an archive of South African pop and rock music - past, present and future - and includes sections on classic albums, rock legends, rock lists, charts, trivia, family trees, a hall of fame, weblinks and more...

----------------------------

SAGIGS.COM

The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can now be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com

If you cannot access SAgigs.com then e-mail gigs@sarockdigest.com and we will e-mail the gig guide to you each week.

----------------------------

SAKLANK.COM

Sluit aan by http://www.SAKlank.com deur e-pos te stuur aan intekenaar@saklank.com

Alle rasionele idees, gedagtes, bydraes, briewe en konsert-/CD-resensies is altyd welkom!

----------------------------

THE OFFICIAL RODRIGUEZ WEBSITE

'Cold Fact', the classic album from the 70s, as well as 'After The Fact', the second Rodriguez album, have been re-issued and both are now available at One World.

http://www.oneworld.co.za

All Rodriguez Info at:
http://www.sugarman.org

----------------------------

SA ROCK DIGEST
http://www.sarockdigest.com

If you would like to receive all the SA music news on this page, as a free weekly Monday morning email newsletter with no attachments, then please enter your email address in the SA Rock Digest banner on the left.

News

LIMP BIZKIT SA TOUR IS BACK ON TRACK!

Edgars and 5FM Music, in association with Big Concerts, are proud to announce the Limp Bizkit 'Back 2 Basics' SA tour is back on track after the postponement announcement of their Middle East and South African tour dates last month!

Supergroup Limp Bizkit - comprising Fred Durst; DJ Lethal; John Otto; Sam Rivers; and Mike Smith - will now be kicking off their tour in Cape Town on the 4th, before heading to Johannesburg on the 6th of April.

Fred Durst said in an interview with 5FM's Barney Simon, " The band are thrilled that they were able to reschedule their TV and record company commitments to reinstate two of the South African show dates"

Unfortunately the Durban show will not be re-scheduled and fans that have not had their tickets refunded are encouraged to get to Computicket to rebook their tickets immediately.

If you are still in possession of your tickets for the Cape Town and Johannesburg shows, you will be able to use your tickets for the revised show dates.

Since emerging from Jacksonville, Florida in 1994, Limp Bizkit, a group brought together by frontman Fred Durst, have become one of the most influential bands in the heavy music scene and have sold close to 30 million records worldwide. Having just released their latest album, 'Results May Vary' late in 2003, Limp Bizkit promise that their performances in South Africa will be bigger, badder, harder, heavier, phatter, and funkier than anyone before. Bring it on...!

Tour dates:
Friday 2nd April - The Bellville Velodrome, Cape Town
Sunday 4th April - The Dome @ Northgate, Johannesburg
Book at Computicket - www.computicket.com
Computicket Call Centre 083 915 8000

For more information on upcoming shows:
www.bigconcerts.co.za or www.5fm.co.za
Limp Bizkit's official website: www.limpbizkit.com

For further media information, please contact
Michael: 082 495
e-mail: mailto:michael@bigconcerts.co.za

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FOKOFPOLISIEKAR ARE THE SA ELECTION'S NEW POSTER BOYS

Cape Town punk band, Fokofpolisiekar, have found themselves at the centre of a minor election scandal after stickers bearing their non-too-genteel name were found placed in appropriate places on a number of election posters in the Cape.

The band had dished out a number of these stickers to their fans to help spread the name around. It seems these fans clearly had no idea that defacing election posters is a big no-no around election time and have now possibly landed the band in hot water with the same "Polisie" that they so eloquently ask to leave in their band's name.

Assuming this whole storm in a police car blows over, Fokofpolisiekar will be continuing their 2004 gigging campaign when they appear with Buckfever Underground at the upcoming Klippies and Cola sessions at the Mystic Boer in Stellenbosch (23 March) and at the Independent Armchair Theatre in Cape Town (30 March) (see next item)

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THE KLIPPIES AND COLA STUDENT SESSIONS

The Klippies and Cola Student Sessions is a venture by Bastard Media, along with SL Magazine, MFM, UCT Radio, The Independent Armchair Theatre and Die Mystic Boer. It is aimed at establishing a campus-centred live music circuit, primarily at UCT and Stellenbosch University and their surrounding areas.

Regional bands are paired and perform together on consecutive Tuesdays at Die Mystic Boer and The Independent Armchair Theatre. Read SL Magazine for more details and catch live interviews with the bands before each event on MFM and UCT Radio.

Fokofpolisiekar - The next big thing. Preachers and school teachers around the country are quaking in their boot. Fokofpolisiekar belt out punk-influenced rock music and angst-filled lyrics, which tear at the foundations of Afrikaans suburbia. Are likely to be the biggest band of 2004.

Andy & Stef - Two rising stars on the Cape Town burgeoning acoustic scene, Andy And Stef arrived late last year and immediately began making an impression. Sporting Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson and Gomez influences, the duo are an example of well-crafted songwriting, sultry vocals and fine guitar work.

Nick Turner & Dave vd Linden - The duo of Dave van der Linden (Bed on Bricks, Shooting Corrine) and Nick Turner (Sons of Trout, Mikanic) have long ago proved the worth of their extensive talents but as a pair were without a doubt one of the highlights of 2003. Both provide acoustic guitar, vocals and an eclectic mix of original tunes. They have already started to attract a strong following around Cape Town.

The Buckfever Underground - Having spent 2003 in hiding as their critically-acclaimed release, 'TAFL - Teaching Afrikaans as a Foreign Language', soared up the charts, The Buckfever Underground return to the stage for the first time in over a year. Amid unconfirmed rumours that vocalist Toast Coetzer has recently slipped back into the country, a spokesperson for the band said that they were at least partly excited a the prospect of playing live again. Reading from what appeared to be a note written on three squares of single ply toilet paper, the spokesperson claimed that the band "would do whatever it takes as long as they felt ok about it".

Upcoming Sessions

Nick Turner & Dave vd Linden and Andy & Stef
9 March - The Mystic Boer, Stellenbosch
16 March - The Independent Armchair Theatre, Cape Town

Fokofpolisiekar and The Buckfever Underground
23 March - The Mystic Boer, Stellenbosch
30 March - The Independent Armchair Theatre, Cape Town

For more Information
021 465 8504 / info@bastardmedia.co.za

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IT'S A BIG MUSIC WEEK AT SPIER!

This week sees the 2004 staging of the 'Giant Steps' music concerts at Spier, with Vusi Mahlasela, Judith Sephuma, and The Blue Heads performing at the Spier Amphitheatre. The Spier wine estate is near Stellenbosch and has been hosting the 'Giant Steps' concerts, featuring BMG Africa's biggest names, for the past few years.

First up are The Blue Heads who perform on Thurs 11 March with the show sponsored by BMW Jazz Club. The Blue Heads have risen to prominence by arranging and playing the musical compositions of Gerard Sekoto, the well-known South African painter, who lived as an exile in Paris from 1947 until his death in 1993.

The nine-member band was formed early last year, drawing on talented jazz musicians and vocalists from South Africa and beyond, including singer/pianist Dimpie Tshabalala, drummer Isaac Mtshali (who has played with the likes of Stimela, Billy Joel, Paul Simon), guitarist Ntokozo Zungu and French Congolese singer Stanley Mwamba.

To follow them are two of South Africa's most distinctive musical voices, Judith Sephuma and Vusi Mahlasela.

SA vocalist, Judith Sephuma, is adored by Cape Town fans, and her Spier audiences are in for a special treat this year. The charming star has promised to unveil some new songs, scheduled to still be recorded for a new album to be released later this year, her first since the success of her debut CD, 'A Cry A Dance A Smile'. Judith will be appearing on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 March.

SA troubadour, Vusi Mahlasela, has enjoyed a very successful 2003 in the US with live gigs, some support slots on the Dave Matthews Band US tour and the US release of his compilation CD on Dave Matthews' ATO Record label.

For the Giant Steps concert, Vusi Mahlasela will be accompanied by his own backing band, the Proud People's Band. SA Nobel Laureate, Nadine Gordimer, said of Vusi: "He sings as a bird does; in total response to being alive". Vusi performs one night only at the stunning Spier amphitheatre on Friday 12th March

This all too rare opportunity for fans to catch two truly world-class South African performers in action is not to be missed at any cost.

Dates and times:
Friday 12 March 2004 - Vusi Mahlasela and the Proud People's Band - 8.30pm
Ticket prices: R40. R60. R100.

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 March 2004 - Judith Sephuma - 8.30pm
Ticket prices: R50. R80. R120

For more info always look at www.click2music.co.za

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MELANIE LOWE AND CO TAKE 'LIVE THE MUSIC' TO GRAHAMSTOWN

Grahamstown will host the second leg of the Melanie Lowe 'Live the Music' national tour, with 2003 Idols contestant Jason Lowe set to team up with his famous blonde sister and top Gauteng band DI-M-T at the Monument Theatre on Friday, March 26. This follows Monday's announcement by Lowe's management team that the 'Live The Music' national tour will kick off in East London on Thursday, March 25.

Melanie Lowe, runner-up to Heinz Winckler in M-Net's Idols competition in 2002, called on her fans in the Grahamstown area, particularly those at Rhodes University and nearby schools, to come out and enjoy this one-show-only, not-to-be-missed party of all parties at the Monument Theatre in Grahamstown.

"The DI-M-T band are in red-hot form and I am delighted that they will be my backing band during the 'Live The-Music' tour, and the trip to the Eastern Cape will be a really special one knowing that my brother Jason will be performing on backing vocals for me during the show," said Melanie Lowe.

Music fans can expect to see the gorgeous, sexy Durban-born blonde sensation performing hits from her early Ichabod band days in KZN, through the Idols 2002 phase of cover favourites such as 'Little Bird' and 'Son of a Preacherman', to the 2004 Mel-written, Mel-on-guitar, Mel-sung songs such as 'I'll Be Gone' and 'Think I'll Stay'.

"I am told that the Monument Theatre in Grahamstown can take just over 900 seated persons for the show, and I can assure my fans and friends of music that March 26 will be an evening of entertainment that they will remember for a long time to come," she said.

Bookings for the Grahamstown leg of the 'Live The Music' National Tour open on Monday, March 15, and tickets can be purchased from Mandy on Tel (046) 622 3241 at R70 (adults) or R50 (student or scholars).

For further information on Melanie Lowe, please visit www.melanielowe.co.za

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MUSICAL GIANTS TO HEADLINE CAPE TOWN FESTIVAL'S STAGE OF DEMOCRACY

Monday 15 March signals the start of the weeklong Stage of Democracy in the Company's Gardens. Catering for devotees of most musical genres, the event will serve as a platform for emerging musicians and musical giants alike.

As a component of the Cape Town Festival 2004, the Stage of Democracy sits firmly within the Festival's central theme of celebrating ten years of democracy. Musical, theatrical and dance events will be set to themed days such as Unleashing Local Vibe (20 March), Human Rights Day (21 March), and Festival Youth Day (22 March).

Included in the hugely impressive line-up is the funky sound of contemporary music trend-setters Freshlyground, while the city's ever-growing ranks of jazz and rhythm and blues lovers are likely to swell further with performances by the likes of perennial favourites Judith Sephuma, Errol Dyers, and Virtual Jazz Reality.

There will be plenty of finger tapping and foot stomping, for one, when monster drummer Frank Paco takes to the stage with his Afro-Brazilian groove machine Tucan Tucan, while Mynie Grové fans can look forward to an appearance by their favourite Afrikaans songstress, whose legendary voice and lyrics seem to grow from strength to strength with each passing decade.

Though unable to witness their inspiring surroundings, the Blind Marimba Band's slot will nevertheless serve to inspire crowds, and will add further value to performances such as that of hip 'n happening urban cross-over group, Inadiflo, who will undoubtedly win over many new fans with their pop-inflected kwaito grooves and sophisticated 'street-cred' look.

For its part, the Unleashing Local Vibe component will showcase the likes of the Ambassadors, The Ghetto Poet, Mechanic Swing Orchestra, Allou April in collaboration with Loyiso, the Khoi Collective, and Tara Fataar.

The Stage of Democracy ends on a high note between 10h00 and 17h00 on Monday 22 March - Festival Youth Day. With Festival Idols, theatre and dance components, young Capetonians now know where to catch their piece of the action on this date.

The Remix Dance Theatre, for one, will be serving up an integrated dance entitled 'Mapping the Wild Ground'. They will share the platform with a diverse range of talented performers such as the Athlone School for the Blind Choir and Band, the Cape Academy of Dramatic Arts - even a magician who once performed at Nelson Mandela's birthday - Khonzani Lembina.

So take your pick - whether rhythm and blues, jazz, Afrikaans contemporary, kwaito, traditional drumming, theatre or dance gets your vote, there is no doubt that the Stage of Democracy will leave Capetonians and visitors spoiled for choice. Head on over and show your support for the city's ever-emerging groundswell of talent -most of the festival performances and activities are free and all are welcome!

Full Festival Program:

March 15, 2004
12h00-12h50 Abavuki
13h10-14h00 Freshlyground
17h00-17h30 Red Dazzlers
17h45-18h30 Kani
18h45-19h30 Darryl Andrews Band

March 16, 2004
12h00-12h50 Tara Fataar
13h10-14h00 Richard Ceaser
17h00-17h30 Lu Chase
17h45-18h30 Rudimentals
18h45-19h30 Alistair Izobell

March 17, 2004
12h00-12h50 Spenser
13h10-14h00 Reddangel
17h00-17h30 Ghetto Muffin
17h45-18h30 Inadiflo
18h45-19h30 Tucan Tucan

March 18, 2004
12h00-12h50 Phezulu
13h10-14h00 Madame Afrique
17h00-17h30 Vuyani & Joint Effort
17h45-18h30 Goema Captains
18h45-19h30 Errol Dyers

March 19, 2004
12h00-12h50 Little Giant
13h10-14h00 4Front
17h00-17h30 BMC
17h45-18h30 Ambassadors
18h45-19h30 VJR

UNLEASHING LOCAL VIBE DAY
Date: Saturday, 20 March, 2004
Time: 11h00 - 20h00
11h00-12h00 Ambassadors
12h30-13h00 The Ghetto Poet
13h15-14h00 Inadiflo
14h30-15h30 Khoi Collective
16h00-17h00 Tara Fataar
17h30-18h30 Mechanic Swing Orchestra
19h00-20h00 Allou April/Loyiso

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
Date: Sunday, 21 March, 2004
Time: 11h00 - 19h00
11h00-11h30 Blind Marimba Band
12h00-13h00 Xolile Funk Unit
13h30-14h30 Cofield Mundy
15h00-16h00 Sylvia Mdunyelwa
16h30-17h30 Mynie Grove
18h00-19h00 Judith Sephuma

FESTIVAL YOUTH DAY
Date: Monday, 22 March, 2004
Time: 10h30 - 17h00
10h30 - 11h00 Red and Laster
11h15-12h00 David and the Dinosaur
12h30-13h00 Athlone School for the Blind - Choir
13h00-13h30 Athlone School for the Blind - Marimba Band
14h00-15h00 Hot Fruit
15h00-15h30 Magician
15h30 - 16h00 Mapping the Wild Ground by Remix Dance Trust
16h00 - 17h00 Festival Idols

For further information, contact the festival office at (021) 465 1166, visit www.capetownfestival.co.za, or e-mail info@capetownfestival.co.za

Alternatively buy your March issue of The Big Issue magazine for the full festival program.

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WATCH OUT FOR THE "RUDE BOYS"

Last weekend saw The Rudimentals opening for 340ml and Max Normal in front of a capacity crowd at the African Allstars gig at Mercury Live. On Saturday night The Rudimentals joined the pick of the Cape Town bands at the Drum Café. Starting off with the reggae vibes of 7th Son, moving into some sci-fi hip hop intagalactic space travel with The Spindlesect, The Rudies were third on the bill followed by rock band Soulja who are currently getting airplay on 5fm with their version of Marley's 'War/No More Trouble'

One of the tracks off The Rudimentals' debut album, 'More Fire', namely 'Gangsta', is now available to download at www.SAmp3.com and has been moving quickly up the charts. The band have a new website at www.rudimentals.co.za

Upcoming Rudimentals gigs include:

Tuesday 16 March at the Company Gardens (17:45-18:30) where the band will appear with a mostly jazz line-up to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Nelson Mandela's Inauguration!

Then on Saturday 20 March, The Rudimentals will share a bill with the visiting Fuzigish, and with Half Price & Monomen at Dirty Dicks in Hout Bay (9pm)

--------------

SPLASHY FEN 2004 Thursday 8th April to Monday 12th April - Thrills 'n' Spills (and Rock 'n' Roll)

The adrenalin-pumping 'extra-musical' adventures of this year's 15th Annual Splashy Fen Festival are lining up to promise the most broad-interest open-air extravaganza ever. Organisers are literally 'going the extra mile' to ensure that all of the Southern Drakensberg's many visitor magnets are fully geared to offer major excitement in addition to the impressive roster of 'imported' attractions.

Royce Love Nissan of Durban South has full intentions of 'Driving Splashy Fen' with its muscular 4x4 double-cab range - at least half a dozen will be on site, but not just for show. The dealership's ace wheelmen will also take keen revellers on demo rides through gruelling courses to experience the 3 litre Turbo, 3.3 litre V6 and 2.4 litre 16-Valve being put through their paces. Requests for especially hair-raising trips will be considered, but Royce Love Nissan spokesman Henry van Niekerk warns that "anyone showing signs of a weak stomach should be prepared to sign an indemnity!".

Tough guys can show what they're made of in various Iron Man events - in particular the tug o' war versus a fully-revved 4x4. No strong constitution needed for the Miss Royce Love Nissan competitions, though, nor for the Remote-Controlled 4x4 Scale Model race.

Anyone planning a future outdoors road show can take a peek at the Nissan 'Gig-Rig' which will be hosting the VIP Lounge. VIP status is not required for joining 'high society' of a different kind - simply buy a ticket to ride aboard the Hot Air Balloon operated by Airborne Adventures Africa. Lift off just before dawn and soar above the Berg foothills for an hour or so before a gentle landing followed by Champagne Breakfast and a ride back to the festival site...absolutely fabulous!

Your two aeronauts have long, worldwide experience and their 'craft' is the best of its kind - complete with giant Virgin logo.

On the subject of 'breeze-power', Splashy organisers believe the time is long overdue for 'Kite Culture' to be established, as with countless outdoor festivals abroad. Kite-flyers and builders are heartily encouraged to start waving the flag, and should make contact with a view to setting up workshops and the like.

Back on solid ground - part of the time at least - Quad Biking is the new force to be reckoned with in Adventure Sports. The Sani Pass link with neighbouring Lesotho is regarded among the most challenging...almost on Splashy Fen's doorstep. Also in the festival's immediate or reasonably near surrounds are thrill-seekers' delights such as para- and hang-gliding, river rafting and mountain climbing, plus the more sedate nature-trailing on foot or horseback and the downright leisurely pastimes of trout fishing, museum visiting and Stone Age rock-art gazing.

Should none be inspiring or pulse-racing enough, stay within festival bounds for the mostly spine-chilling inhabitants of Reptiles for Africa's travelling display. More than 20 snake species - including Black and Green Mambas, Cobras, Rattlers, Puff Adders, Pythons and Boa Constrictors - will be accompanied by assorted Tortoises, Turtles, Green Iguanas, Nile Monitors and Bearded Dragons...along with their expert and knowledgeable handlers. All venomous snakes remain in their lock-up glass tanks for the duration, while the 'cuddly' ones and their non-threatening reptilian friends will be available for 'petting sessions'.

With a roster of alternatives-to-music as far reaching and all-encompassing as on offer, groups and solo acts will have to 'pull out all the stops' to grab full crowd-attention - the best of both worlds at Splashy Fen 2004. Don't be surprised if you see a camel walk past your campsite.

Regular visits to our Website will reveal up-to-the-minute developments!
www.splashyfen.co.za
www.zulu.org.za
www.drakensberg.kzn.org.za
www.sanisaunter.com

Royce Love Nissan -Henry van Niekerk (031) 465 9333 topconsultant@ananzi.co.za
Hot-Air Ballooning - 084 504 2171 www.airborneadventuresafrica.com
Quad Biking - Kevin Webster 072 4255230
Reptiles for Africa - Graham Dinkelman 084 596 2424

--------------

CHARTS

SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK
http://www.SAmp3.com

1. [1] (1) Met My Stukkende Kitaar - Koos Kombuis & Valiant Swart (''n Jaar In Die Son'/Rhythm/Bowline)
2. [4] (2) The Countdown - Bluescream ('Bluescream'/Indie)
3. [7] (3) Gangsta - The Rudimentals ('More Fire'/Indie)
4. [3] (1) Lovesong - The Dollyrockers ('The Heat'/Indie)
5. [6] (5) To Confide In- Lazarus ('Parallax View'/Indie)
6. [2] (2) Blah Di Blah - Drop Dead Gorgeous ('Melt with Me'/Indie)
7. [5] (1) Sobriety Friend - Old Mol ('Rock The Bedsprings'/Legend)
8. [8] (1) Fokofpolisiekar - Fokofpolisiekar (SAmp3.com/Rhythm/Bowline)
9. [12] (9) Saad van 'n Psigopaat - Abel Kraamsaal ('Woorde Op 'n Wynboks'/Indie)
10. [11] (10) Close To Me - Six Of Nine (Indie)
11. [13] (11) Gravity - James Stewart (Street Level)
12. [9] (9) Take You Down - Glow (Witchdoctor Records)
13. [19] (13) Die Ding Ruk Mal - Kallitz (Mothermix)
14. [23] (14) Gimme Da Weed - Chronic Clan ('African Dope Sound System'/African Dope)
15. [10] (7) Step Outside - Luna ('Luna'/Indie)
16. [15) (3) Let's Get Naked- Evolver ('Evolver' EP/Indie)
17. [14] (11) Afrikaner Surfer Boy - Vanessa Van ('Leef Die Droom'/Bowline)
18. [22] (18) FCK - Teba ('Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions'/African Dope)
19. [20] (19) Living As Numbers - Zero Tolerance ('A Perfect Life'/Indie)
20. [17] (16) Bliss - Toyland ('With Every Breath'/Witchdoctor Records)
21. [26] (21) Parallel - Saturnine ('Silence Is Deafening'/Wicked Rock)
22. [24] (22) Musical Chairs - Serving Suggestion ('Try Whistling This'/Indie)
23. [27] (23) Gone Away - Sam Paddock (Indie)
24. [16] (2) Rise - Sonar ('Bitterwaste' EP/Indie)
25. [29] (25) Diengele - Kalahari Surfers ('Muti Media'/African Dope)
26. [18] (11) Antipodean Dirge - Tim Wells ('Elephant'/Indie)
27. [21] (21) The Master Plan - Blood Island Raiders ('For The Sake Of Clarity'/Witchdoctor)
28. [25] (2) Duiwel Kom Ons Haal- Springcan ('Are You Confuzed?'/Indie)
29. [28] (1) Hands Down - Track 4 ('Demo'/Indie)
30. [-] (30) Something In My Eye (Live) - Boulevard Blues Band ('Tassenberg All*Stars Vol 4'/Trippy Grape)

Download South African MP3s at http://www.samp3.com

----------------------------

SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK
http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts

This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label)

1. [2] (1) Humanarium - Bed On Bricks (Indie)
2. [3] (2) As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand - Fokofpolisiekar (Rhythm/Bowline)
3. [1] (1) The Heat - Dollyrockers (Indie)
4. [5] (4) Muti Media - Kalahari Surfers (African Dope)
5. [4] (3) 21 Gunslut - Soulja (Indie)
6. [6] (1) More Fire - The Rudimentals (Indie)
7. [7] (1) African Dope Sound System - Various (African Dope)
8. [11] (8) Boerecountry - Blomkrag (Indie)
9. [12] (9) Africa She Too Can Cry - Hawk (Retro Fresh)
10. [9] (1) 'n Jaar In Die Son - Koos Kombuis & Valiant Swart (Rhythm/Bowline)
11. [8] (8) With Every Breath - Toyland (Witchdoctor)
12. [16] (12) I-Ternal Fire - Lions Of Zion (Indie)
13. [14] (1) Steady On - Moodphase 5ive (African Dope)
14. [15] (2) Sui - Benguela (Open Record)
15. [10] (8) Naked EP - Hog Hoggidy Hog (3 Chord Records)
16. [13] (4) Luna - Luna (Indie)
17. [17] (1) Rock The Bedsprings - Old Mol (Legend)
18. [23] (18) Never Look Back - Brian Finch (Independent)
19. [18] (2) Melt With Me - Drop Dead Gorgeous (Indie/Bowline)
20. [24] (20) High Society presents: 14 Steps towards Self Actualisation - Daniel Friedman (Independent)
21. [20] (2) Perelsvoordieswyne - Best Of - Johannes Kerkorrel (Gallo)
22. [19] (3) Power - Tribe After Tribe (RetroFresh)
23. [26] (23) A Definition - Chiaroscuro (Indie)
24. [22] (1) Jika Jika - freshlyground (Freeground)
25. [25] (2) Hello Crazy World - Prime Circle (David Gresham Records)
26. [21] (7) Flat To Round - David Foster (Rhythm/Bowline)
27. [-] (27) True North - Spoonfeedas (Sesalos)
28. [27] (1) Die Mamba - Piet Botha (Rhythm)
29. [29] (1) Another Universe - Arno Carstens (Epic)
30. [28] (1) The Truth - Jo Day (Indie)

MP3s by all these artists are available to download at http://www.samp3.com

Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za

More info on all these artists at:
SA Rock Legends

The hosting of MP3s on the SA Rock Digest website is thanks to the Future Perfect Corporation http://www.futureperfectcorporation.com Building online communities to make the future perfect

Chart statistics at:
http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts


 
New Releases


MP3's:

SPOTLIGHT ON: STREET LEVEL

'Born In A Storm' - The Usual

'Fallen' - Velve

'Getting Stronger' - Steve Van

'(I Think I Can) Relate' (acoustic) - Tait

'I Would Do Anything' - Alpha Set

'King Of America' - Shooflys

'Long Time Ago' - Rupert Mellor

'A Man Like Me' - James Stewart

'The Shape That I'm In' - The Usual

'Sheriff Bush and Deputy Blair' - The Nukular Stompers

'Stand By Me' - Tait

'There'll Always Be Your Songs' (A Tribute to John Lennon) - Rupert Mellor

'Time To Change' - Grant Nuss

http://www.streetlevel.co.za

CDs by Street Level artists are available online from One World and at Mabu CDs & Records in Cape Town (021-4237635)

--------------

All the mp3s listed above are available to download at http://www.SAmp3.com - the biggest South African mp3 website in the world.

---------------

SEARCH FOR MP3's
Use the SAmp3.com onboard search engine, powered by Google, to search for mp3s on SAmp3.com.

-----------------

Email your MP3 reviews to editor@sarockdigest.com

All the full-length mp3s are available for free download at http://www.SAmp3.com by kind permission of the artists and/or their labels.

----------------------------

CELEB-SELECT: JAMES STEWART
This is a new series in which we ask some of our SA music luminaries to send us a list of their own, favourite SA songs.

This week we hear from James Stewart, ex-lead vocalist for the Usual, head of Street Level Studios, and currently putting the finishing touches to his long-awaited debut solo album.

1. 'Weeping'- Bright Blue
2. 'Shadows' - eVoid
3. 'Impi' - Juluka
4. 'A Million Lights' - Tree 63
5. 'Blue Eyes' - Springbok Nude Girls
6. 'Down In Africa - John Mair
7. 'Nkalakatha' - Mandoza
8. 'Fiasco' - TKZee
9. 'Silang Mabele' - Vusi Mahlasela
10. 'Manenberg' - Abdullah Ibrahim

http://www.jamesonline.co.za

----------------------------

NEW CD's:

DNA STRINGS - 'EL NINO' (BOWLINE)

On the 30th and 31st of January this year, DNA Strings, the popular instrumental group from Stellenbosch, launched their new album, 'El Niño', at the Centurion Theatre in Pretoria. The launch proved to be a showcase of oomph and hype! Now the group will be launching 'El Niño' in the Cape.

Consisting of 11 tracks, 'El Niño' captures the energy and sound that the band has on stage, and tends to engulf the listener in a diversity of seemingly paradoxical sounds. 'El Niño' is an enhanced CD that includes a multimedia session, with links to the DNA Strings website, album credits, as well as a video clip with some hilarious backstage footage of these musicians and their antics.

2003 saw quite a number of changes for DNA Strings. They joined forces with Merchant Records with Helmut Meijer as producer. The original members, Adriaan de Beer (guitar), Danie Kotzé (violin) and Flippie du Plessis (djembes) also took up two new members, Iwan Kemp (drums) and Jacques Steyn (bass), who after their success at the 2003 KKNK became permanent members.

The bigger sound of this 5-piece outfit enabled DNA to play on bigger outdoor stages, and take on venues like the Sun City Superbowl, and the legendary rock venue, Mystic Boer, in Bloemfontein. DNA Strings recently appeared on the popular soap opera, 7de Laan, as well as Kwêla on KykNet, the Huisgenoot Skouspel show that was broadcast on M-Net, and Pasella (earlier in 2003). Apart from television appearances, DNA Strings are well loved by the media and have appeared in Huisgenoot, Sarie and Rooi Rose, to name but a few.

They will be appearing on 'Dis Hoe Dit Is Met Steve', the talk show hosted by Steve Hofmeyer, as well as 7de Laan on 27 April 2004.

The Western Cape launch of 'El Niño' will take place on March 16 at the Roxy's at Grand West Casino

Contact: Daniel Stone - 083 9512 950
daniel@merchantrecords.com
www.dnastrings.com

--------------

MAIDEN LEAGUE NEWS

*Make My Day - 2004" - This is the roll call for all the new bands out there who want to get their music out to the masses- 5 bands will be chosen to play in the Make My Day Series for 2004. Last year's events were, on the whole, a success and bands like Two Weeks Old and Skwirmish have since gone on to be recognised names on the Cape Town punk rock scene. Don't miss out on this opportunity; contact Sean mailto:sean@maidenleague.co.za if you want to play.

Antipathy has finished the recording of their debut album and you can expect it out real soon. The album features 11 tracks, a remix of their debut single, 'One Moment', and an enhanced CD section featuring a music video and other goodies. See www,sagigs.com for all those upcoming Antipathy gigs.

The Doppler Effect have finally, and this is 100% now, found a vocalist. Welcome Brett (former Threefifty vocalist) onto the scene. Brett has been dabbling in some Dub Ska and Drum and Bass of late, but has decided to explore his old roots and join a punk rock band. This means that The Doppler Effect will be going into studio to record some more material for their CD. The Doppler Effect's 'Tow the Line' is available for download from purevolume.com.

Go visit the site which is a Mecca of great punk, emo and hardcore bands from all over the world See http://www.sagigs.com for all those upcoming TDE gigs.

MAIDEN LEAGUE RECORDS
www.maidenleague.co.za

--------------

DOLLYROCKERS TURN UP 'THE HEAT'
By E. Borgnine

The strong alternative UK pop scene in the Eighties had an indelible effect on bands like the Dollyrockers. There was the melancholy character of Bad Seed romance and the noble 'Johnny Marr effect' on the pop guitar. But there was also the broody and reflective subject matter evident on 'Glory Glory' (2002) and even 'The Dollyrockers' (1995) that has proven harder to shake than Shakes Mashaba.

The Eighties and early Nineties was a time of clashing styles, with post-punk militarism giving way to new-wave hair gel, which in turn created what we called 'bubblegum' pop of the Boy- and Girlband X variety. In Cape Town, Alternative Rock and New Wave held a lot of its ground until way into the nineties, helped by a strong club and band scene, not to mention the 'discovery' of britpop - itself simply a rehash of older mod values.

But by then a Southern American blues element had set the "Rockers" aside from their contemporaries - The Mavericks, Penguin in Bondage, No Friends of Harry, and so on. And of all those contemporaries, the "Dollys" could claim to be one of very few surviving SA rock artefacts of that time. The secret to longevity, it would seem, is in the ink.

"We've survived because we always had the tunes!" Greg Donnelly muses, assuredly. "After influencing so many bands - Jesus & Mary Chain, White Stripes, Strokes, Kings of Leon etc., we feel that we need to show our audiences what the original rockers sound like. I dunno whether we influenced any local bands, but somebody is filtering our stuff overseas."

These days, the "Dollys" are still finding things to write about, easily turning out 15 tracks for 'The Heat', which releases only a year after 'Glory Glory'. Donnelly is dismissive about the material being 'more mature' listening: "I just write what comes into my head. I don't mean to sound negative. Our next album will deal with issues of 'mowing the lawn' and 'bond repayments'.

Donnelly continues: "We are planning to re-introduce quite a bit of our older material into our shows to show the younger generation that there was life before Springbok Nude Girls - and (the older material) seems to sit pretty well with material off 'The Heat'. I'm just glad that some people remember us at all" - a valid observation from a band that still has a vinyl release knocking about!

Tracklisting on 'The Heat': 'Digging In The Sand'; 'Lovesong', 'Former Supermodel', 'Big Black Jaguar', 'Silverfish', 'Unaccustomed', 'The Heat', 'Like A Stranger', 'Changes', 'Slipstreaming', 'Mrs. Dixon', 'Alison', 'Feel So Blue', 'And The Band Played'.

'The Heat' is available from the band at all gigs and at Mabu Vinyl, Kloof Street, Cape Town. and online at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=dolly

Courtesy: The White Guy Times Newsletter
mailto:urge@worldonline.co.za

----------------------

THE ZAZONE.COM SA BAND SPOTLIGHT
http://www.zaZone.com

LAD, the dedicated webmaster of zaZone.com, throws his regular spotlight on one of the many SA bands currently affiliated to his SA music site.

JASON GLOVER

Jason Glover is an artist who can truly call both Johannesburg and Cape Town his home. His musical career, which spans 10 years, sees him often travelling between these cities and performing in both. Jason played overseas for many years of his career, but has been in South Africa for the last 4 years working on material for an album.

The style of music which Jason plays is acoustic folk rock which is aimed at the more mature listening audience. When we saw him play at the Independent Armchair we were captivated by the really nice melodic style and easy listening appeal which his music has. For last Thursday's gig he was joined by Eleanor Mullins who played the flute and added a really nice feel to the music.

Jason will be launching his 12-track album in mid-April in Johannesburg and Cape Town. His inspiration comes from day-to-day topics of things and events in his life. One song in particular which stuck with me was one about child abuse which Jason tells me will appear on the album performed with an African choir.

Jason Glover offers a unique adult contemporary set-up, unlike much of the acts seen these days. Do yourself a favour and get to one of his gigs while you can!

He's currently in Cape Town and will be performing at the Cape Grace Bascule bar on Wednesdays from 19h00 to 21h00 until the first week of May and then at the Independent Armchair Theatre on the 11th, 18th and 21st of March.

Each show will be slightly different and he's accompanied on stage by Dave Baudains on Electric, Emelio Gassibe on bass, Nicolas Stilborg on drums (for 18 and 21).

LAD

If you're an SA band/artist and would like to appear in this slot please
mailto:tony@zazone.com
Remember that you can view the wap site by pointing your mobile to:
http://www.zazone.com/wap

Mobile logos and ringtones are now available at zaZone.com, so pop on over to the site and download your favourite band's logo/ringtone right now!

Watch out for more announcements of interesting things happening at zaZone.com!

Sponsored by zaZone.com
Promoting SA Music...
http://www.zazone.com

----------------------------

ONE WORLD - FEBRUARY RELEASES

Here are some of the February New Releases - now available from http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321

Also, check out our special offer on the 'Urban' book series, and consider the new range of EMI Box Sets, offering 3 CD's at a reduced price.

-------

SPECIAL OFFERS:

BOOKS:

'URBAN' '01, '02 and '03 - Various New SA Writers

One World, in association with New Africa Books, is currently offering a limited special on all three in the 'Urban' books series. The 'Urban' anthology of new writing was initially conceived and edited by Dave Chislett as new short story collections for new writers, and was later embraced by New Africa Books who began publishing an annual collection under its Spearhead imprint in 2001.

You can now buy copies of 'Urban '01', 'Urban '02', and 'Urban '03' at a special price of R249.99, a saving of R25. Purchasers will only pay one shipping charge for all three books if you choose the special offer.

3-IN-1 CD BOX SETS:

Rebecca - 3 In 1
SA's top Gospel artist - Includes the albums: 'Umoya Wam' and 'Ngiyekeleni'

Amadodana Ase Wesile - 3 In 1
Includes the albums: 'Thixo Ulilanga Lethu', 'Ngeloxa Lokushiywa', and 'Jesu O Tsohile'

Pure Magic - 3 In 1
Includes the albums: 'Thul' Ulalele', 'We Bathandwa', and 'Njalo'

Lord Comforters - 3 In 1
Includes the albums: 'Konke - feat Njengoko Ndinjalo', 'Ubukhulu Bakho', and 'Hallelujah'

Alexandra Brass Band - 3 In 1
Includes the albums: 'Gumba 1', 'Diphala Vol 1', and 'Diphala Vol 2'

Solly Moholo - 3 In 1
Includes the albums: 'Motlhang Ke Kolobetswang "Die Poppe Sal Dans"', 'Ba Mmitsa Tsotsi feat Charles Damsey Wa Lengagele', and 'Ranta E Wele'

NEW CD RELEASES:

Jazz:

Van Zyl, Van Der Spuy & Vennote - 'Hadeda'
A flight of musical fantasy from Barry van Zyl and Nibs van der Spuy - also featuring the likes of Shawn Phillips, Neo Muyanga, Laurinda Hofmeyer, Concord Nkabinde, and Jana Cilliers

Victor Ntoni - 'Heritage'
He is a Berkeley College of Music student, a music teacher, a music conductor, an upright bass maestro, and here Victor Ntoni shows off his musical skills backed by the Heritage band with Pat Matshikiza, Linda Kekana, and Lucas Senyatso.

Pop & Rock:

Just Jinger - 'Bootleg Album'
Something very different from SA's best-selling pop-rock group.

The Parlotones - 'Episoda'
One of the most anticipated SA debut albums of 2004

Soulja - '21Gunslut'
Tough but tuneful debut from Cape Town rockers, includes 'Plan My Attack' and 'War/No More Trouble'.

Dawnay - '2nd Coming'
New selection of soul-based pop to follow up on his successful debut.

Township Pop:

Miriam Makeba - 'Reflections'
A powerful parade of the many hits that reflect Mama Africa's musical journey, with 'Pata-Pata', 'The Click Song', 'Iyaguduza', 'I Shall Sing' and plenty more.

Tsepo Tshola & Sankomota - 'Best Of'
A wonderful mixed bag from these Lesotho music legends.

Mzwakhe Mbuli - 'All The Hits'
The "Peoples Poet's" controversial imprisonment is now over and here's a selection of the songs that made him famous, with four new tracks.

Stimela - 'Trouble In The Land Of Plenty'
A sure-fire hit album and the only title that has been missing from our catalogue. Includes the hit 'What's Going On (Trouble In The Land Of Plenty)'

Malaika - 'Malaika'
An Afro-fusion band with a mixture of all traditional African Sounds, an all-round great album.

Paul Ndlovu - 'Greatest Hits'
The late Paul Ndlovu with his most unforgettable moments including 'Game No 1' and 'Tsakane'

Gospel:

Various Artists - 'Gospel Grooves Volume 3'
The next in the very successful compilation series, featuring artists like Brenda, Chiskop, Spokes H, and Rebecca.

Sipho Makhabane - 'Nkosi Ngibheke'
With a steady and growing following, Sipho now releases his 4th album.

Winnie Mashabe - 'Bonang Lerato'
The follow-up to the 'Motswale' album, contains 12 tracks and some sure-fire hits.

Vuma Mazibuko - 'Ngena Kimi Moya'
The debut album from this very promising gospel artist.

Kwaito:

24-7 - 'Phushang Phushang'
A SoulCandi and Sheer production featuring a duo who have it all to make it big including some seriously catchy tunes.

Dance/Elecronica:

Brotherman & Groove Assassins - 'The Universal Energy That Is Groove'
Plenty of funky beats and breaks for chilling or for dancing

Traditional:

Mahotella Queens - 'Bazobuya'
Mahlathini may have passed on, but these three famous ladies are proudly continuing their musical tradition.

Various Artists - 'We Are Growing'
A melting pot of SA music, from some better-known hits to more traditional music.

Izingane Zoma - 'Itshe Lentaba'
A group with a tradition of fine albums and well-earned success.

Izingane Amakhosi - 'Umkhuba Ulay'khaya'
A newish maskandi group from KZN who had their album produced by Khuzwayo, who has also produced Amatshitshi Amhlope.

Amatshitshi Amhlope - 'Ufile Umuntu'
Following their hit album, 'Isisho Sabadala', it has been one hit album after another for this excellent traditional outfit.

King Star Brothers - 'Babili Bathathu'
An a Capella group that can be compared to the Kings Messengers Quartet from the '60's.

Reggae:

The Rudimentals - 'More Fire'
Debut album from the very popular Cape Town Ska-punk group, includes 'Gangsta' and 'Noh TV'.

Instrumental:

DNA Strings - 'El Nino'

New 11-track album from the popular instrumental group from Stellenbosch.

Afrikaans:

Jan Blohm - 'Melkstraat Confessions'
A lovely album filled with strong songs and emotional lyrics

International:

Stef Bos - 'Donker En Licht' (2CD)
New album from the Belgian singer-songwriter, who has a long-standing South African following.

--------------

ONE WORLD
http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321
Selling South African Music To The World

--------------

MORE REVIEWS

More reviews can be found at:
Open Record http://www.openrecord.co.za
Amuzine http://www.cd.co.za/reviews.htm

--------------

CLASSIC SA ROCK:


Kurt Shoemaker (Texas), John Samson (London), Tertius Louw, and Brian Currin browse through the best of SA rock - its history, its people, and its music, past, and present.

USA FOR AFRICA - Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music.

'MANGO GROOVE' - MANGO GROOVE [TUSK TUCD 3]

Thirteen songs, including two remixes, eight of these songs are on the recent 'Best of Mango Groove' of twenty songs. So unless you are a completist needing all of Mango Groove's songs, and with Mango Groove that's not a bad way to be, consider this 1988 album superseded by the 2000 'Best of' CD, which also has a thick booklet of liner notes.

But if your only Mango Groove CD is this self-titled one, then you've got some strong music in hits like 'Hellfire', 'Love Is', 'Special Star', 'Pennywhistle' (the Claire rest song), 'Two Hearts', (draw a breath to continue), and the mind-lodging, body-dancing charmer, 'Dance Sum More'. If you know the music of Mango Groove, you can probably summon up these melodies and rhythms at will.

If not familiar with the Afropop music of Mango Groove, they are a mix of Western music (Western Civ, not cowboy) and African styles. Mango Groove is the lovely Claire Johnston on lead vocals, and, on horns, guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals: Siphu Bhengu, Beulah Hashe, Banza Kgasoane, Alan Lazar, George Lewis, John Leyden, Mduduzi Magwaza, Marilyn Nokwe, Phumzile Ntuli, and Gavin Stevens--Lordy, people make beautiful music when they play together without fighting, don't they?

It's a big sound, with Claire singing with sweet and clear phrasing. Then there are the remixes of 'Dance Sum More' and 'Hellfire' jazzed up with punchier beats floated in and some fills and decorations added, closing the CD with two bursts of cheery dancing.

The band was in hot form when they recorded these and others during the months of June to December in 1988. They made an album so hot that almost half of their greatest hits are drawn from it. With three other CDs, they have also released a DVD titled 'The Ultimate Collection' - an encouraging title to a completist.

When I feel good, Mango Groove makes me feel better. It's bright, it's mostly upbeat and up-tempo, with a few slower, closer numbers. 'Mango Groove' by Mango Groove is brassy, rollicking, and exuberant dance music to go out dancing to with the one you love, then to go happily home and dance some more....

READ: http://www.rock.co.za/files/mango_groove_index.html
BUY: http://www.oneworld.co.za/

Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas
kurt@sarockdigest.com

----------------------------

A NAARTJIE IN THE UK - London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music:

LUMIERE

Don't you enjoy 2fers. Those rare times when record companies are kind enough (or desperate enough) to put out 2 classic albums on 1 CD. These are usually good bargains, although I often find I have one of the 2 albums already. Anyway, today the Digest has been kind enough (no we're not desperate) to give you a 2fer review as I will attempt without the aid of a net ("Who is Annette?" I hear Johnny from Boksburg ask) to review both Lumiere's 'The Broken EP' and their recent live gig.

The driving force behind Lumiere are brothers Cade and Ryan Hannan who have come to London from Zim via South Africa and have been playing their brand of dark rock in London for a few years now. Now I don't know if it was Royal Mail or a deliberate marketing ploy, but the jewel case containing 'The Broken EP' that arrived the other day was …er broken. Still, the CD was intact and I was soon listening to the 3 songs that make up the EP.

Opener 'Broken' has a Luke Paisley big symphonic synth sound that underpins Ryan Hannan's jarring guitar. Against this backdrop, Cade's pleading vocals beg you to 'Confide in the girl with the Blood Red Mouth'. From this dramatic opening the tone moves closer to pop territory without actually moving into the same street. 'Home' being a bittersweet synth-powered song while the intro to 'Headrush' feels dangerous and intense, a feeling maintained throughout, one is given a bit of a breather courtesy of a catchy chorus.

So how then does Lumiere translate this sound to a live show? Well on Friday 27 February, they played at The Dublin Castle in Camden and yours truly went along to see them. Cade on vocals exudes coolness. He is a confident lead character who moves comfortably from being an up audience-engaging lead singer to retiring somewhat to give off a more mysterious aura in line with some of the greats of the genres that Lumiere take their influences from. At times he's Simon Le Bon teasing the girls, then he's Ian McCulloch almost hiding away from the audience.

The rest of the band in black gothic-like outfits and make-up are more sombre, but again this fits with the band's image. The sound pulsates around the small relatively crowded venue while images flash on a small screen to the side. All in all a solid performance.

I must admit that I have battled with Cade's voice. It's not the kind that appeals to all, sound slightly off key and it is one that you'll either love, hate or slowly get used to, and I think I fall into the latter category. Again though if one looks at some of the influences of the band, one could hardly say Robert Smith of the Cure has the most delightful voice. You can hear the voice and find out more about the band at www.lumiere.org.uk which includes some MP3's.

Well that's your 2fer fer2 day, hope you enjoyed the bargain.

John Samson, London
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com

----------------------------

* CHART CHAT:

John Samson takes a weekly look at the the SA pop charts from 20, 25, 30 and 35 years ago this week.

Joan Jett's follow-up to 'I Love Rock n Roll' was a cover of Tommy James & The Shondell's 1969 hit 'Crimson And Clover'. While Joan Jett's version had made number 7 in the States, it failed to chart in SA. Tommy James, however, came crashing into number 1 this week in 1969, dislodging local act The Staccatos. Johnny River's 'Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch' was also known as 'I Can't Help Myself'.

'After All' put an end to Albert Hammond's 6-week run at the top in 1974. Ringo Starr's 'Photograph' had spent a week at the top of the US charts on 24 November 1973 and was creeping into the top 5 in South Africa. Formerly known as Richard Starkey, Starr had enjoyed more success in the US than in his native England where he charted with 10 (including 2 number 1's) while only 6 songs made the UK charts without a single chart topper.

1979 saw the Bee Gees a position higher than they were 10 years earlier as 'Too Much Heaven' entered its 6th week at the top. It was as you were for the top 5 though.

The teaming up of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton produced a surprise worldwide hit. Written by the Gibb brothers, it bore the Bee Gee sound which propelled it to the top of the US charts, to number 7 in the usually country-resistant UK and even made number 2 in Switzerland and number 4 in Zimbabwe.

South Africans at number 1 this week:

I Don't Wanna Play House - Barbara Ray (1973)
You Asked Me To - Bobby Angel (1975)
Substitute - Clout (1978)

South African New Entries this week

10-Mar-72 In The Park - Idiots
14-Mar-81 Gee Haar 'n Roos - Cora Marie

John Samson

----------------------------

BIRTHDAYS

12 James Taylor (1948)
14 Steve Fataar (1943)
15 Eddie Calvert (1922 in Preston, England, died 7 August 1978 in Johannesburg)
17 Nat "King" Cole (1919, died 15 Feb 1965)
22 Robin Auld (1959)
24 Cornelia (Moller) (1950)
25 Elton John (1947)
26 Diana Ross (1944)
27 Johannes Kerkorrel (born Ralph Rabie, 1960, died 12 November 2002)
30 Eric Clapton (1945)

If you info on any South African artists dates of birth, please send them to brian@rock.co.za





SOUND SOLUTIONS
A Reader's Forum: This is a selection of the email requests, questions, searches, and other pieces of random info we receive each week at the Digest. Sometimes we can assist, other times we look to you, our collectively well-informed readers to contact these writers and help out as well. Thanks if you do....!

Send all letters, short contributions, small band-ads, musical questions and other snippets to: soundsolutions@sarockdigest.com

----------------------------

MORE ABOUT THAT CROC

Hi There!

Last week MC Mitico asked if Croc E Moses (yes, you guys were right) is releasing a new CD and book soon.

Indeed this is true! Koos Turenhout and myself are currently mixing the album at Sound & Motion Studios in Cape Town (recorded by Bruce Musik and ourselves) and it won't be too long before something is out there.

Suffice it to say the album is brilliantly unique. I don't want to say too much about it, but feel free to email us your details and we'll pass these on to Croc E. (mailto:soundmotion@telkomsa.net)

Be in touch!
Simon "Fuzzy" Ratcliffe
Sound Engineer/Designer--Sound & Motion Studios
Sound & Motion Studios"
Mailto:soundmotion@telkomsa.ne

--------------

TIME WAITS FOR NO MAN

HI,

I am looking for the soundtrack/tapes which were available as a double cassette in the early eighties of the musical 'Time' featuring Laurence Olivier.

The may have been released by EMI

Thanks,
Stuart Bure
Mailto:stuart@itwarehouse.co.za

--------------

BLUE JEANS FAN

Hi,

I would like to know if you are selling Dickie Loader & the Blue Jeans records (LP, tape or CD) like I have seen on your website - South Africa's Rock Legends Website?
v Thank You.
Carlos Santos
Mailto:john_prozac@netcabo.pt

--------------

DUKES COMBO?

Hi there. Is there anyone who knows anything about Dukes Combo?

I found out that there was a local group apparently from Durban. I bought two of their records - called 'Changing Scenes' and '25th Anniversary - Live' - with some info on them hoping to get the song I was looking for on it.

I am looking for a song by them called 'Sing Out A Song' - (LP, seven single, tape or mp3 will do)

Can anyone help?
Thanks,
Kobus
jgb1900@yahoo.co.uk

--------------

CHART STATS

Hi there,

Fascinating site! I was just wondering if and where I could find data in relation to the songs that made South African charts before 1969, especially in the late 50s to mid 60s.

Thanks!
Tom K White
Mailto:tomkwhite@tiscali.co.uk

--------------

MORE ABOUT SPIKE!
[Ed's note - In David Marks' Hidden Year's Archive piece in last week's Digest, we made a passing reference to Spike Milligan - this week David expands...]

Hi,

We have some amazing Spike Milligan shows taped in the HY Archive - his SA tour Dec 1975 - (3rd Ear Sound) - when the Nats banned Jeremy from touring with him; turned him away at the airport.

The Spike came anyway and had Des Lindberg and Lionel Pillay (Lionel Martin in another life and Miriam Makeba's ex from King Kong) open for him...despite the illegality of it all.

It was a wonderful tour....despite the occasion...very funny and sad. And then of course there was the time before - 1974 - when the government banned Spike from coming - but Jeremy was OK??

Spike was left in the then Rhodesia - staying at Clem and Jean Tholet's place. But they allowed Jeremy in - provided he didn't sing. So we booked him for the 3rd Ear Music/NUSAS Free Peoples Concert at Wits anyway....We have that on tape as well.

Strange, funny world indeed.

Kind regards
David
3rd Ear Music Company (Est. 1969)/The Hidden Years Music Archive Project (Est. 1994)
www.3rdearmusic.com
Mailto:thirdear@iafrica.com

--------------

PLACEBO INFO

Hi,

I saw in last week's Digest that someone was asking about Placebo.

I've included some info about an SA video director, Gregoire Pinard, who is responsible for the new Placebo video, 'English Summer Rain'.

Some background Info: Gregoire set all of this up himself - basically, he saw Placebo playing live in the UK... looked in the phone book in the UK, contacted Virgin's video commissioner, sent them his idea, sent some of his previous works (he's also won a Student Loerie Award in SA), gave them his idea for the video... and he got the job!

Apparently the band absolutely loves the video too.

Gregoire is the youngest South African director to create a music video for an overseas artist (all of it done on his own budget, in his own house).

If you've not seen the video yet, it's done with Clay models/characters, using "Stop Animation".

Thanks,
Greg Donnelly
Mailto:Gregdo@emimusic.co.za

--------------

LOOKING FOR LISA...

Hi,

Please help me. Who had a hit (or very close) with 'Come back Lisa' during the seventies.

I would very much like to known. I think it was a local guy, but I am not sure.

Thanks for a fine magazine.
Jacques Mostert
Mailto:Jmostert@pgwc.gov.za

Ed. - South African singer Lionel Petersen had a hit (#12 on the Springbok Charts) with 'Come Back Liza' in 1973. His other hits include 'Bouncy Bouncy Bounce' and 'Private Number' (with Sophia Foster).

'Come Back Liza' is available on 'Yesterday's Best Volume 2' CD from One World

--------------

WHAT'S A "CHAP"?

Hello Chaps!

Thanks to Tertius for the info about my question on "Shine a little light "! One of your subscribers was also kind enough to e-mail me too about the song. You chaps keep up the great work! Hell without you, all old SA artists would be lost to us overseas.

Chaps, one more favour, where can I write to Lauren Copely and Billy Forrest?

I don't want to annoy them but Lauren was a heartthrob when I was growing up in Rhodesia and Billy is a hero in SA rock music to me.

All I want to do is write and thank them for their contribution.

Thanks again chaps! You do a great job!.
Paul
Mailto:.skellem101@yahoo.com

--------------

SO COOL THEY NAMED IT TWICE

Howzit,

I am desperately trying to find a copy of 'Harare - Harare' in any shape or form! Any chance you can help?

Thanks,
Neil Rawlinson
Mailto:neil@amabala.co.uk

Ed. - Sure, we'll "start spreading the news"....

--------------

EARLY SA HARD ROCK

Hi,

I'm looking for contacts for any of the band members that pioneered the early days of South African Heavy Rock and Metal and/or any old albums or cassettes, e.g. Montreux, Tyrant, Lynx, Razor, Black Rose, Unchained, Osiris, Aragorn, Unchained etc.

If anyone has material or contact details etc. please contact me...

"Ride Hard Ride Heavy Ride a South African!" Marq Vas
www.marqvas.com

--------------

KÊRELS BUY CAN DELIGHT

Howzit

I just heard that that oke what played drums for Air Void was making a Seedy with that chick what sang 'Dice A Train' and that the Seedy was called 'Harker Herholdt Angels Sing'. Is this Seedy in the shops yet hey?

Johnny from Boksburg

--------------

GOT A QUESTION?
Please email any musical questions to editor@sarockdigest.com

-----------------------------

THE DIGEST CLASSIFIED ADS
-----------------------------

To advertise in this section please email:
editor@sarockdigest.com

--------------

CUTTING EDGE MALE VOCALIST WANTED FOR THE JADE

Cutting Jade has announced that they are looking for a new vocalist to replace Andrew, who has been with the band for several years but has decided to embark on a solo career.

Cutting Jade regrets Andrew's departure, but are pretty confident that they will get a new vocalist who will be able to deliver Shaun's songs with the same emotion and energy. No shows will be cancelled however, as Etienne (ex Goose Gap) will fill in until a new vocalist has been found.

So, this could be your big break, dudes!!

Cutting Jade needs a new singer from the Pta/Jhb area

The RIGHT dude will dig Sound Garden/Foo Fighters/Pearl Jam vibe - and be able to make their singers sound like turkeys!

Contact and/or send your MP3 demo to Beth: mailto:beth@authentic.co.za
Phone: +2711 646 6467.
Don't kick yerself - make the call man!

--------------

LOOKING TO EARN EXTRA MONEY IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

This is an interesting new SA music business concept.

We suggest you take a good look at this opportunity.

Simply send a blank e-mail to mailto:lazyman200@freeautobot.com to receive further info.

(Ed. - Nope, it's not spam, but genuine and potentially worthwhile, and anyone can do it!)

--------------

RECORDS RESTORED TO CD

Have your favourite LP transferred to CD with full colour label and box printing. We restore the LP music/tracks in order to extract the original sound, before transferring them to CD. Only single copies are made and returned with the LP.

What is done...

1. Firstly, your precious LP is put through our professional record cleaning machine to ensure that we start with as pure an original sound as possible.
2. We then play the record on the very best audiophile equipment (Thorens turntable, SME arm with Shure V15-III cartridge) and capture the music at a high sample rate, into our "Top of the Range" computer.
3. The Vinyl background noise and "Fried Eggs" sounds are gently removed from the recording.
4. Any remaining "Pops" or "Clicks" are isolated and repaired and the tracks are separated as on the original LP.
5. Then, and only then, do we copy the sound to CD.
6. Finally, the LP cover is scanned front and rear, reduced to fit and printed in full glorious colour. A label is printed for the disc itself in full colour, as on the original.

There is a range of prices from R65.00 to R120.00 - depending on the postage costs, and the required and desired degree of cleanup on your single copy.

Contact: Terence
Tel: 021-787-0205 or Cell: 082-939-077
Email: Mailto:tegner@absamail.co.za

--------------

MUSIC SHOPPING
-----------------

GEMM

GEMM is your best source for those otherwise impossible-to-find music titles on Record or CD! http://sugarmusic.gemm.com

--------------

MABU VINYL & CD

Cape Town's finest record and CD store is now at the intersection -
"Where the four streets - Long, Buitensingel, Kloof, and Orange - meet"

Visit our new CD Stall on the Pavement Piazza in front of the shop opposite the Long Street Baths.

Mabu stocks SA and International Record and CD titles, and a growing list of independent SA CD and CD-R releases - including a large range of all the African Dope releases.

Latest Vinyl additions:

Springbok Nude Girls - 'Opti Mum' EP (12")
Mfusi Nyamza - 'Crossroads' (LP)
The Jazzanians - 'We Have Waited Too Long' (LP)
Brian Finch And Kenny Henson - 'Playgrounds In Paradise' (LP)
Four Jacks And A Jill - 'Sweet Sweet Love' (LP)
All NIght Radio - 'The Heart's The Best Part' (LP)

Latest independent SA CD additions:

340ml - 'Moving'
Bed On Bricks - 'Humanarium' (Bowline)
Bluescream - 'Bluescream' (Independent)
Daniel Friedman - 'High Society presents: 14 Steps towards Self Actualisation' (Independent)
Chiaroscuro - 'A Definition'
Brian Finch - 'Never Look Back' (Independent)
Fokofpolisiekar - 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand' (EP) (Rhythm)
freshlyground - 'Jika Jika' (Independent)
Forest Moon - 'Forest Moon' (Independent)
Goema Captains Of Cape Town - 'Healing Destination' (Mountain)
Hog Hoggidy Hog - 'Naked' EP (3 Chord)
Kalahari Surfers - 'Muti Media' (African Dope)
Lazarus - 'Parallax View' (EP) (Independent)
Lions Of Zion - 'Iternal Fire' (Independent)
MoodPhase5ive - 'Steady On' (African Dope)
The Rudimentals - 'More Fire' (Independent)
Not The Midnight Mass - 'Live At The Planetarium' (Independent)
Nukular Stompers - 'Can Of Worms' (Independent)
Soulja - '21 Gunslut' (Independent)
Various - 'Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions' (African Dope)
Various - 'African Dope Sound System' (African Dope)
Various - 'Cape Of Good Dope' (African Dope)
Various - 'Breathe Sunshine' (Amabala)
Various - 'A Moment In Cape Town' (Revised edition) (Afribeat)
Zero Tolerance - 'A Perfect Life?' (EP) (Independent)

This week's Best Selling CDs at Mabu Vinyl & CD are:

1. 'Sui' - Benguela
2. 'The Heat' - The Dollyrockers
3. 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand' (EP) - Fokofpolisiekar
4. 'More Fire' - The Rudimentals
5. 'Iternal Fire' - Lions Of Zion

We buy and sell LP's and CD's

Please contact:
Jacques or Stephen
(Ph): 021 423 7635
(Cell): 082 534 6006
mailto:mabu@sugarmusic.co.za

Mabu Vinyl & CD
Shop 2 Buitenkloof Centre
8 Kloof Street, Gardens.

------------------------------------------

VIBES VINYL
Stadium-on-Main, Main Road, Claremont

Our catalogue is now listed on the UK's No.1 Music Marketplace
Netsounds and can be accessed directly at http://www.netsounds.com/vibesvinyl

This week's specials:

Om Alec Khaoli - 'Sekuru' (LP)
Pett Frog - 'The Best' (LP)
Prophets of the City - 'Our World' (LP)
Sweatband - 'No Sweat!' (LP)
Nick Taylor - 'Puff the Magic Dragon' (LP)
Nick Taylor - 'My Time Will Come To Shine' (LP)
John Wainwright - 'Beyond the Heart' (LP)
Waldorf String Band - 'The Waldorf String Band' (LP)
Walk This Way - 'Best Friends' (LP)
Wall Street Crash - 'No Strings Attached' (LP)

New record accessories in stock:
Turntable replacement needles available from us.
We have a wide range of 12" Maxi Singles in stock.
Now available: soft plastic sleeves for 7" Singles.

We pay top prices for top quality.
Want Lists Welcome!

Call us at: 021-683 5676
Postal address: PO Box 24045, Claremont, 7735.
mailto:claus@vibesvinyl.com
Website catalogue now also at Gemm and Netsounds:
http://www.vibesvinyl.gemm.com and
http://www.netsounds.com/vibesvinyl

-----------------

ONE WORLD - ONLINE SA CD STORE

Selling South African Music to the World
http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321

----------------------

DEEP PURPLE FANS

The very popular Deep Purple Web Index - the ultimate Deep Purple resource on the web - now has a new home at http://www.deeppurple.co.za

--------------

VAGABOND MUSIC & WEB
(now part of the Sugar Music Group)

Get your band or business online.

We design from scratch or take over the maintenance when your hotshot designer gets bored with updating.

Our design philosophy is to create sites that pull people in and keep them coming back, through user-friendly designs, good web architecture and cost-effective web-marketing.

If you want a quick, friendly and fun website, then Vagabond Music Web is your answer.

Vagabond Clients include:
Green Party Of South Africa, Jam Alley Music Shop, Joint State, Duncan Mackay, Bluescream, Street Level, Fresh Music, Rhythm Records, Entertainment Industry Services, Piet Botha, Off The Edge, 25 Hour Studio, Gregs Golf Tours, 4 Sure Golf Tours, James Stewart, Tait, Bright Blue, Jack Hammer, Janie Jones, Brian Finch, Soil 7t7, Rodriguez, Steve Louw and Big Sky, Lorraine Shannon, Joe Public.

Please contact Brian on 082-567-8779 or visit http://www.sugarmusic.co.za for more info.

------------------------------

SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC QUOTA COALITION

Support the SAMQC, as this SA musicians' initiative, looking to greatly increase the amounts of SA music played on the nation's radio stations.

Join the movement, sign up, or read more at http://www.samqc.org.za

---------------

RODRIGUEZ

One of the most frequently Asked Questions on the Sugarman.org Forum is where to buy Rodriguez CDs. Well, you can buy Rodriguez CDs online at http://www.oneworld.co.za

----------------------------

DIGEST CLASSIFIEDS DETAILS

* To have your advert featured in the Digest Classifieds, and to find out the prices to do so, contact mailto:sugar@cd.co.za

The Sound Solutions and Digest Classified sections are sponsored by:

SUGAR MUSIC
http://www.sugarmusic.co.za

Contact:
Stephen Segerman - sugar@cd.co.za


 
LIVE MUSIC

RECOMMENDED SA GIGS
See http://www.sagigs.com

EVENTS:

Full details at http://www.sagigs.com

Watch out for:

CAPE TOWN FESTIVAL'S STAGE OF DEMOCRACY - Monday 15 March signals the start of the week-long Stage of Democracy in the Company's Gardens. Catering for devotees of most musical genres, the event will serve as a platform for emerging musicians and musical giants alike.

LIQUID SKY - Liquid Sky are (to date) the only Cape Town band on the bill at the upcoming Southern Cross Festival in Mooi River. Before that, catch this hot band at Stones in Durbanville and Parow.

BED ON BRICKS - The Cape Town group's program for March 2004 is jam-packed with a variety of venues, both indoor and outdoor.

DANIELE PASCAL - Villa Pascal recently opened at no 28 van der Westhuizen Street, Durbanville as an entertainment venue where they present monthly soirees. Danièle is celebrating 20 years of love with South Africa with highlights from all her productions since her arrival in South Africa. Ranging from blues to soul, pop and jazz, the program includes favourite evergreen standards from Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Leonard Cohen, Marianne Faithfull, Cole Porter - Sunday 21 March 2004

THE 'SCHOOL OF ROCK' TOUR - A nationwide SA tour in March, to coincide with the movie's release in South Africa, will take place with the likes of The Finks, Prime Circle, Marlowe, The Parlotones, Nemesis and Waverley

THE KLIPPIES AND COLA STUDENT SESSIONS - These Sessions are aimed at establishing a campus-centred live music circuit, primarily at UCT and Stellenbosch University and their surrounding areas. Regional bands, including Afrotone, Andy & Stef, Arbor, Fly Paper Jet, Nick Turner & Dave vd Linden, Fokofpolisiekar, Superfine, and the The Buckfever Undergroundare paired and perform together on consecutive Tuesdays at Die Mystic Boer and The Independent Armchair Theatre.

THE RUDIMENTALS - Cape Town's ska-punk sensations have lined up a string of gigs over the next few weeks.

THE BLUE HEADS, VUSI MAHLASELA AND JUDITH SEPHUMA - Vusi Mahlasela and Judith Sephuma, two of BMG Africa's biggest names, and The Blue Heads, will be headlining gigs at the Giant Steps Music Festival at Spier in Stellenbosch in March 2004.

BOO! IN EUROPE - All those dates for BOO!'s current European Tour

--------------

UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS IN SA:

LIMP BIZKIT - The Limp Bizkit 'Back 2 Basics' SA Tour is back on track and will now be kicking off in Cape Town on the 4th, before heading to Johannesburg on the 6th of April.

SOULFLY - Catch Max Cavelera and an all star line-up of the new Soulfly, as they tear through South Africa on the 'Prophecy' tour this March for four exclusive shows.

ENRIQUE IGLESIAS - Vodacom, 5fm Music and Big Concerts have announced the forthcoming tour of music sensation Enrique Iglesias to South Africa. Kicking off on the 27th of April in Cape Town, he will then be heading to Durban on the 29th, Sun City on the 1st, and finally Johannesburg on the 2nd of May.

COUNTING CROWS - The popular US band, fronted by Adam Duritz, will be returning to SA in March to promote their new, greatest hits album, 'Films About Ghosts'.

WITCHDOCTOR RECORDS ANNOUNCES SA TOURS BY ENTOMBED, AND KATAKLYSM - Entombed, those Swedish masters of metal return to our shores for two exclusive shows in April, and Kataklysm, the Swedish masters of metal, return to our shores for two exclusive shows in May

SMOKIE - This successful '70's/'80's pop group is still "firing on all five cylinders" and will be touring South Africa in 2004 on 'The Hit Box Tour '04' from 25 February onwards.

NEW MODEL ARMY - Alter-Ego Productions is proud to announce the forthcoming tour to South Africa of this "legendary" band in March 2004

LORD OF THE DANCE - The dance spectacular, which has played to over 50 million people in 36 different countries, returns to South Africa by this March, for a whopping two-month tour.

--------------

SA MUSIC FESTIVALS

SOUTHERN CROSS MUSIC FESTIVAL - The three-day Southern Cross Music Festival is known as "The Friendly Festival" and takes place from 19-22 March 2004 in the Hidden Valley in KwaZulu Natal

THE CAPE TOWN FESTIVAL - The Cape Town Festival is the Mother City's premiere arts and cultural showcase, bringing together the best in local and international dance, visual arts, music, film, photography, spoken word, theatre and nightlife - 14 to 22 March 2004

NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL - CAPE TOWN 2004 - "Africa's Grandest Gathering" is about to celebrate its 5th anniversary in April 2004, and it will be doing so in style in its new home at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on the Mother City's Foreshore. With Angie Stone, Femi Kuti, Stanley Clarke, freshlyground, Abdullah Ibrahim, Cassandra Wilson and Miriam Makeba.

SPLASHY FEN 2004 - One of our country's best loved open-air lifestyle celebrations promises the freshest ever delights for body and mind on the Easter weekend, April 8 - 12

--------------
OTHER ITEMS
--------------

SOULFLY - SA 'PROPHECY' TOUR

Catch Max Cavelera and an all star line-up of the new Soulfly, as they tear through South Africa this March for four exclusive shows. The current Soulfly line up includes Max Cavalera on guitar/vocals (ex Sepultura and Nailbomb), Mark Rizzo on lead guitar (ex I'll Nino), Bobby Burns on bass (ex Primer 55), and Joe Nunez on drums.

Soulfly will be supported in Cape Town by Toyland, and in Johannesburg by Rhutz.

Tour Dates:
17th March - Dockside Superclub Cape Town
19th March - Vodaworld Johannesburg
20th March - Vodaworld Johannesburg
21st March - Bat Centre Durban

Cape Town Tickets Available From: R205.00 Ltd
There are 500 extra tickets for Cape Town available at R218.00 (only 500)
Johannesburg Tickets Available From: R218.00 Ltd
Durban Tickets Available From: R218.00 (only 500)

Online Tickets For All Shows Available from www.witchdoctorrecords.com R210.00 Ltd

--------------

RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS COMPETITION

The first Pretoria leg of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds for 2004 had over 200 patrons packed into the Nile Crocodile on Thursday, February 26. And the groups on the night did not disappoint either - in fact at the end of the night there was only a couple of points separating the groups - and it boiled down to crowd voting in determining which one went through to the regional finals.

Then the monthly Johannesburg finals on Saturday, February 28 drew a large contingent as the eight groups on the day rose to the occasion. The February regional finals took place on Sunday - March 7 at the Coliseum Show Bar, Caesars Gauteng (see listing below).

JOHANNESBURG LEG - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS
Saturday March 13 - Tempos - 191 Hans Strydom, Kyasands, Randburg
Event starts at 15:00 and there is a R20 cover charge
· Icarus Fall
· Crowthorn
· Fix 8
· 14th Avenue

Saturday, March 20
Saturday, March 27 - Johannesburg Finals

DURBAN LEG - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS
Friday, March 12 - The Winston Hotel - from 21:00
· 33
· Redhouse
· Habit To
· Dr Fox

PRETORIA LEG OF THE RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS
Thursday, March 25 - Nile Crocodile - R10 cover charge and action starts at 21:00

VAAL LEG - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS
-Friday, March 26 - Perfect Manhattan - Three Rivers - R10 cover charge starting at 21:00
· Running high

MARCH REGIONAL FINALS - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS
Sunday, April 4 - Coliseum Show Bar - Caesars Gauteng

The regional finals of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition starts at 15:00, entrance is free but you pay R10 per car as you enter Caesars Gauteng. This is a strictly over-18 venue and seating is limited.

The fact that the aforementioned groups have progressed through to the regional finals is a prize in itself because they perform and get feedback from people within the South African music industry.

For further information contact Simon "Squire" Foulds on 082 770 7524.

---------------

SA PUNK
By Daniel Neville

Thurs 11 March - Pretoria - The Nile Crocodile - R20, 8pm
Neshamah Gauteng Tour/CTAW Debut Show!
Neshamah
Cannon To A Whisper
ATFN

Fri 12 March - Johannesburg - The Roxys Rhythm Bar - R30, 9pm
NESHAMAH GAUTENG/PTA TOUR
Neshama
The Narrow
Even Flow
Blow

Sat 13 March - Cape Town - Gandalfs/Mordor - R5, 9pm
The Doppler Effect
Antipathy
War-on-Salt
Brought to you by Maiden League and DIY Punk Crew

Sat 13 March - Pretoria - The New Zepplins - R30, 9pm
NESHAMAH GAUTENG/PTA TOUR
Neshama
The Narrow
Even Flow
Blow

Tue 16 March - Cape Town - Compay Gardens - Free, 5:45pm
The Rudimentals
It's the celebration of Nelson Mandela's Inauguration

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LIVE IN LONDON
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MORE ON SHARON TANDY IN LONDON

Mike Atherton is a UK rock journalist, and not the English cricket captain! Mike was also at that recent Sharon Tandy gig in London and sent us this short piece:

Comeback of the year indeed. From her first number, 'Toe Hold', it was obvious that the diminutive, black-clad Sharon Tandy was up for it. She was a little rusty after 20 years away from live performance, but that voice is still there. She really is a natural stage performer - doesn't just stand there and sing the words, but puts all she's got into each number.

The selections were mainly what you'd expect: 'Stay With Me Baby', 'Daughter Of The Sun', 'Things Get Better'...she did about ten songs in all, then encored with 'Toe Hold' again because the band hadn't rehearsed an encore. Strangely, she didn't sing 'Hold On', a hit for her in Europe and a sought-after 45.

The band included Gordon Haskell (organ), Keith Guster (drums), both from the original Fleur de Lys, musical director Alec Palao on bass and lead guitarist, Mike Summerland, whose credentials include stints in Blodwyn Pig and in Georgie Fame's band.

Mike is currently guitarist in the Paul Cox Band, a live and recording band who play "modern soul and blues". About 400 people packed this nice basement club under Oxford Street, which Sharon and the Fleurs had previously played in August 1966!

I spoke to Sharon afterwards: she seemed delighted or maybe just relieved, as she had been very nervous beforehand.

[Mike Atherton]
Tertius Louw's Comment: Sharon toured South Africa with Bill Kimber and the Couriers in 1964 and also performed the songs Meadowlands, I'm Moving On and Twist and Shout in the film "Africa Shakes". The film has been digitally transferred on to VHS format and will be commercially available soon.

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LIVE IN SA
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THERE'S A NEW SHOW IN TOWN: THE COUNTRYBILLY BBQ BREAKOUT!
At The Mercury Live
By O Masharrif

Expectations were reasonable for CountryBilly BBQ Breakout II, but by the time Martin Rocka and the Sick Shop launched into their somewhat rowdy version of Gene Vincent's 'Be-Bop a-lula', it was falling quite within reason to call it one of the better shows of the Mercury Live year thus far.

It is such for one thing and one thing only: entertainment. Without doubt, the entertainment value of CBBBQB2 has set the bar - perhaps too high for any future CBBBQB to reach without some serious effort, but that remains to be seen.

It had started as usual with DJ Mygarageissofullicantevenparkmycar setting up an odd but appropriate mood with some superbly chosen country and rockabilly tunes. Actually, I'll retract that. It started with a novel venue set-up that included a cobwebbed stage, dangerously red lighting atmospheric and a couch terrace! DJ MyGarage… simply took that lead and ran with it… well.

The BBQ that preceded downstairs had made for a few raised eyebrows. 'They were serious!' I heard one bemused audience member gasp in disbelief. Yes, indeed they were serious. That's the impression one gets about these things: They take it very seriously - being silly, that is.

At around 11pm Three Bored White Guys walk out on stage to start the live part of the evening. The gratifying thing is that the 150 strong audience is already appreciative of the effort, despite being made to wait a full half-hour longer than most shows here would make you. The billing reads 'featuring Greg ' The Hammer' Donnelly' (The Dollyrockers), but it seems like Donnelly's as permanent a fixture these days as Matt U. Ferguson's eight gallon cowboy hat.

The White Guys' job is easy: set it on fire; and as the first chords of 'Whistlebait' hit the PA, a dancefloor is alive and bopping. A series of trademark up-tempo short tunes follow, including their wildly popular covers of Cochran's 'Summertime Blues' and Trashmen's 'Surfin Bird'.

Twenty three minutes later the White Guys are saying "G'night" and the stage is set for what is to be a defining Cape Town debut for Martin Rocka and the Sick Shop. They don't disappoint. Rocka walks up to the mic and enlightens: "There are only three kings in Rock n' Roll: Drinking, F*cking, and Elvis!"

>From then on it's a whirlwind of flash images: Rocka's hood and sequin jacket; cobwebs; smoke, tight and professional execution - including renditions of the aforementioned 'Be-Bop a-lula' and the surprisingly popular original hit, 'Surf's Up'.

Ladies and gentlemen, there's a new show in town. It's called the CountryBilly BBQ Breakout. It happens again in May, and again in August and November. If you fail to catch it next time round, you'll be missing one of 2004's finest concept offerings thus far!

Courtesy: The White Guy Times Newsletter
mailto:urge@worldonline.co.za

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SA GIG GUIDE

The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can now be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com.

If you cannot access SAgigs.com then e-mail gigs@sarockdigest.com?subject=gigguide and we will e-mail the gig guide to you each week.

Please send all gig info to sugar@sagigs.com in a plain text e-mail.

 
SA Music Links And Resources


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Links to the world of SA Rock - artists, gig guides, resources, record labels, recording studios, music trivia and more at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/links

----------------------------

SA MUSIC RESOURCES:

THE SA ROCK DIGEST ON SAFM (104-107KHz)

THE BRUCE MILLAR SHOW - MONDAY EVENINGS @ 9.15PM
Stephen Segerman, Digest co-editor, talks to Bruce Millar about SA music news, new releases, and charts from each week's Digest.

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EDITORS

Any thoughts, requests, problems, complaints, praise or interesting and relevant SA music news, CDs, or mp3s... please contact:

Stephen Segerman
sugar@sarockdigest.com

Brian Currin
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----------------------------

MAIN CONTRIBUTORS

BC - Brian Currin
SS - Stephen Segerman
JS - John Samson
KS - Kurt Shoemaker
CL - Carina Laubscher (Katvrou)
TL - Tertius Louw
DN - Daniel Neville
NN - Nadia Neophytou
WM - Wicked Mike
DM - David Marks
DS - Don Sweeto
LAD - LAD
MC - Michael Currin (Curmic)
JFB - Johnny From Boksburg

And others too numerous to mention, but gratefully acknowledged!

Proofed by Ronx

A SUGAR MUSIC PRODUCTION

 

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