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Contents
This week's contents: Editorial: The week in brief News: Rodriguez, North Sea Jazz Festival, Michael Franks and Earl Klugh, Heinz, Klippies and Cola Student Sessions, OppiKoppi, Sony, George Lotz. Charts: SA Rock Digest MP3 and Album Charts New Releases: New SA MP3's and CD's, Soulja ('Amandla'), The Chalks ('Bad Habits'), Piet Botha ('Sien Jou Weer'), Baobab ('Fidelity'), Jo Day ('No Warning'), Tune Us Your Top 10: Steve Hofmeyr; Mono 'In Stereo', The Chalks, The Jack Hammer Story Part 2. Classic SA Rock: USA For Africa - Seether - 'Disclaimer II' (DVD); A Naartjie In The UK - Neo Munyanga Live at The Spitz, London 30 June 2004; Vinyl Junkies; South African Rock Lists Sound Solutions: A reader's forum - letters, info, questions and answers Live Music: Events round-up, Q and Not U, RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition, SA Punk*Ska*Metal*Hardcore: FuziGish; Live - Vusi Mahlasela, The Rudimentals. . SA Music Links And Resources: Contact Details Editorial THE WEEK IN BRIEF Rodriguez will be performing a one-off concert on Thursday 15 July in a small Namibian town called Otjiwarongo as part of the Cheetah National Arts Festival, which is being held this week .... The North Sea Jazz Festival took place in The Hague this past weekend and SA jazz legends Jonas Gwanga, Winston 'Mankunku' Ngozi, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Hugh Masekela perfomed to huge crowds on the festival's special South African stage .... Jazz maestros Michael Franks and Earl Klugh are heading to South Africa this August for three performances, as part of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival series .... Heinz Winckler has been invited to play the lead role of Tony, in the musical 'West Side Story' in Toronto. (By now you must be seriously wondering why we're called the SA "Rock" Digest? - Ed.) Andre Meiring pays tribute to the late George Lotz ... The Klippies and Cola Student Sessions are back in the fairest Cape after the winter vac ... The OppiKoppe fill us in on stuff like David Kramer, 'Project Fame', and the OppiKoppi/Pukkelpop exchange, now in its 5th year! ... Sony has moved premises in Johannesburg, and we have all the details!!! Cool hey! New SA mp3's this week from Soulja ('Amandla'), The Chalks ('Bad Habits'), Piet Botha - ('Sien Jou Weer'), Baobab ('Fidelity'), and Jo Day ('No Warning') .... Steve Hofmeyr is the first to give us his list of his favourite 10 SA songs in our newly renamed 'Tune Us Your Top 10' section (previously known as the bit too Style Magish 'Celeb:Select') ... We meet up with Gallo's new rock signing, Mono, and listen to his album called 'In Stereo' .... Some info on The Chalks who have a new mp3 released this week ..... Last week Kurt Shoemaker reviewed Seether's re-release of 'Disclaimer II' and this week he looks at the rest of that package, which includes four music videos, a short documentary, and eight live songs on a DVD .... John Samson was out at the London gigs again this week and sent us reviews of both the Neo Muyanga and Vusi Mahlasela concerts. The Q and Not U SA tour is just a few weeks away and is set to be one of the sickest tours to hit South African shores. ... Sunday's regional finals of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds at the Coliseum Show Bar was the fullest the venue has been since the event's inception - all the RP News ... Daniel Neville has been on the road with FuziGish and caught us with news from their 'Exploited And Distorted' national tour ... Friday night saw the Jo'burg leg of the Rudimentals' 'More Fire' tour and Nadia Neophytou was at Carfax to watch the nine-piece ska-punk gangstas topping a brilliant bill that included Diesel Whores, Slash Dogs, and Fokofpolisiekar. There's also the usual weekly SA mp3 and album charts, recommended SA gigs, letters to Sound Solutions, Digest Classifieds, old SA and LM 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. ----------------------------
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... ---------------------------- 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 Sugar Music. 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
RODRIGUEZ TO PLAY GIG IN NAM http://www.sugarman.org Rodriguez arrived in Windhoek from Detroit last Saturday and will be performing a one-off concert in a place called Otjiwarongo on Thursday 15 July. This concert forms part of the Cheetah National Arts Festival which is being held this week in this small Namibian town which is approximately 400kms from Windhoek The cult singer-songwriter, known for his albums 'Cold Fact' and 'After The Fact', celebrated his 62nd birthday last week and is looking forward to his first concert in Namibia. The organisers of the concert felt that Rodriguez was the ideal choice for this festival as his music loomed very large in the minds of many of the South African soldiers who spent time in Namibia during the border wars of the '70's and the '80's. It has been said that Rodriguez' music was to the war in Namibia what Jimi Hendrix's music was to the soldiers in Vietnam. Rodriguez will be travelling on to South Africa following the Namibiam concert, but (to date) no SA concerts have been pencilled in for the artist's SA visit, although discussions are underway for a possible third SA tour in late2004 or early 2005. Rodriguez' two studio albums, 'Cold Fact' and 'After The Fact', were recently reissued with full liner notes and new packaging and those albums, as well as the 'Live Fact' album (recorded during Rodriguez' first tour to SA in 1998) are currently available online at http://sugarmusic.gemm.com Air Namibia has designed special packages from South Africa including air fare, car hire and accommodation at the Festival. Contact details for the Cheetah National Arts Festival are: Tel: (067) 30 1216; Fax: (067) 30 1202 E-mail: a mailto:artworks@iafrica.com.na Website: www.cheetahartsfestival.iway.na READ LISTEN BUY http://www.sugarman.org -------------- SA JAZZ ARTISTS CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF FREEDOM IN HOLLAND South African jazz legends Jonas Gwanga, Winston 'Mankunku' Ngozi, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Hugh Masekela (who played with the Jamaica All Stars) celebrated 10 years into democracy with thousands of music lovers from around the world when they performed on the South African stage of the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague this past weekend. The festival ran from Friday July 9th until Sunday July 11 and this was the 6th year running that esp Afrika, owners of the North Sea Jazz Festival in Cape Town, together with their Dutch partners Mojo Concerts, who own the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland, proudly presented some of South Africa's best known and loved jazz artists to very appreciative audiences. Theo van der Hoek, Festival Director of North Sea in Holland says that it has become customary to feature SA jazz groups. "This year we dedicated one stage, the Dakterras (Roof Terrace) to SA artists as the country is celebrating their 10 years since their Democratic elections in 1994. The last time we did that was when we launched the South African edition of North Sea in 1999 - and the festival-goers loved it!" Artists who have performed at North Sea in Holland over the past six years include Sylvia Mdunyelwa, the late Moses Molelekwa, Judith Sephuma, Jimmy Dludlu, the Sheer All Stars, Paul Hanmer, Ringo Madlingozi, Jabu Khanyile, Miriam Makeba, Zim Ngqwana, Tribe, Selaelo Selota, Winston Mankunku and Robbie Jansen. 2004 is also the first year that South Africa sent a youth group, The Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band, to take part in the NSJF Student Programme, a successful annual collaboration between NSJF and the IAJE (International Association for Jazz Education). This group of talented young musicians has played to great acclaim at the North Sea Cape Town for the past two years. They, and another 13 outstanding school groups performed on the IAJE Students Stage, the Spiegel Tent Stage and attended a number of workshops, clinics and jam sessions. The driving force behind the National Youth band is Director Alan Webster of the Stirling High School in East London. The Musical Director for 2004 (this position changes annually) is the very respected Professor Darius Brubeck of the University of Natal. Rashid Lombard, Director of espAfrika and Festival Director of the North Sea Jazz Festival in Cape Town, says that taking artists to perform in Holland is just the tip of the iceberg. "Since 1999 we have toured groups to jazz festivals in Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands and France. And this year Winston Mankunku has been invited to perform at the Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival in Rome before he even gets to the North Sea. This invitation was arranged by SA's Ambassador to Rome, Lenin Shoppe." Every year whilst in Europe Rashid spends time promoting both South African music festivals and South African musicians to a variety of people and countries. And this is year is no different. espAfrika starts this process by extensively promoting the North Sea Jazz Festival Cape Town at the 'sister' festival in Holland. Once the Dutch festival is over Rashid flies to Berlin to meet with ITB, the organisers of the International Tourism Exchange 2005 which is the largest tourism exhibition in Europe. Rashid will be discussing the possibility of an SA Cultural Pavillion where espAfrika will not only market the North Sea Jazz Festival Cape Town, but other festivals such as Macufe in Bloemfontein, the KKK in Oudtshoorn, Awesome Africa in Durban, the Jo'burg International Joy of Jazz and Oppikoppi in Pretoria. "Our aim is to promote major festivals as a point of entry for international tourists. We have done the same thing very successfully on the domestic market by promoting the North Sea Jazz Festival Cape Town at the annual travel Indaba in Durban." Then Lombard is off to Sweden at the invitation of the Swedish Jazz Foundation to attend the Stockholm International Jazz Festival and discuss the exchange of jazz education and jazz performers. Says Lombard, "Once again we have the opportunity to visit festivals in Europe with the intention of promoting South African artists for their future programming. There is always interest in SA musicians but the problem we face as promoters is that the costs of flights and land travel is not paid for by festivals unless you have a name like Miriam Makeba or Abdullah Inbrahim! However, for the past 5/6 years we have managed to raise the funding here but this will soon not be possible. We need to address the issue of a Cultural Export Council with the DTI and work together to implement this assistance. Right now, by playing artists internationally, we bring back foreign currency that contributes to the GDP of the country. Imagine what we could achieve for our country, our economy and our music industry with a little more assistance!" If you want to see what the complete line-up looked like this past weekend, including names like Carlos Santana and Alicia Keys, have a look at www.northseajazz.nl www.northseajazz.nl/ -------------- MICHAEL FRANKS AND EARL KLUGH COMING TO SA T-Musicman and Big Concerts are proud to announce that legendary Jazz maestros Michael Franks and Earl Klugh are heading to South Africa this August for three performances, as part of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival series and in association with Metro FM. The tour kicks off on the 26th at the Standard Bank Arena and the 27th at the Newtown Festival Site in Johannesburg, and then heads south to the Cape Town International Convention Centre on the 28th. The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival series has developed rapidly over the past six years since the bank's first involvement in jazz at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. Standard Bank, as a long-standing supporter of SA's arts and cultural heritage including music, has been the title sponsor of the National Arts Festival since 1984, showcasing the cream of local talent together with some of the best international artists Michael Franks, an enormously popular performer, started out his career in the `70's, and drew his eclectic repertoire from a broad field including currently popular folk music and aspects of the blues. He recorded his first album in 1973 and has enjoyed success with a string of albums and worked with a string of distinguished artists including The Crusaders, David Sanborn, Flora Purim, Kenny Rankin, Ron Carter and The Carpenters. 'Watching the Snow', Michael's most recent album released in 2003, has already won the "Grand-Prix" Award for 2003 in the Rock/Pop Category with the premier Japanese Music Magazine 'ADLIB' Earl Klugh is arguably the best acoustic guitarist around today. He was putting the "smooth" into jazz long before there was an official radio format, debuting the light-hearted, easy funk style that became his trademark on a self-titled album in 1976. At the tender age of fifteen, a chance meeting with jazz great Yusef Lateef led to an early recording opportunity, which in turn led to Klugh's joining George Benson's touring band, 'Return to Forever', a few years later. Since the beginning of his solo career in the mid-seventies, the multiple-Grammy Award Nominee has had successful collaborations with legendary artists, including Bob James and George Benson. Over the course of nearly 30 albums he has become in the modern smooth jazz genre one of the most imitated acoustic guitar icons. His light funk beats and great emphasis on sound has earned him the unquestionable respect of his peers and Jazz enthusiasts. Tour itinerary: Thursday 26h August - Standard Bank Arena, Johannesburg Friday 27th August - Newtown Festival Site, Johannesburg Saturday 28th August - Cape Town International Convention Centre Ticket prices: Johannesburg - R125; R175; R200 Cape Town - R150; R200; R250 *Excluding Computicket service charges Book at Computicket Computicket Internet Site - www.computicket.com Computicket Call Centre: 083 915 8000 For more information on upcoming shows - www.bigconcerts.co.za For further media information, please contact e-mail: lara@bigconcerts.co.za -------------- HEINZ SIDE STORY - SA "IDOL" TO STAR IN CANADIAN PRODUCTION Birdcage Productions, a Canadian production company based in Toronto, has invited Heinz Winckler to play the lead role of Tony in the musical, West Side Story. This will be Heinz's first major acting role appearing on stage at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga from the 12th - 14th August 2004. Heinz was in Toronto from June 22nd-29th, to promote West Side Story at various press conferences with the Canadian media. West Side Story will mark the 39th show by Birdcage Productions. Brian Bird, creator of Birdcage Productions, is thrilled to have Heinz taking the lead role. In order to take part in this production, Heinz has taken time out of the recording studio where he is presently recording his second album due out at the end of August. "This is an awesome opportunity for me, I am really exited at where this could lead .The producers contacted me and caught me off guard with the whole concept and I feel honoured to be chosen to proudly represent S.A. This is yet another way to make a name for myself on the Canadian market and to see what opportunities will come from the exposure. This is not a career change for me, just a new way to explore my musical talent." Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Heinz's character Tony is the modern day equivalent of Romeo. -------------- THE KLIPPIES AND COLA STUDENT SESSIONS - JULY/AUGUST The Klippies and Cola Student Sessions are back in the fairest Cape after the winter vac. Catch the best live tunes every Tuesday night alternately at The Independent Armchair Theatre in Cape Town and Die Mystic Boer in Stellenbosch. 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, establishing a campus-centred live music circuit. Aimed primarily at UCT and Stellenbosch University and their surrounding areas, two regional bands are chosen to perform together on Tuesdays at Die Mystic Boer or 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. Who are the bands appearing in this round of sessions? David Foster - His first gig was at the evergreen student hangout, The Terrace. This was followed by numerous appearances in almost every venue from Stellenbosch to Plettenberg Bay, touring in his rusty hatchback, playing his favourite songs (by artists such as Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Jose Feliciano, The Beatles, Counting Crows, Dave Matthews Band, Nirvana, Just Jinger, Henry Ate, Pearl Jam, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Badly Drawn Boy, David Gray, Sting). But, as Dave says:" One reaches a point that when you have something to convey, you simply can not do it with another person's words." So the decision was made to record a full album of original music, and David approached Jurgen von Wechmar Sunset Studios, recording home of Valiant Swart, Koos Kombuis and origin of the early Springbok Nude Girls albums. After a month and a bit, 'Flat to Round', the long-awaited, dèbut offering of David Foster and his band was complete. The album was launched in October and was followed by a number of rave reviews and a Gauteng Launch in Feb 2004. Superfine - one of the most exciting new Cape Town bands in the past two years, Superfine began in 1996 with three Hout Bay classmates - Andrew McKellar, Kevin Mitchell and Richard Wouters. In 2003, apart from attracting record company attention from a major American label, they also released their second EP, 'For The Kid At The Back'. The tracks on 'For The Kid At The Back' are appealing and fresh, packed with a raw energy and lyrical sincerity that has become synonymous with their sound. Although Superfine gig mostly in and around Cape Town, they have gigged at a few other locations around the country, more recently finishing a successful nationwide tour as the support act for Tree63 in February and March 2003. Superfine are planning to tour around the States in the middle of 2004. The A-Bomb - Cape Town's most explosive new trio. A head-on collision of voodoo funk afro punk and jazz. Ambitious and truly original, the A-Bomb's music is a blast of high energy and diversity. The A-Bomb are: Woody on bass (Springbok Nude Girls, New Porn), Campbell on guitar (Sydney, Aus) and Damien on drums (Spindle Sect, Black Milk). Sonic Dynamite!! The Tornados - a relatively old band with a new attitude. Their music incorporates rockabilly with the energy of punk. To date they have been keeping a low profile but due to the growing interest in bands such as Martin Rocka and the Sickshop and The Diesel Whores, The Tornados are making their presence felt as the only rockabilly band in Cape Town. The band features Matt Styx (formerly from The Mavericks and The Bantam Cocks, now also The Three Bored White Guys), Ian Arrow (extremely talented vocalist and guitarist) and, a new addition to the line-up, Mista E (The Rudimentals' guitarist); who took on the overwhelming task of playing the upright bass. Currently The Tornados are in the process of recording an album of original material that was mainly penned by Ian and release is due for October 2004. For more information The Tornados has a website at www.thetornados.co.za. Tonight We Die - This band has been described as "intensely emotional, relentlessly honest and unforgivingly introspective". Their songs are written to mirror the heart. Much of their emotion is delivered through Claude Barnardo's incredibly well written lyrics and profoundly unique voice, the raw intensity and creative guitaring, Wilbert's intricate, soulful and distinct basslines and Mike's dynamic and sometimes strangely positioned time signatures. However, as talented as each of these individuals are, it is only when they come together, up on that stage and sharing that they truly shine. Line-up for July/August 2004: 13 July - The Independent Armchair Theatre, Cape Town The A-Bomb The Tornados 20 July - The Mystic Boer, Stellenbosch The A-Bomb Superfine 27 July - The Independent Armchair Theatre, Cape Town Lyderkane Tonight We Die v 3 August - The Mystic Boer, Stellenbosch David Foster The Tornados For more Information: 021 465 8504 / info@bastardmedia.co.za -------------- OPPIKOPPI NEWS UPDATES The immediate future will see quintessential South African David Kramer, gooi a turn in Pretoria for the first time in 8 years for 4 nights only. (A handful of seats are still available for certain evenings.). Oppikoppi has also committed itself to handling the artist management for MNET and Endemol's 'Project Fame'. After all of this there are even more fruity numbers in the tune stable. The OppiKoppi/Pukkelpop exchange - now in its 5th year - will celebrate not only the haphazard but healthy relationship amongst friends - but also ten years of relative personal freedom for South Africans, with the introduction of the 'Wablief' stage. This stage will play host specifically to South African and Belgian artists who have in some way played - or are still playing - a role in renegotiation of the way the music world works with South Africa. The gods bless them and the stage and each and every amp on or around the greater Kiewit Hasselt area. More details on this stage and the festival can be found at www.pukkelppop.be. Then as a final salute and with the help of really really good friends, institutions and the Luxor Theatre in Rotterdam, Oppikoppi is assisting in putting together a charity event for the Cotlands Sanctuary in Johannesburg. The event will be called "A vuis vol diamante" and will see Vusi Mahlasela and Johnny Clegg perform two nights only with a selection of soloists (McCoy Mrubata, Albert Frost and Siya Makuzeni). At the time of going to press it looked like the evenings would be open to everyone except paid-up Ajax supporters. -------------- RELOCATION OF SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT S.A OFFICE The Sony Music Entertainment S.A (230 Jan Smuts Avenue, Dunkeld West) office was to relocate to the Sony South Africa office (179 - 15th Road, Randjiespark, Midrand) during the second week of July 2004. The official move was scheduled to take place from the 7th to the 9th of July, thus services were interrupted for that period, but everything will be fully operational effective from today, Monday, the 12th of July 2004. Sony Music Entertainment S.A hereby wishes to inform you of the new contact details as shown below, please amend your records accordingly: Company Name: Sony Music Entertainment S.A Physical Address: Building Name - Sony South Africa Business Park 179 - 15th Road Randjiespark Midrand 1685 Postal Address: Remains unaltered P O Box 411463 Craighall 2024 Telephone: Switchboard (011) 690 3200 Fax: T.B.A. All Mobile Numbers: Remain unaltered All E-mail: Remain unaltered -------------- AND FINALLY... A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE LOTZ By Andre Meiring I am writing to you regarding an old friend of mine, George Lotz. He died a couple of weeks ago and it would be great if you guys could recognise him and perhaps do a little story on him. George lived his whole life being involved in music in one way or another. He lived the life of the true "legend". He was my friend since the age of 5 and we surfed, played and learnt music together through the mid-50's and 60's. We grew up in Durban in the seedy area near the docks, off Point Rd. As far as I know, he lived in the Pretoria area the last 20 years or so. I had not seen him in at least 28yrs. We were the silent achievers, and never got to make a name for ourselves, yet, we were in there, in the South African music scene and set many standards. I am sure there are many titbits regarding this fine musician that you can find. He also played with friends of mine in the Silver Creek Mountain Band. (Rod Dry, Dennis, David Tarr) I have been living in Australia since 1982 and was part of a music movement in Durban through the late 60's. I formed a little acoustic band called the "South Country Band" with Mitch Cheketri, Patrick Flannigan and Rodney King in Durban. A guy called Louis Raberro (Possibly Louis Ribeiro? - Ed)?) joined after I left. Back in those days we used to play at Tiles club in Durban, where Brian Finch used to perform and run the scene. I am still involved in music and play covers in the "Club Land " of East Coast, Gold Coast, Queensland. I play covers to make a living. I'm always checking out your monthly email. I go back a very long time in South African music. It's great to recognise the names of the musos from way back, Colin Pratley, Kenny Henson, Brian Finch, ... and the list goes on. Sadly, a lot of good musicians left South Africa in the early years, as it was too difficult to make a living from our craft. It is good to see that things have changed in the last number of years. Regards Andre Meiring www.andremeiring.com -------------- CHARTS 
SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com (Based on downloads from SAmp3.com and MWeb Entertainment)
1. [2] (1) Noh TV - The Rudimentals ('More Fire'/Indie) New Releases
MP3's: ------- MWEB ------- http://www.mweb.co.za/hubs/entertainment/music/download.aspx SAmp3.com is the official and exclusive supplier of South African mp3's to MWeb's SA Music Download section. Every week 5 new songs are available for exclusive download for MWeb subscribers. These tracks have never been released on mp3 before. Non-MWeb subscribers can still listen to these tracks at the MWeb site, but you will not be able to save them onto your hard-drive. However in about two weeks' time all 5 of these songs will be available for everyone to download at http://www.SAmp3.com See the listings below...... This week's 5 New and Exclusive mp3 titles at MWeb: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Soulja - 'Amandla' In his glowing review of Soulja's album, '21 Gunslut', in 'This Day', SA music journalist Craig Canavan described 'Amandla' as follows: "Take a song like 'Amandla', a crazy conglomeration of spoken word, rap and frantic crooning (in Xhosa and English), laid down against a reggae and funk-rock hybrid that will get the most reticent of souls bouncing around like a demented pogo stick.". He's spot on (as usual), so give it a listen! Baobab - 'Fidelity' This 6-person group, assembled by singer-songwriter Ed Lewis, has been finishing off its debut album, 'Code 14', over the past few months. But Baobab gave us something to listen to, to tide us over until that album arrives, and we are grateful for that. The song is called 'Fidelity' and it has a naggingly infectious guitar riff, contrasting with some whiny male vocals singing "All I'm saying, is please be gentle, I am frail, but I'm not fragile". Think elements of Blur, Violent Femmes and The Pixies (all acknowledged as strong influences by the group) and you'll know why we're very interested in that upcoming album by Baobab. The Chalks - 'Bad Habits' Some wry lyrics over a loose punky rock sound, that's 'Bad Habits', the impressive first track off the demo debut received from this Cape Town 5-piece. Read all about The Chalks in the CD section below. Piet Botha - 'Sien Jou Weer' (live 2003) This is the first track to be made available as an mp3 off Piet Botha & Jack Hammer's just-released live double CD called 'Live At The Nile'. 'Sien Jou Weer' originally appeared on the classic 'Suitcase Vol Winter' album by Piet Botha back in 1997 and even received radio play at the time. This new version was recorded live in February 2003 at the Nile Crocodile in Pretoria. Piet Botha & Jack Hammer's 'Live At The Nile' CD is now available at Sugar Music/Mabu Vinyl in Cape Town and also online at http://sugarmusic.gemm.com Jo Day - 'No Warning' There are many SA rock fans who just can't enough of Jo Day, so we have something new for you called 'No Warning'...okay? That should keep you satisfied for a while... Last week's 5 New and Exclusive mp3 titles at MWeb: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Syd Kitchen - 'Perfect Condition' A contender for the new unofficial SA national anthem, this perky little slice of folkie optimism, off Syd's "best of" CD, called 'Quintessentially', will have you feeling good in no time..."Don't be sad there's a lot of us out there, we're the army of winners and losers, don't be sad, you know it's not so bad!". ......If you can't stand the heat get into the Kitchen!! Kent O Shea - 'Hi My Love' Kent is the vocalist for Cape Town group Happy 420, here with a sweet and sunny solo release. Sumare - 'Sonder Jou In My Lewe' Find out why Sumare is regarded as one of the classiest new vocal talents on the Afrikaans music scene. Sedwick - 'Hope Given' This is the powerful opening rock track off Cape Town band Sedwick's new album 'The Realisation Of Purpose' Blood Island Raiders - 'Fear' Due to popular demand we have more controlled aggression and thunder from the Raiders' power five-song EP called 'For The Sake Of Clarity' Visit the South African Music Download section of MWeb at: http://www.mweb.co.za/hubs/entertainment/music/download.aspx If you would like your song, picture and website link on the MWeb website please go to: http://www.SAmp3.com/faq.html to find out how. ------------ SAmp3.com ------------ This week's SAmp3.com recommended downloads: Starburst - 'Get Your Juices Going' - Annelie, Freya, Nathalie, Karen and DJ Switch come "bursting" onto the SA pop scene with this sparky debut. BlueScream - 'Another Man's Woman' - Renowned SA producer, Tully McCully, rounded up some quality musicians to show the young 'uns how classic rock should sound. The Tripps - 'Mars Mission' - A trippy taster from Nathan Waywell's new Sci-Fi album called '20/20 Vision'. High Trailor - 'Lonely Road' - The High Trailors are the Perry Brothers, Jon (vocals/bass) and Simon (guitar/vocals), with Sean Smith on drums and Gary van Vuuren on guitar - here with the title track off the band's new 'Lonely Road' EP Zinkplaat - 'Alles Is OK' - What's this then? Optimistic young Afrikaans rock-punk off Zinkplaat's debut 'Karoo Poison' EP Amanda Strydom - 'Verspreide Donderbuie' This is the title track off Amanda's SAMA Award-winning album. Bored - 'Tame' Be warned! This is the new metal track from Bored...! Luna - 'All You'll Need' A superb taster for Gauteng audiences who will be seeing Luna live shortly. Celtic Rumours - 'Africa In Motion' The second previously unreleased track from the SA band of the '80's. Roger Lucey - 'Thabane' A recent track from one of SA's finest folkies 340ML - 'Midnight' A typically innovative and cool track off 340ml's acclaimed new album, 'Moving'. Serving Suggestion - 'Sky Is Falling' A back to basics tuneful rock song from the Cape Town band's album, 'Try Whistling This'. Hex - 'Sonskynkind' Hex is a young female trio, comprising three related and very talented Cape musicians, whose songs and harmonies have been compared to The Roches. Happy 420 - 'What You Doing?' Some contemporary political pop from one of Cape Town's most sussed bands. Off The Edge - 'Site Under Construction' Title track taken from Off The Edge's fifth album. Kallitz - 'Oppie Yaat' First single from the Cape Town hip hop trio's new album, 'Die Ding Ruk Mal', which is being launched next week. Bed On Bricks - 'City' Second mp3 release, and more urban funk from the very tasty 'Humanarium' CD. Mitsoo - 'Suburbia' The new single from Cape Town's finest all female punk trio. Plush - 'My Baby' These boys are building a very large and loyal following with their stripped-down acoustic folk-pop tunes. Thys Nywerheid - 'Vir Funk En Vaderland' What a great title, makes you want to hear what the hell it sounds like! -------------- 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. ----------------- 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. ---------------------------- TUNE US YOUR TOP 10: STEVE HOFMEYR Every week we ask a well-known SA music personality, musician, or fan to give us a list of their top 10 South African songs: This week it is the turn of Afrikaans pop star, Steve Hofmeyr, who was announced at the recent SAMA Awards, as the best-selling SA artist for the year. Over to Steve: Hi, The 'TOEKA' project has made me nostalgic about some very old songs, and once again, you can't imagine how thankful I am for your Rock charts in the success of that. These are the well-known ones, most of them fairly dated: 1. Burnout - Hotline 2. Cry To Me - Staccatos 3. Tips Of My Fingers - Peter Vee 4. You Gotta Live - Zayn Adams 5. Everybody's Cheatin' - Rabbitt 6. Oh Brother - Finch & Henson 7. Weeping - Bright Blue 8. The Spaniard - Lesley Rae Downing 9. All Of Woman - Robin Auld 10. So you Win Again - Copperfield Regards! Steve Note to all readers: The 'Tune Us' section is open to contributions from all and any SA music fan, celebrity or artist, who would like to send us a list of their Top 10 favourite SA songs of all time. Please send those lists to: mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=TuneUsTop10 or use the form at http://www.rock.co.za/files/tuneus_form.html -------------- THE 'TUNE US YOUR TOP 10' WEBSITE All those Celeb:Select selections from previous weeks and future 'Tune Us' lists can now be found at: http://www.rock.co.za/files/tuneus.html -------------- A MEETING WITH MONO Over the past decade, Gallo SA's snapping up of young South African rock talent has not been that frequent. Since the major label's surprising signing of the well-established Battery 9 a few years back, they seemed to have moved well away from rock and have been looking more closely at the burgeoning SA hip hop and R&B scenes for new acts, going instead for groups like Seed and Skwatta Kamp, who justified the label's faith with that recent SAMA Award for 'Best Rap Album'. So when I hear that Gallo have signed a new SA rock act, called Mono, I am obviously very keen to see what turns up and if it's another manufactured product from one of those terrible TV talent contest shows, or maybe even a hip young garage band from Parkhurst. There's not too long to wait to find out as Gallo are bringing this new Jo'burg-based star down to Cape Town to meet and greet the Mother City music press. Mono's debut CD, called 'In Stereo', arrives well in advance allowing plenty of time to get acquainted with its 12 tracks and check out the dude on the cover who looks exactly like we imagined rock stars in 2004 would look when we thought about that back in the last century. He's got a spiky thatch of hair, angular features, and a slightly menacing glare, which emanates from someone wearing what looks like a very hip straightjacket. But I see no other faces on the cover or sleeve, what gives here? Turns out Mono is both the name of the artist as well as his band - like if they had called that Irish band "Bono" instead of "U2" The first pleasant surprises about this release are that the songs on 'In Stereo' are all written by Mono, have mostly intriguing one-word titles like 'Reign', 'Fuel' 'Forever' and 'Maybe', and there's not a cover version in sight...so far so good. We arrange to meet for a short afternoon chat at Mabu Vinyl, which is the music shop with the pavement table where you can sit and watch the world and all its cars moving through the busy Long Street Baths intersection. So, I spend the morning playing 'In Stereo' on the shop's outside music system, so that I, along with all the passers-by, can decide whether Mr Mono's album is any good. After the first five songs it seems that we all like the album a lot. How do I know? Well the opening song is called 'I'm Yours' and it is a bold, loud and ballsy rock stomper that immediately has some passing pedestrians smiling and playing appreciative air-guitar as they walk by. We all agree that 'Another Day' is good, but is a little too close to a Lenny Krawitz sound-a-like to get a gushing review, but it's still but one of many crisp productions on what is so far a pretty impressive album. Songs like 'Labour Of Love' and 'Walk Away' are slower emotional ballads with lots of "missing you's'' all over the big hook choruses. But overall, after a few impressed listenings, I'm keen to meet this new sensation. When we meet, Mono is cool and focused and seems pleasingly natural and confident. His manager, who is accompanying him on this trip, is Werner van Zyl, who had a hand in the careers of successful SA acts like Just Jinger, Karen Zoid, and Watershed, so Gallo have ensured that their new lad is in good hands. Mono arrives and is disarmingly surprised and grateful for this sudden elevation in status. He had spent many years busking, both in SA and later in the UK and US, before opting to study the excellent music course at the Allenby Campus School of Contemporary Music in Johannesburg. He performed solo as "Janitor" (a reference to his real name), and in groups like Storyline, before linking up with guitarist Dan Patlansky in a band called Cross Town Traffic. Patlansky is currently the acclaimed young SA blues guitarist whose prowess is mentioned in hushed whispers, and who has coincidentally just signed a deal with EMI SA and is also due to release his first album. Patlansky went on to form his Missippi Muthers group, while Mono went the solo route, writing and recording (and distributing!) his demo album with friend and musician, Jake Odendaal, in early-2003. That resulted in the Gallo deal which saw Mono heading back into Downtown Studios to record 'In Stereo' with Jake and Peter Pearlson and a gang of top session musicians. Just before Mono says goodbye and heads off down Long Street with his manager he tells me that he is proud of his new album and is keen to get on stage to promote it and meet his new fans. There will be plenty when Mono starts getting seen on TV and this impressive bunch of songs starts getting plenty of airplay, which will both happen soon. Mono works all the pop-rock styles competently with a voice that has that a genuine and emotional rough edge that is somehow missing from the current crop of SA pop stars. Remember the name...it's Mono, rhymes with Bono. -------------- THE CHALKS The Chalks, who contribute one of this week's new songs at MWeb's mp3 site, are a curious fusion of five people "who have very little in common, yet the finished product seems to please them greatly" as they explain. The band is made up of vocalist Ryan Fisher, bassist Jeremy Daniel, guitarists Paul Janisch and Steve Traill and a drummer called Robin Wheeler, all of them music veterans. Jeremy Daniel started the band as a pastime after he left Fetish. He roped in old friends and retired musical acquaintances with the same sense of loose anarchy. Ryan Fisher cut his musical teeth playing the college circuit with Stone River in the mid nineties. Steve Traill was a popular draw in the Johannesburg party scene with the covers band, Seatbelt. Paul Janisch has some pub gigging experience (internationally too) but is best known as the part-time bass player for Seatbelt. Robin Wheeler is a free thinking yet strong timekeeping sticksman. Finding it difficult to fully accommodate the diverse musical tastes of all the members, the band tends to concentrate on original material peppered with the occasional cover. These originals are currently being recorded for an EP which is being produced by Jeff Fletcher. The song 'Bad Habits' was written by Paul Janisch and features Keith Nicholls (aka Page) on drums instead of Robin Wheeler. There is also a cover of the Fetish song, 'Virtual Rizla' which was written by Jeremy Daniel You can contact the band at mailto:paulj@ohwell.co.za --------------- JUNE RELEASES AT ONE WORLD New releases on One World for the month of June are: DVD ------- Ringo - 'Greatest Hits - Live' The historic Pretoria State Theatre recording, now available on DVD, features the likes of Busi Mhlongo, Mandoza, McCoy Mrubata and many more local artists performing alongside Ringo. CD ---- Jazz: Abdullah Ibrahim - 'Water From An Ancient Well' This classic album from 1968 by the South African jazz piano maestro is now available as a CD reissue. Hugh Masekela - 'Still Grazing' These are the tracks that made Hugh Masekela a house-hold name - includes songs like 'Languita', 'Grazing In The Grass', and 'Stimela' to mention but a few of the masterpieces on this gem of a release. Pop & Rock: Sugardrive - 'Love etc...' The highly-anticipated comeback album from the Johannesburg rock band that enjoyed success with albums like 'When I Died I was Elvis' and 'Sand.Man.Sky' Tweak - 'The Lost Boys Club' The latest album from the young Jo'burg punk-pop sensations 16Stitch - 'Beautiful Angelic Parasite' This is the debut album from a band that has been building a strong following on the Gauteng rock scene. Fuzigish - 'Exploited & Distorted' A fresh and fantastic new album from South Africa's premier ska-punk outfit Dance/Electronica: Watkin Tudor Jones - 'Memoirs Of A Clone' This very hard-to-find album from Waddy Tudor Jones was his solo work that appeared just before the release of his Max Normal album. Now available again! Township Pop: Mina Nawe - 'Mina Nawe' The trendy tracks on this popular group's debut album merge the sounds of kwaito with Township pop. Nana - 'Five Loaves And Two Fish' With a voice like Macy Gray, mixed with some Erykah Badu, Nana comes from Swaziland and penned all the tracks on this excellent debut album. Sydney - 'The Best Of Mama's Baby' Thanks to Universal Records you now can get the best of Mama's Baby all in one super package. R&B: Tima Reece - 'My Body's Crying' Plenty of smooth and groovy sounds from this popular artist on a very worthy new album. Gospel: Paul Gwala - 'Unembeza' This album is a must-have for Gospel fans and features Deborah Fraser on one of the tracks. Kholeka - 'Umkhula Jehova' The third album from the lady who brought you albums such as 'Bambelela (Hold On)' and 'Masizilungiselele (Let's Prepare Ourselves for his coming)', with some inspirational gospel tunes. Kwaito: Zola - 'Bhambatha' A superb album with a refined Kwaito and traditional flair, that shows off the more mature side of Zola, and features the genuis Ihashi Elimhlophe on the track 'Gray-town' Mafikizolo - 'Music Revolution' A look back at an early album by Mafikizolo when the band was first formed with some really memorable tracks like 'Imini', 'Cabasa' and many more. House: Jemza - 'House Beats' Kyllex, of the famous hit 'Intwenmnandi Kanje', has now transformed to Jemza with a different sound and hits like 'Sibungu', 'My Wonderful World' and 'My Life'. Soundtracks: Sarafina! Broadway Cast Recording - 'Sarafina! The Music Of Liberation' Mbongeni Ngema fever has hit town again in the form of a Broadway Cast Recording of the famous 'Sarafina the Musical', with an additional fourteen explosive tracks. Afrikaans: David Kramer - 'Huistoe' David Kramer just released a new CD called 'Huistoe', his first Afrikaans CD in 5 years, featuring twelve new songs which are thematically linked to the Karoo and Namaqualand where Kramer has spent much time searching for and working with musicians who play what he calls, "die ou liedjies" (the old music). Naaimasjiene - 'Live' A historic and very welcome release for this rare live recording from the legendary and controversial band which was recorded at Moeritboetie Oppikoppi Festival in Northam 1996 Skallabrak - 'Kophou International' A rollicking and robust set of tracks on this new album by one of the more popular Afrikaans bands. Coenie De Villiers - 'Handgemaak' More winning pop on this acclaimed new album by one of the most respected Afrikaans artists. Reggae: Dr Victor - 'If You Wanna Be Happy' The Doctor is back with a prescription for happiness that involves listening to the great songs on his latest album. Buy all or any of these CD's at: http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?affiliateID=4321 -------------- ARTISTS -------- SPOTLIGHT ON: JACK HAMMER: 20 YEARS OF POUNDING DOWN THE ROAD - PART 2 By Brian Currin 1992 saw a new Jack Hammer, with drummer Findlay Malherbe playing a major role in the new sound, tighter arrangements, and energy that came to light on 'Ghosts On The Wind', which was released in 1994 to much critical acclaim. The highlight of this collaboration was Jack Hammer opening for Deep Purple and Uriah Heep on their "Masters of Rock" tour in March/April 1995. Findlay went to America, so "The Duke" arrived on the scene. Paul van der Waal had been drumming with bands for years and had to stand in one night in an emergency, without ever having met Jack Hammer. He was hired the same night and is still happily drumming away with them today. He is known as "The Duke", because he always looks smart. 1996 saw Jack Hammer signing to a record label for the first time! Till then, Botha had always been fiercely independent. The first album to be released under the now well-known Wildebeest label was Jack Hammer's 'Death of a Gypsy', with catalogue number WILD001. During this time the band was also privileged to be the supporting act for ZZ Top (one of Botha's prime influences) on their South African tour. Jackson recalls this as being a high point of his 20 years or so with Jack Hammer: "Ah, you know, everyday is a high point; whenever I hear the guys. I've always been surrounded by so many great musicians that I count it a privilege," says Jackson. During 1997 Botha was asked to write and record an Afrikaans album. Using the Jack Hammer band members at the time, Jonathan Martin, Jason Phillips and Jorik Pienaar, the result was the all-Afrikaans 'Suitcase Vol Winter' album, released in late-1997, which proved to be a watershed. This album is considered a classic by many and a superb example of the groundbreaking alt.Afrikaans genre. The major change in Jack Hammer's sound and direction came about by a strange twist of fate when Jonathan Martin joined the band in April 1997. Suddenly there was another singer and songwriter in the band and, despite his youth, his guitar style was linked to the '70's. Soon Piet and Jonathan were doing acoustic shows (as Piet and The Kid), mixing the repertoire from English to Afrikaans and doing covers of old blues classics. Then there were also the electric rock shows, with some vintage Jack Hammer sounds. Botha released a second Afrikaans album in November 1999, entitled 'Jan Skopgraaf', which did not fare as well as 'Suitcase' but which did include some classic tracks like the live favourite, 'Blues Vir Louise'. A Jack Hammer compilation, titled simply 'Anthology', was released in January 2000 and featured tracks from all four previous Jack Hammer albums plus four new recordings. It also included a new re-recording of their classic song 'Fort Lauderdale', which was based on the story of bank robber André Stander. Those new songs were recorded during the winter of 1999 at Sunset Recording Studios just outside Stellenbosch. In February 2001 a limited edition live album, the confusingly titled 'Bootleg', was released and credited to Piet Botha and Jack Hammer. That album included tracks from both the Piet Botha (Afrikaans) and Jack Hammer (English) songbooks as well as cover versions of Led Zeppelin's 'Tangerine', Nick Drake's 'Northern Sky' (plaintively sung by Martin) and 'Runaway Train' by Soul Asylum. October 2001 saw a "Best Of" Piet Botha collection being released by EMI entitled 'Die Hits', which included four new Afrikaans recordings (including 'Vandat Jy Weg Is', a tribute to his late mother) alongside Botha's other classics like 'Sien Jou Weer', 'Blues Vir Louise' and 'Staan Saam Burgers'. The current Jack Hammer line-up has now been together for around seven years and consists of Paul van de Waal ("The Duke") on drums, Tertius du Plessis ("Beano", so named because he acts like Mr Bean) on bass guitar and Jonathan Martin ("The Kid") on guitar and vocals and occasional cello. A third Afrikaans album, 'Die Mamba', was released in August 2003 by Rhythm Records and has received much critical acclaim, including being voted the best album of 2003 by the influential SA Rock Digest e-mag. In a poll by Huisgenoot/You Magazine, this album was voted in the top 5 of 2003 by accredited critics from Huisgenoot, Die Burger, Insig, Rapport, Volksblad and Die Beeld. READ LISTEN BUY http://www.jackhammer.co.za http://www.pietbotha.com Piet Botha & Jack Hammer's 'Live At The Nile' CD is now available at Sugar Music/Mabu Vinyl in Cape Town and also online at http://sugarmusic.gemm.com Brian Currin -------------- MORE REVIEWS More reviews can be found at: Open Record Open Record Amuzine Reviews -------------- 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. SEETHER - 'DISLAIMER II' DVD DISC VIDEOS [60150-13100-2] Seether's re-release of 'Disclaimer' with eight new songs (as reviewed by Kurt in last week's Digest #256- Ed.) also has four music videos, a short documentary, and eight live songs on a DVD that is exceedingly complementary to the music disc and makes for a nice package. In the video 'Gasoline', Shaun Morgan goes a bit demonic looking here. His eyes look possessed, and he mugs like Ozzy, but the video mocks Cosmo girls and has no supernatural element. Only Shaun's mad eyes. Nice satire on vanity and the outsider threatening the vain beauty. In 'Fine Again', the band sings and plays while we see people in fast-forward holding signs revealing their innermost secrets ("I Thought it was Normal", "I'm Boring in Bed:", "I Disgust Myself", or general truths like "You Think You Have Freedom" and "I Don't Think I Watch TV"). Good commentary on our lives and times here. 'Driven Under' is a clever slow build to tension as Shaun walks down the middle of a dorp street towards a huge orange fireball exploding backwards, that is: it's getting smaller. He's singing (okay, lip synching) while the citizens stare blankly at him. He approaches the flames, gets into the now-unexploded car and...a quiet, anti-climactic end. 'Broken', featuring Amy Lee, is a lovely song sung by a honey in black wings, or maybe she's a cautionary angel of the apocalypse walking on the desolate ground because she flew too high and singed her wings in the sun. 'Making of Broken' is a short music video-length mini documentary with sound bites from Amy, the director (who tells a drummer joke), and Shaun. Shots of cameras and singers and musos out in the desert at some ex-meth lab trailer park littered with debris, the aftermath, Amy tells us, of the lab exploding. Maybe killing some bikers. Concert footage of eight songs, 'Gasoline', '69 Tea', 'Driven Under', 'Pride', 'Broken' (acoustic), and others make for good theatre. And those who carry the anger of the show outside the music hall to make the streets mean streets are missing the point and purpose of good theatre. In their way, Seether are as showbiz-y as Sharon Katz--just reaching a different part of the music market, all of which is fine because I'm willing to pay people to amuse me. The live show opens with 'Gasoline' setting the aggressive rocking pace. In the performance of 'Pride', the light man earns his salary-great display for a wild song. The band really gets into all their songs, dancing and thrashing. The theatre here is a strong live performance without gimmicks--just the guys playing and emoting. 'Broken' must be their encore number, because Shaun and the guitarist smoke cigarettes and Shaun has a beer during this number. The guitarist learns that while it may look cool to keep a cigarette in your mouth while playing guitar, the smoke is a drag--he keeps shaking his head and blowing the smoke away. Smart videos, hip and modern (or are we post-post modern now?), and a good live rock theatre show--a well-done companion disc for my favorite new summer 2004 CD, 'Disclaimer II'. READ, LISTEN, BUY: http://www.seether.com http://www.cd.co.za/legends/2000plus/saron_gas.html http://www.samp3.com/artists_l_s.html http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?affiliateID=4321 Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com ---------------------------- A NAARTJIE IN THE UK - London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music: NEO ROMANTICS Neo Munyanga @ The Spitz, London 30 June 2004 The first thing that struck me about Neo Muyanga is that he looks like a typical university student with his glasses, intelligent, alert eyes and student demeanour. And in some ways he is a student, as he seems to be on a quest to discover as much about music as he can. The music that he did produce this evening was a wonderful mixture of styles and genres that was quite eclectic and left the journalist in me groping for terms to describe it. There are elements of jazz, elements of traditional South African music, some blues, some Ethiopian instrumentation and some pure pop, all thrown together to bring us a delight-filled evening. Neo comes across as a gentle soul and his music is gentle with lots of space to move in. The English lyrics he did show a profound sense of the world around him and contain some startling imagery. He flitted between his guitar and the Grand piano and showed great craftsmanship with both instruments. Over this he sang in a pure, quite beautiful, voice. Vusi Mahlasela, whom I saw at the same venue a few days later, is known as "The Voice" and I think we can dub Neo as "Mini Voice", not because his voice is not as good, but because he has not yet had the recognition that Vusi has. Using his voice he did a great skat over some bluesey guitar and even got the audience to join in, although we had difficulty keeping up. As he neared the end of the gig, he picked up a masinko (at least I think that's how it's spelt) and played this strange Ethiopian instrument. It has a haunting sound not unlike the Zulu Bow Harp and he held us mesmerised with this. He also saved some of the Blk Sonshine material for the end of the show and did a lovely version of 'Born In A Taxi'. I was very impressed with his performance. He oozed a relaxed confidence and is an exceptionally good musician with a voice dipped in honey. All round this was a great evening's entertainment, and I think the fair sized crowd agreed that it was worth whatever effort we put in to get there as there had been a tube strike on that day. 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. The Hermits enjoyed a 3rd week at the top in 1969 while the Zombies were making a strong claim to take over from them. 35 years ago Simon & Garfunkel entered the top 5 in SA with 'The Boxer'. To celebrate this, the duo have got back together and are performing in London's Hyde Park next week. The Eurovision song competition winner was screaming up the charts in 1974 as 'Waterloo' climbed into second spot. The Hollies spent their second week at the top while the previous number 1, Andy Williams' 'Solitaire', was slipping and looked set to leave the top 5. Dan Hill was the South African Dan Hill and not the Canadian Dan 'Sometimes When We Touch' Hill. His instrumental 'Tchip Tchip' was a thinly disguised cover of 'The Birdie Song'. 1979 and Richard Jon Smith was finally knocked off the top spot after a 9-week run there, giving him the second-longest run at the top for a local act (the longest being 12 weeks by Charisma's 'Mammy Blue' in 1971). Racey took over the number 1 spot with 'Some Girls' which had been their second top 10 hit in the UK but was their fist in SA. 1984 and rumours were beginning to circulate of a record pressing plant in Brits that was only turning out copies of the 'Clap Clap Sound'. Meanwhile Queen waited on the sidelines for a third week. Not only did the top 5 remain unchanged this week, but 6 to 8 were also the mirror image of the previous week. South Africans at number 1 this week: Kentucky Blues - Lauren Copley South African New Entries this week: 12-Jul-80 Down The Mississippi - Barbara Ray 12-Jul-85 Woodpecker From Space - Cafe Society 14-Jul-72 Maar In Amerika - Roy Memphis 15-Jul-77 Gimme Dat Banana - Strobe 17-Jul-70 Why Can't It Rain - McCully Workshop 18-Jul-69 Turnaround - Ken J. Larkin 18-Jul-81 How I Feel Inside - Roy Bulkin John Samson ---------------------------- LM RADIO CHARTS From this week we will be taking a look back at the LM Radio charts from 35 years ago: LM Top 20 from 14 July 1968 1 [1] Honey - Peter Lotis 2 [2] Jennifer Eccles - Hollies 3 [4] Lazy Life - Quentin E Klopjeager 4 [3] Man Without Love - Engelbert Humperdinck 5 [6] Lazy Sunday - Small Faces 6 [8] Young Girl - Union Gap 7 [5] What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong 8 [7] Simon Says - 1910 Fruitgum Company 9 [9] Little Red Donkey - Troggs 10 [12] White Horses - Jacky 11 [10] If I Only Had Time - John Rowles 12 [14] Jennifer Juniper - Donovan 13 [11] Cry Like A Baby - Box Tops 14 [13] Captain Of Your Ship - Reparata And The Delrons 15 [15] Yummy Yummy Yummy - Ohio Express 16 [17] Baas Jack - Al Debbo & Nico Carstens 17 [16] Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding 18 [-] Sunglasses - Hilary 19 [19] Little Girl - Troggs 20 [18] Something Here In My Heart - Paper Dolls LM Top 20 from 13 July 1968 1 [1] In The Ghetto - Elvis Presley 2 [2] The Boxer - Simon & Garfunkel 3 [5] Oh Happy Day - Edwin Hawkins Singers 4 [4] Gitarzan - Ray Stevens 5 [12] Love (Can Make You Happy) - Mercey 6 [10] Big Ship - Cliff Richard 7 [11] Grazing In The Grass - The Friends Of Distinction 8 [3] Proud Mary - Creedance Clearwater Revival 9 [7] Happy Heart - Andy Williams 10 [17] Heather Honey - Tommy Roe 11 [6] Love Me Tonight - Tom Jones 12 [14] The Colour Of My Life - Jefferson 13 [19] Frozen Orange Juice - Peter Starstedt 14 [13] Gimme Gimme Good Lovin' - Crazy Elephant 15 [8] Think It All Over - Sandie Shaw 16 [-] Theme From Romeo And Juliet - Henry Mancini 17 [20] These Eyes - Guess Who 18 [18] Time Is Tight - Booker T & The Mg's 19 [9] My Sentimental Friend - Herman's Hermits 20 [-] Good Morning Starshine - Oliver Comments: It was a good week for local talent in 1968 as Peter Lotis clocked up his 3rd week at number 1, Billy Forest as Quentin E Klopjaeger moved up to number 3, Al Debbo and Nico Carstens climbed a place to 16 and Hilary was a new entry with 'Sunglasses'. Hilary's surname was Archibald. Jacky also went under the name Jacky Lee and reached number 10 in the UK with 'White Horse'. Her real name was Jackie Hopkins Elvis was number 1 for the second week running in 1969 while Simon & Garfunkel had a second week at number 2. Hanry Mancini's 'Theme From Romeo And Juliet' was from the 1968 Franco Zeffirelli film of the Shakepeare classic.and won him a Grammy. Oliver's full name was William Oliver Swafford and 'Good Morning Starshine' was from the musical 'Hair'. (Charts courtesy of Marius Terblanche from Ladysmith in KZN, comments by John Samson) ------------------------ BIRTHDAYS JULY: 16 - PJ Powers (born Penelope Jane Dunlop, 1960), Hotline 17 - Julian Laxton (1944), Freedom's Children, Hawk, Julian Laxton Band 18 - Piet Botha (1955), Raven, Wildebeest, Jack Hammer 19 - Brian May (1947), Queen 20 - Carlos Santana (1947) 21 - Cat Stevens (born Steven Georgiou in 1947, became Yusef Islam in 1977) 23 - Amanda Strydom (1956) 26 - Mick Jagger (1943), The Rolling Stones 26 - Roger Taylor (1949), Queen 30 - Kate Bush (1958) 30 - Buddy Guy (1936) Some sources state that Marc Bolan was born on the 30th July 1947. This is incorrect, he was born on the 30th September 1947 (as Mark Feld) and died on the 16th September 1977, two weeks before his 30th birthday.
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 ---------------------------- FEEDBACK: Re: Those album covers: To Recap - two weeks ago we asked if anyone could help identify these album covers from the descriptions provided by Lyle Mills, they were: 1. A massive Egyptian pyramid with a wide set of steps. A long procession of people make their way up the first flight as lightning flashes from the pyramid... 2. A sepia tone picture of a filthy toilet cubicle. The back wall is covered in graffiti, the band's name is scrawled in red. Amongst the graffiti are the words "bob dylan's dream" with a line drawn down to the toilet.... 3. A black and white scene of seven people in period costume of the 1800's. Five are standing around two small tables, one of which holds a gramophone. The lead singer sits in the foreground with a panting bulldog at his feet. The seventh person is a maid holding a tray with two champagne flutes. Ed. Please email your answers to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=AlbumCovers -------------- MORE ON THE WURZELS Hi, Yup... It ('I have a brand new combine harvester') was written by Adge Cutler and performed by a British Group called "The Wurzels". Their music was very toungue-in-cheek and tended to rip off the British farmers There used to be a BBC TV series called "The Wurzels" which starred Jon Pertwee of "Dr. Who" fame". A Wurzel is a scarecrow that comes to life when no humans are around! Hope This helps Aidan Harper Mailto: aidan@ripchord.co.za -------------- GETTING NOWHERE QUICKLY? Hi, I can't seem to find any thing about Seven Day Story. Where do I get their CD's and what's it called? Hope you can help me. Lindie Mailto: lindie_garnham@yahoo.co.uk Ed. You can contact Aidan Harper at Ripchord Records whose email address, freakishly conveniently, is in the letter right above! And you can download Seven Day Story mp3's at http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_l_s.html -------------- ETHIOPIQUES Hello, I'm looking for a CD with the name 'Ethloplques Vol:4; Ethio Jazz & Musique Instrumentale 1969-1974'. Do you have it and if so what's the cost and if not can you tell me where I can locate this CD. Thank You Very Much Carl mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=Digest -------------- TELL IT LIKE IT IS RICHARD! [Editor's note: being an editor these days is getting increasingly difficult and time-consuming due to the extremely poor writing habits of the SMS generation. Take young Richard below. He has something to say, and a few valid points, but it is not low self-esteem that causes him, and many others to use a small "i" when writing about themselves, nor is it a lack of education that finds him using no capital letters at all. I could go through this letter and correct every mistake, or I could trash it, but then you would never know Richard's hard-thought truths. So, here it is, unchanged, I'm off for a tea break, see you on the other side of this...] Hi, if anyone saw my website poll on 5fm (monday 28 june 2004) you would understand where I am coming from . i put the television on the other night and to my dismay there was yet another reality music show on . although i am not entitled to say what show it was i am allowed to complain . millions get spent every year on these reality shows , but there is not an established music community in sa (britain and the usa yes ). playing in a decent sa band i feel this all the time . no money gets spent on finding new talent or even promoting sa bands . there are a couple of companys and organisations trying really hard , and we thank them . come on sa make a change ..... by the way on the poll 87% voted in favour of promoting sa bands and if you visit samqc.org.za you can actually vote for more sa music radio play , which will get sent to the government .. richard(left hand drive) -------------- SA SAMPLER? Hi I am in the UK. I am looking for a supplier of African music for a number of South African work colleagues in London. In the UK I receive weekly a DVD disc with the Top 40 UK Pop Chart and Compilation Albums. Each file contains the tracks in MP3 so you can convert into individual CD's. The disk also contains MPEG Front/Back/insert covers to make the CD. Do you know of any suppliers in South Africa where I can obtain a monthly copy of all new African music releases? I an looking for a contact who can supply Nick Mailto: nickhawksley@aol.com -------------- FLATTERY GETS YOU NOWHERE Howzit okes My mate Daan has gone all relijis on me as he keeps talking about this oke called Mike Hill Flattery what is also noan as the Lord of the Daan's. Do you no if there is there a Lord of The Johnny's out there? Cheers Johnny from Boksburg -------------- GOT A QUESTION? Please email any musical questions to editor@sarockdigest.com ----------------------------- SPONSORED BY SOUND SOLUTIONS Sound Solutions is a private music library in Cape Town that offers music searches, and the sourcing and recommending of songs and music soundtracks for television, film, and radio productions and commercials. Contact: Stephen Segerman - (021) 461-9541/423-7635 mailto:soundsolutions@sugarmusic.co.za ----------------- MUSIC SHOPPING ----------------- MABU VINYL & CD Cape Town's finest Record and CD store is now located opposite the Long Street Baths, at the intersection "Where the four streets - Long, Buitensingel, Kloof, and Orange - meet" Mabu is now open 6 days a week and 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: Falling Mirror - 'Zen Boulders' (LP) Harari - 'Homebrew' (LP) Harari - 'Heatwave' (LP) Tribe After Tribe - 'Tribe After Tribe' (LP) Basil "Manenberg" Coetzee - 'Sabenza' (LP) Juluka - 'Scatterlings' (LP) Jack Hammer - 'Jack Of All Trades' (Sealed LP) Jeremy Taylor - 'Jeremy Taylor' (LP) Latest independent SA CD additions: Piet Botha and Jack Hammer - 'Live At The Nile' (2 x CD) Top Sellers (in alphabetical order): 340ml - 'Moving' (Indie) Arbor - 'Tower Ape' (Indie) Bed On Bricks - 'Humanarium' (Bowline) Benguela - 'Sui' (Open Record) Chiaroscuro - 'A Definition' (Independent) Dollyrockers - 'The Heat' (Independent) Ezra - 'Funk 'n Roll' (BMG) Fly Paper Jet - 'Live' (Indie) freshlyground - 'Jika Jika' (Independent) Fokofpolisiekar -'As Jy Met Vuur Speel sal Jy Brand' (Rhythm) Godessa - 'Spillage' (Indie) Goema Captains Of Cape Town - 'Healing Destination' (Mountain) Derek Gripper - 'Blomdoorns' (Open Record) Hog Hoggidy Hog - 'OINK!' (Indie) ISLA - 'Lick The Lion' (Independent) Joint State - 'Nothing Works Like Water' (Indie) Kalahari Surfers - 'Muti Media' (African Dope) Kallitz - 'Die Ding Ruk Mal' (Mothermix) Syd Kitchen - 'Quintessentially Syd Kitchen' (No Budget) Mitsoo - 'Afterglow' EP (Indie) Not The Midnight Mass - 'Live At The Planetarium' (Independent) Rus Nerwich - 'Beyond The Walls' (Indie/Bowline) Rus Nerwich - 'As Above So Below' (Indie) Off The Edge - 'Site Under Construction' (Independent) Plush - 'All That Is Should Be' (Indie) Rodriguez - 'Cold Fact' (PT Music) Rodriguez - 'After The Fact' (PT Music) Rodriguez - 'Live Fact' (Sony) The Rudimentals - 'More Fire' (Independent) Sedwick - 'The Realisation Of Purpose' (Indie) Serving Suggestion - 'Try Whistling This...' (Indie) Colin Shamley - 'Born Guilty & Other Stories' (2CD set) (3rd Ear Music) Spindle Sect - 'Episode 1' (Indie) Tumi and the Volume - 'At The Bassline' (Sheer) Various - 'Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions' (African Dope) Various - 'African Dope Sound System' (African Dope) Various - 'African Dope Volume 1' (Sony) Various - 'Cape Of Good Dope' (African Dope) Various SA Artists - 'Big Red' - From the TV series 'Going Nowhere Slowly' (Ripchord) Zinkplaat - 'Karoo Poison' EP (Indie) This week's best-selling CDs at Mabu Vinyl & CD are: 1. 'Oink!' - Hog Hogiddy Hog 2. 'Spillage' - Godessa 3. 'Episode 1 - Spindle Sect' 4. 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand' - Fokofpolisiekar 5. All That Is Should Be' - Plush All these South African CD titles are available to customers not in Cape Town: Online at: http://sugarmusic.gemm.com By Email Order from: mailto:mabu@sugarmusic.co.za 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. Cape Town 8001 Mabu buys and sells LP's, CD's, DVD's, videos, cassettes, and books. Open Monday to Friday (10-6) and Saturday (10-1) -------------- VIBES VINYL Stadium-on-Main, Main Road, Claremont This week's specials: Psycho Reptiles - 'Have beans will travel' (LP) Kenneth McKellar - 'Kuier by ons' (LP) Sakhile - 'Phambili - African Echoes Volume 1' (LP) Andy Stewart - 'Andy Stewart in South Africa - White Heather Concert' (LP) African Jazz Pioneers - 'African Jazz Pioneers' (LP) Bayete - 'Hare Yeng Hae' (LP) Kalahari Surfers - 'Living in the Heart of the Beast' (LP) Spike Milligan & Jeremy Taylor - 'Live at Cambridge University' (2L) Richard Jon Smith - 'Michael Row the Boat' (LP) Tananas - 'Tananas' (LP) Fisherfolk - 'Rest Awhile - Fisherfolk in South Africa' (LP) Pop in for our ongoing in-store Specials, such as: Purchase any 2 items priced at R 10.00 plus receive 1 FREE! Purchase 3 or more 12" Maxi Singles and receive a 33 1/3% Discount! New record accessories, now in stock at Vibes Vinyl:- - 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 are continuously in search of more stock and pay top prices for top quality LP's, Singles, CD's & DVD's Want Lists Welcome! Call us at: 021-683 5676 Postal address: PO Box 24045, Claremont, 7735. mailto:vibesvinyl@mweb.co.za Website catalogue now also at Gemm and Netsounds: http://www.vibesvinyl.gemm.com and http://www.netsoundsmusic.com/vibesvinyl -------------------- GEMM GEMM is your best online source for those otherwise impossible-to-find music titles on Record or CD! http://sugarmusic.gemm.com -------------------- THE DIGEST CLASSIFIED ADS ----------------------------- To advertise in this section please email: editor@sarockdigest.com -------------- TL MASTERING No Hype, No Bollocks. Just Mastering www.tl-mastering.com 082 701 50 96" -------------- TULLY MCCULLY'S CD MASTERING Have your CD or music project mastered by Tully McCully at Spaced Out Sound Studios using the legendary Appogee UV 22 mastering system. UV22 not only gives the highest level possible on a digital master, it also smoothes the sound, making it the closest to analog you can get off a CD. Contact Christine at Spaced Out Sound Studios Tel: 021-4615342 Mailto: spaced3105@iafrica.com ----------- DRUM STICKS Hi there I am making drumsticks locally, and endorse SA Bands like Just Jinger, Prime Circle, Marlowe, Waverley, Stock-x-change, Breakfast Included with my product. I think SA Drummers are being ripped off by ridiculous prices on quality drumsticks, and I like to change that. If you want more info you can visit us at www.crossstick.co.za --------------- GET YOUR SONGS UP TO STREET LEVEL! If you have a song that should be heard by the world, Street Level Music Productions and Smack!songs Publishing want to hear it. If it's up to it, we'll pay up to 50% of your demo costs, and pitch it to our list of international labels, artists and managers. Email Chris on info@streetlevel.co.za http://www.streetlevel.co.za --------------- MUSOLIST ONLINE Hi, There is now a Musolist for SA Musicians, by SA Musicians....! You can find it at: http://johannesburg.musolist.com/ -------------- RIPCHORD STUDIOS 2nd Floor - 157 Longmarket Street - Cape Town Situated in the heart of Cape Town, Ripchord is a 16-track digital recording studio, voice bank, rehearsal facility and independant record label and recently added event co-ordination company (Facilitating events from wrap parties right up to major concerts, product launches and corporate events). Ripchord has been instrumental in compiling the music for SABC3's "Going Nowhere Slowly" and has released a double CD compilation of music from the series (available in music stores nationwide). Aidan Harper co-wrote and produced the title track for the series. Ripchord has access to a huge database of musician's and artists covering almost every conceivable genre of music. Our clients include Cinergy, Atomik Pictures, Big Blue Productions, Arno Carstens, Hog Hogiddy Hog, The A-Bomb, Flat Stanley, Djina Djembe (Sidi Sangare), Springbok Nude Girls to mention a few. The Studio boasts state-of-the-art technology coupled with a warm environment that does not stifle the creative talent. Whether creating a simple karaoke backing track or a major album, we commit ourselves to a high quality of work to provide you, the client, with an internationally acceptable product. We have a fully qualified team of engineers, session musicians, vocal trainers, voice artists, producers and musical arrangers on hand to ensure that the end result is a slick, professionally mastered product. We are on hand to offer assistance and give advice on any aspect of the entertainment industry. We provide the following services: Recording, mixing and mastering of original and existing works Remixing and remastering of original and existing works Creation of backing tracks, jingles, demos and albums Song selection for your productions Pre-production, production and arrangement Booking of session musicians and voice artists and creation of voice-overs Vocal training, pitch correction, harmonies and voice projection Post-production and enhancement of existing tracks Creation of press kits for distribution to record companies Assistance regarding the copyright of original and existing works Choreographing live performances and album/demo launches Assistance regarding tour logistics and planning Live performance rigging: Sound, lighting, on-location engineers CD package artwork and stills photography Creation of music videos - Via our Sister Company - Crewsaders Film and TV Crewing Agency www.crewsaders.com Ripchord can offer any combination of these services as a package deal that is tailor-made to suit your needs and budget. Tel: +27 21 424 3810 - Fax: +27 21 426 1589 Email: info@ripchord.co.za - Website: www.ripchord.co.za Contact us today!!! Aidan Harper (CEO / Music Producer) Mobile: +27 83 730 5549 ----------------------- 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 -------------- 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 One World ---------------------------- 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 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 UPCOMING EVENTS ------------------- Full details at http://www.SAgigs.com THE SPRINGBOK N*DE G*RLS 'GODDANK VIR KLANK' (1994-2004) 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY TOUR - All the dates and details for the N*de Girls tour are at http://www.SAgigs.com BUNDU BLUES PROJECT - Edi Niederlander is back with her remarkable new band, Expect: bluesy rocky jazzy jumpin afroslicksin snazzy pumpin ruffnready tite 'n thumpin boogie-woogie bootie bumpin blues! at the Blowhole Bar - Southern Right Hotel, Glencairn - Sat 17 July ARNO CARSTENS - All his solo dates as well as Arno's gigs with the re-formed, anniversary-celebrating Springbok N*de Girls. THE PRIME CIRCLE WINTER TOUR 2004 - The tour will kick off on the 1st of July in their hometown of Witbank and will see the band travelling to no less then 15 cities and towns throughout South Africa. The Parlotones will be joining the band on several of the shows. THE KLIPPIES AND COLA STUDENT SESSIONS - The Klippies and Cola Student Sessions are back in the fairest Cape after the winter vac. Catch the best live tunes every Tuesday night - July through August - alternately at The Independent Armchair Theatre in Cape Town and Die Mystic Boer in Stellenbosch. CAPE TOWN BATTLE OF THE BANDS - The 2004 version of the Cape Town Battle of the Bands (for all those "mature" '70's bands) starts on the 25th July and ends with the finals on 29th Aug. GIF APPEL FESTIVAL - 23 July - Hidden Cellar Stellenbosch - Five o'clock till midnight - with: Hog Hoggidy Hog, Rudimentals, Neshamah, Cannon to a Whisper (PTA), Tonight We Die, Soulja, Half Price, My Shade, Carea and Emo Kid Josh. KALLITZ - The Cape Town hip hop trio will be promoting their new 'Die Ding Ruk Mal' CD with a string of dates around Cape Town over the next few weeks. DAVID KRAMER - The SA music star will be touring Bloemfontein and Pretoria in July 2004 and will be accompanied by his band and some of the Karoo musicians who play on the new album, 'Huistoe' FUZIGISH - The 'Exploited and Distorted Tour '04' now heads off across the country. PIET BOTHA - Piet has a new double CD out - 'Live At The Nile' - and a string of dates lined up in July THE INDEPENDENT ARMCHAIR THEATRE - This week's line-up includes Cape By Storm Tour: C.Y.P.H.E.R. and The Hollowscene, Plush, Tait, Kallitz, The A-Bomb and The Tornados - In Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town. ---------------------- UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS IN SA: Q AND NOT U SA TOUR - The Q and Not U SA tour is just a few weeks away and is set to be one of the sickest tours to hit South African shores. Rocking at venues such as Joburg's Carfax, Pretoria's Nile Crocodile, Cape Town's Three Arts Theatre, Durban's Wave House, and supported throughout the tour by our very own super-skankers Fuzigish. LORD OF THE DANCE - The Irish dance spectacular, 'Lord of the Dance', has achieved record-breaking sales for its current South African run, so additional dates have been added to the Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town legs of the SA Tour -------------------------- SA ARTISTS OVERSEAS SYD KITCHEN - Durban-based cultural guerrilla Syd Kitchen is currently touring overseas. The 'Empire Strikes Back' tour is timed to coincide with the release of his latest album 'Quintessentially Syd Kitchen', and will see the guitarist, singer/songwriter performing in England, Wales, Norway, Denmark and the USA. BIG SA PARTY IN LONDON - The biggest, baddest South African party event of the year is about to hit London on the 31st July 2004 at the stunning Coronet in Elephant and Castle in London to celebrate 10 years of democracy in the Rainbow Nation. MANN FRIDAY - Riverside Studios - Hammersmith - 9 to 18 July - 8pm - box office - 0208 237 1111 - early bookings advised - new songs - new footage - live string section - www.mannfriday.com VUSI MAHLASELA - Vusi now has several European visits lined up for the rest of 2004 and is currently in the US for another tour through June/July and will appear at selected dates alongside SA music superstars Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Then it's over to Holland for shows on 27 & 28 August at the Luxor Theatre in Rotterdam. These latter shows will also feature Johnny Clegg and will raise funds for the Cotlands Care Centre in Johannesburg. This will then be followed by a huge 27-date UK tour, opening for none other than Ladysmith Black Mambazo -------------------------- SA MUSIC FESTIVALS OPPIKOPPI 10 - All systems are go for this great SA music festivals' 10th birthday celebrations with updates on the line-up, stages, stalls and tickets. ------------ GIG FOCUS ------------ Q AND NOT U SA TOUR The Q and Not U SA tour is just a few weeks away and is set to be one of the sickest tours to hit South African shores. Rocking at venues such as Joburg's Carfax, Pretoria's Nile Crocodile, Cape Town's Three Arts Theatre, Durban's Wave House, and supported throughout the tour by our very own super-skankers Fuzigish; the folks at Wrench Productions have put together a blazing tour for Washington DC's Q and Not U at the end of July/beginning of August. Q and Not U have been making waves internationally with their innovative and unique brand of rock, unashamed of their strong punk roots. Flying over straight from their European tour, much momentum will have been built to bulldoze through their first ever SA tour. Q and Not U will also be supported at the various shows by top SA rock acts such as Fokofpoliesiekar, Diesel Whores, Cannon to a Whisper, and Hog Hoggidy Hog, Discounted presale tickets are available online from www.strictlytickets.co.za ,but tickets will also be on sale at the door, The brand new SA alternative music magazine, Make Some Noise, have climbed on board as main media sponsor. This magazine promises to be amazing, boasting contributors such as Derek Green of Sepultura fame, so check it out when it is launched in July. Wrench Productions have put together a competition where there are Q and Not U hampers full of tickets, t-shirts, CD's, stickers and button badges up for grabs so get on over to www.wrenchproductions.co.za or www.punk.co.za to enter, Also be sure to check out the June issue of Blunt Magazine where you will find an interview with Q and Not U. CD's are available from all good music shops, including their critically acclaimed 'Different Damage', plus mp3's are up and ready for your listening pleasure at www.qandnotu.org ; www.purevolume.com/qandnotu , as well as at www.wrenchproductions.co.za v Tune into your local radio station and Barney Simon's show, Sunday evenings on 5FM for up to date news on the tour and to hear their music. Tour Dates: Friday 30 July - Johannesburg - CARFAX Q and not U Fuzigish The Stevie Wonderfuls The Diesle Whores Saturday 31 July - Pretoria - The Nile Crocodile Q and not U Fuzigish Fokofpolisiekar Cannon To A Whisper Wednesday 4 August - Durban - Gateway Q and not U Fuzigish Crossing Point Sibling Rivalry Thursday 5 August - Grahamstown - Tap Huis Q and not U Fuzigish Captain Kidd's Adventure Galley Hollowscene Friday 6 August - Cape Town, Plumstead - 3 Arts Q and not U Fuzigish Hog Hoggidy Hog Neshamah Saturday 7 August - Tygervalley, Cape Town - Boogaloos Q and not U Fuzigish Neshamah Hog Hoggidy Hog Antipathy Impropriety Wrench Productions www.wrenchproductions.co.za info@wrenchproductions.co.za Cell: +27 82 580 0707 Tel: +27 11 609 1929 Fax: +27 11 609 3536 -------------- CAPE TOWN BATTLE OF THE BANDS The official Battle of the Bands draw 2004 took place at Dockside Monday 5th July, and the following bands were drawn for these respective dates (In running order from first to last): Sunday 25 Jul - Alpha Set, History, Down To Earth, Triangles Sunday 1 Aug - Hippies, Dead Cat Bounce, Back on Track, Jam Rockers Sunday 8 Aug - Gayan, Mustangs, Drifters, Omega Ltd Sunday 15 Aug - Shelac Proof, Vertigo, The Threads, Pentagone Sunday 22 Aug - B.L.A.K., Bone Idol, Derailed Experience, Blue Steel. Ticket Costing: Per Show - R55.00 Final Show - R85.00 Season Tickets - R260.00 for all 6 shows (a saving of R100 / 2 free shows) (All tickets include free parking) Time: Doors open 5pm, show starts 6pm -------------- RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS UPDATE Sunday's regional finals of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds at the Coliseum Show Bar were the fullest the venue has been since the event's inception. Over 300 music fans crammed into the venue. Congratulations to Re-Play who rose up to the occasion and now proceed through to the next Quarterly final taking place at Circus Maximus, Caesars Gauteng on Sunday, August 15. The next Johannesburg monthly final taking place on Saturday, July 24 has Barney Simon from 5FM in action after the event along with Marlowe and 2 Years 8 Seasons. The whole event starts at 15:00 and goes on till late - R40 cover charge on the day. A new Johannesburg leg gets under way at Night Vibes, Caesars Gauteng on Tuesday, July 27. This event is open to bands and groups based in the East or South of Johannesburg. The winning band from this event then proceeds through to the August monthly Johannesburg final taking place at Tempos on Saturday, August 21. For further information contact the Squire on 082 770 7524. There are a further three record deals to give away courtesy of Sheer Music and RP Studios and if you would like to have the opportunity of participating then contact the Squire on 082 770 7524 - bookings now open for July. If your group or band has five original songs and members are aged 18 and over then phone the Squire to enter or for further information. (Remember should your group or band get through to the Quarterly Final then you must have ten songs ready to record with Darryl Torr). This event is open to all groups and bands irrespective of musical style including pop, rock, kwaito, hip-hop, punk, metal, r 'n b in fact all forms of music are welcome as long as the group or band comprises of a minimum of three members and a maximum of seven. If you are serious about your music then call the Squire on 082 770 7524 and book your place in what could become musical history. JOHANNESBURG - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS REGIONAL FINALS Tempos - 191 Hans Strydom, Kyasands, Randburg. Action gets under at 15:00 and there is a R20 cover charge. Saturday, July 17 · Miss September · Plus others JOHANNESBURG MONTHLY FINALS Saturday, July 24 Action gets under way from 15:00 on the main stage. Cover charge on the day is R40. · 74 % Stupid · Monkey Finger · Makeshift · Winner from July 10 · Winner from July 17 · Guest DJ - Barney Simon · Marlowe · 2 Years 8 Seasons Tuesday, July 27 Night Vibes - Caesars, Gauteng: New Johannesburg leg for bands and groups based in the East and South of Johannesburg - contact the Squire on 082 770 7524. PRETORIA - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS Thursday, July 22 @ Nile Crocodile, Pretoria: R10 cover charge · Nothing Alike · Gone by 6 · Susan's Goliath For further information contact Simon "Squire" Foulds on 082 770 7524. VEREENIGING - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS Friday, July 23 @ Perfect Manhattan, Vereeniging - R10 cover · Whiplash · Plus others For further information contact Simon "Squire" Foulds on 082 770 7524. -------------- SA PUNK*SKA*METAL*HARDCORE By Daniel Neville FUZIGISH - EXPLOITED AND DISTORTED B Daniel Neville Picture the scene - It's a wet rainy Saturday, there are a group of unlikely looking customers sitting around a table in a sports club bar in Wynberg, Cape Town. The bar is filled with old men sporting Western Province rugby jerseys and watching rugby on TV. Behind the wall of this bar is a hall teeming with activity while sound men rush about getting ready for the last night of Fuzigish's 'Exploited and Distorted' Album launch tour. It was here in this bar that I sat down with Jay Bones, Rockwell and Big Willy to chat. Fuzigish have got to be one of the hardest-working bands in SA, these guys are always doing something. From opening for Skaladin's CD launch in Switzerland to hitting the road with Frenzal Rhomb in Australia, and now promoting their third full length release. After a lot of trouble with line-up changes and leaving [R]evolution to start their own Red Ambulance label, Fuzi are now planning to stay in SA for a while and regroup a bit. Jay Bones and Rockwell are now the only original members of the band but both said that they have now found the guys whom they want as permanent members and they are going to stick to them. Big Willy, who now joins them on the trombone, and Jevon, who has been an on and off member for a while, on trumpet, give the band a much bigger brass sound which, according to Rockwell, makes a big difference when writing new songs. "Talking about new songs, what's up with 'Exploited and Distorted'?" I ask. Here Jay Bones completely takes over and explains that most of the album was written and the demos for it recorded while they were on the road with Frenzal. It was at this point that Fuzi was struggling with the line-up and so most songs were written without brass, and by the time they got back to SA to record and had found the guys for a full brass section, the songs were written and so they decided to record them like they were and make 'Exploited and Distorted' their "punkier" album. Having said that when you listen to the album you can still hear Fuzi in every song - Jay's voice is still there and the way the songs are written are unmistakably Fuzi. When I asked if this was the way Fuzi was going, Rockwell immediately said that they have already written some new songs with the Brass so maybe not. "We essentially made the album that we wanted to make," Rockwell said., "and who knows, maybe the next one will be a pure electronica album", pipes up a laughing Jay Bones. Later on, talking about the lyrics of 'Exploited and Distorted', I discover that there was a bit more to the album than meets the eye. The lyrics are quite angry and even the title suggests a little anger. Both Rockwell and Jay explain this in the same way: "Life on the road is much faster so I guess the lyrics were going to be a bit more aggressive, I also think that when the songs were written we were in a bit of a tough place in terms of line-up and what was going on with the band". Either way the lyrics to 'Exploited and Distorted' are by far more powerful than 'Skankers Union' or 'Southern Ska Stomper' and later on chatting to Nick (their roadie and tour manager), he suggested that they were influenced by Frenzal a lot while on tour. Towards the end of our chat and just before the show was about to begin both Jay and Rockwell made it clear that Fuzi was here to stay and they were going to have fun doing it. A few hours latter when Fuzi took to the stage and played an awesome set that got the crowd singing along and skanking to their phat ska beats, I believed them…. [DN] -------------- SA Punk Gig Guide: ------------- Tues 13 July - Cape Town - Mercury Lounge - R10 - 9pm Tonight We Die Mitsoo Fri 16 July - Johannesburg - Roxy Rythmn Bar - R40, 9pm Fuzigish Fokofpolisiekar Blow Sat 17 July - Johannesburg - Hillbillies Club - R20, 9pm Gross Misconduct The Terrorists & 2 others Daniel Neville mailto:daniel@neville.za.net ----------- LIVE IN LONDON ----------- SKAT-ERLING OF AFRICA Vusi Mahlasela @ TheSpitz, London 02 July 2004 The City Of London Festival has brought a glut of SA talent to stages in London over the past few weeks, but the one that has stood out in my mind has been Vusi Mahlasela. Yes, Hugh Masekela (reviewed last week) was excellent, but he had a whole band and choir around him. This was just Vusi, his guitar and the most enchanting music this side (from that side) of the equator. There is a reason why Vusi's nickname is 'The Voice' for he has a voice of pure gold. Coming from a man of his well built stature it's amazing to hear such purity and beauty as his almost falsetto voice glides effortlessly over the guitar tunes he fashions, and when he sings a cappella we are talking pure delight. But not only does he sing in the higher register, he is capable of swooping from high to growling low in a single breath, and also is amazing at skat. The beauty of the evening lay not only in Vusi's voice but the poetry and imagery his lyrics conjured up. His songs often hark back to the days of apartheid, but there is always a reconciling element to them and to borrow a phrase from an old advert they are "somewhat smooth, somewhat sweet, but never bitter". Although new to a lot of ears in the UK, Vusi is a seasoned performer and this showed in his easygoing stage manner where his delightful sense of humour showed through as well as his love of his country (he wore a 'Proudly South African' t-shirt). He told stories between songs of his growing up and leading the cows off to a valley he was told not to go to, his part in the struggle where he was usually arrested just before 16 June and released some time later with no charges being laid, and also of his post-apartheid life and meeting old, previously exiled friends. One could not really ask for a better night out. We are still waiting for summer to appear here in the UK, but for an evening Vusi brought us the warmth and sunshine of Africa in a quite special way. Despite not doing 'Weeping' (a song that he has almost, but not quite taken over from Bright Blue) we still revelled in the depth of songs he had to offer us. John Samson ------------------- LIVE IN SA ----------- THE RUDIES IN JOZI By Nadia Neophytou Cape Town bands, know this: it may take loads of effort and petrol money, but it is much appreciated when you make the trek up north to Jo'burg. Your fresh sound and creative energy is welcomed in these here parts. And so it was when the Rudimentals, one of Cape Town's favourite bands, paid Jozi a short but lasting visit. It's no easy feat to get nine band members up to the City of Gold, just ask their manageress Zinzi. But the Rudi's did it. Determinedly, the group took to the N1 and brought their trademark ska style to a Jozi audience. Friday night, the nine-piece took to Carfax in an evening of entertainment organised by Wrench Productions. The Diesel Whores kicked off the evening with their dark bedtime stories and rockabilly sound, followed by the schizophrenic Slash Dogs who began their set with a kick-ass punk number and ended it with a glam rock one. Also joining the procession was Fokofpolisiekar, another of Cape Town's best, fresh from a run-in with Nelspruit locals (and sporting the scars to show it). The rain may have hampered the size of the crowd but it had nothing on their ability to show their fan-ship through screaming and skanking, as the Rudimentals played songs off their debut 'More Fire' album. Their James Bond themed intro went down particularly well, as did their trademark suit-and-hat combo. The response from the crowd warmed the evening air and shows how much Jozi needs a good dose of some Mother City musicianship every now and then. Okay, boys, don't make it too long before you come back now, you hear? [NN] --------------------- 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
SA MUSIC LINKS: THE SA ROCK ENCYCLOPEDIA WEBLINKS PAGE: 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. ---------------------------- SA ROCK DIGEST CONTACT DETAILS: SUBSCRIPTIONS: To subscribe to The SA Rock Digest - please send an e-mail to: subscribe@sarockdigest.com Address changes - please send an e-mail to: subscribe@sarockdigest.com To unsubscribe - please send a blank e-mail to: unsubscribe@sarockdigest.com ---------------------------- SA ROCK DIGEST BACK ISSUES http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives Online and keyword searchable ---------------------------- PRESS RELEASES & CONTRIBUTIONS Please submit all press releases, contributions, reviews, requests, searches and comments to sugar@sarockdigest.com ---------------------------- 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 http://www.vagabond.za.net/contact ---------------------------- 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 LR - Lindsay Ravenscroft DS - Don Sweeto LAD - LAD EP - Ernie Pap MC - Michael Currin (Curmic) FB - Francis Bryan JFB - Johnny From Boksburg And others too numerous to mention, but gratefully acknowledged! Proofed by Ronx A SUGAR MUSIC PRODUCTION |
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