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Contents
This week's contents: Editorial: The week in brief News: Emerging Sounds, FHM Party, 'On The Go', 3RD Ear, DJ Surge, Danny Jordaan. Charts: SA Rock Digest MP3 and Album Charts New Releases: New SA MP3's and CD's, Gian Groen, Hog Hoggidy Hog's 'Oink!', Skanky Corp, Benguela. Classic SA Rock: USA For Africa - Brenda Fassie - 'Brenda Fassie'; A Naartjie In The UK - The Dollyrockers - 'The Heat; Vinyl Junkies; South African Rock Lists Sound Solutions: A reader's forum - letters, info, questions and answers Live Music: Events round-up, SA Punk, The Finkelstiens, Derek Gripper, Southern Right Hotel, Hog Hoggidy Hog. SA Music Links And Resources: Contact Details Editorial THE WEEK IN BRIEF This week's edition of the Digest is another milestone of sorts as it is our 250th edition dating back to the first, which went out in January 1999. Our thanks to all our major and regular writers, minor and occasional contributors, and of course our subscribers, without whom we would be sending this off to ourselves every week! Emerging Sounds and RP Studios, the companies behind the long-running band competition, have tied up with Sheer Music to move the overall promotion on to where it belongs ... The Springbok Nude Girls will be making a special appearance at The FHM '100 Sexiest Women' party in Cape Town ... The organisers and musicians behind the recent successful 'On The Go' reunion concerts in PE report back on events subsequent to the concert. David Marks responds to Sylvester Haskins' article on Ezra (Lingeveldt), titled 'Thou Shalt Not Worship False Idols', that appeared in the Star in April ... DJ Surge is scheduled to perform a three date tour in Europe ... And we give a standing ovation to SA World Cup Bid Chief, Danny Jordaan. Gian Groen, of Spinnekop fame, has released a new album, titled 'Met Die Maan Gepla' ... Hog Hoggidy Hog are set to launch and release their new 'Oink!' album ... Skanky Corp is a Knysna-based band that delivers a potent mix of Lounge, Funk, Jazz and Latin, that can best be described as "Fazz" ... We spotlight the unique musical talents and sound of Cape Town group Benguela. Brian Currin presents the first in his new series called 'Hits, Memories & Obscurities' with a look at the 'Big Five' SA rock bands from 1968-1974 ... Kurt Shoemaker pays timeous tribute to Brenda Fassie with a look at one of her best albums ... John Samson reviews the Dollyrockers' current hot album, 'The Heat'. The Finkelstiens will be playing their Jo'burg show of the current tour "100 gigs in 80 days" at Level 1, Jo'burg's exclusive under-18 club, on Friday 28 May ... Derek Gripper's 8-string solo guitar compositions explore the music of the Cape, he's live at the Dorp Street Theatre in Stellenbosh ... The newly renovated Southern Right Hotel in Glencairn is back in business and presenting the best of Cape Town's Blues and Jazz bands every weekend. Daniel expands on that Hogs' 'Oink!' CD launch and looks at the pick of this week's SA punk gigs ... Nawty held a major event at Dockside with The Rudimentals, Hog Hoggidy Hog and Fuzigish headlining the evening ... Thursday May 10th saw the second round of the Clash Of The Titans gigs held at Café Vacca Matta in Prince Edward Street, Tygervalley. There's also the usual weekly 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
SHEER MUSIC AND THE RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS COMPETITION Seven years ago the RP Studios Emerging Sounds competition was literally born within studio - M3. At the time Barney Simon introduced me to the concept of organising a battle of the bands and it seemed like a good idea. Then whilst co-ordinating the 5fm TDK Radio sessions I was introduced to Peter Jaquire from RP Studios. Tuesday nights we'd sit here figuring out what we could do to create a platform and uplift emerging bands pushing them up from grassroots level to the next stage. And that is where the concept of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds came about. Every year we came up with different ideas keeping the event fresh. And I think seven years down the line we have achieved this. Two years ago we went national for the first time - prior to that we were Gauteng based - and held the first national finals as part of Oppikoppi that year. Three bands that performed at that particular final are starting to make musical waves at present - namely the Finkelstiens, freshlyground, and Plush. Other bands to have come through this event include Seether, Tweak, Cutting Jade, Marlow, the Parlatones, Wes Lee made her debut, Not My Dog, Pestroy and 340ml to name a few. Over the past couple of years we have been holding monthly events leading up to a monthly regional final at the Coliseum Show Bar, Caesars Gauteng. The RP Studios Emerging Sounds is held every week in Johannesburg at Tempos leading to a Johannesburg monthly final, then every month in Pretoria at the Nile Crocodile and every month in Durban at the Winston. Then alternating every second month we hold events at Perfect Manhattan in Vereeniging, as well as in Bloemfontein and more recently Nelspruit was added. At the monthly regional finals winning bands won studio time at RP Studios - sound engineering was sponsored by Darryl Torr from StudioP8@RPS, which is also part of the RP Studios set-up. As well as performing in front of members of the music fraternity including radio personnel, record company executives and members of the music media. All the time receiving constructive feedback from the relevant judges to assist them in bettering their band. And now we are about to take this event to the next level. Emerging Sounds and RP Studios have tied up with Sheer Music to take things up a notch for everyone and move the overall promotion on to where it belongs. We are now able to offer four emerging unsigned bands the opportunity of recording a ten-track album here in M3 at RP Studios which will then be released and distributed through Sheer music, receiving extensive marketing and promotion to drive the songs, sound and style of the winners. Sheer Music has for some time wanted to play a part in the RP Studios Emerging Sounds competition and now has the opportunity to discover new talent in conjunction with Emerging Sounds and RP Studios and together continue creating a future for unsigned emerging bands in South Africa. All the time we are continuing to create a platform for bands to further their musical careers and Sunday, May 23 at Circus Maximus, Caesars Gauteng the first of our four quarterly finals will be held. May 23 sees the first band receiving this wonderful opportunity with the other quarterly finals taking place on Sunday, August 15, October 31 and then during March 2005. Tickets for this event on May 23 will be available from Computicket at R25 or at Caesars Gauteng for R20. All these are for unreserved seats and tickets are limited. The five bands in action at our first Quarterly final of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds competition are: Swallow 15 and Higher Ground from Johannesburg, the Abbotts from Pretoria as well as Sitter and Detached from Durban. All these bands have won their respective regional heats and now venture forth to Circus Maximus. And remember the RP Studios Emerging Sounds competition is open to all bands and groups (except if they come from Cape Town??? - Geog Ed.) irrespective of the style of music they perform as long as they have a minimum membership of three members and a maximum limit of seven - so pop, hip hop, kwaito, rock, punk, metal, jazz and rap are all welcome. Thanks to Marshall Music who is sponsoring the backline at the Quarterly final of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds competition. For further information regarding the RP Studios Emerging Sounds competition please contact Simon "Squire" Foulds on 082 770 7524. For information regarding RP Studios please contact Peter Jaquire on (011) 714 4666. (Simon Foulds) -------------- SPRINGBOK NUDE GIRLS TO PERFORM AT THE FHM PARTY The FHM '100 Sexiest Women' party is an annual event that has now become an institution. In 2004, the event is to be hosted for the first time in the Mother City. The party celebrates FHM's '100 Sexiest Women in the World', and the highlight of the evening is the dramatic appearance of FHM's 'Sexiest Woman in South Africa' as voted for by FHM readers. A special performance by the Springbok Nude Girls, and a very able supporting act, will help shake the Castle to its 19th century foundations, while the ultra-sexy FHM and AXE dancers will ensure that the Castle's original architect will be spinning in his grave! Further entertainment will be provided by well-known DJ's. All guests will receive a complimentary copy of the new FHM featuring FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World. Simply redeem your ticket for your free FHM at the door. Food stalls and bars galore will make sure all guests are adequately refreshed. No under 18's. Date: Saturday, 22nd May 2004 Time: 20h00 Venue: Castle of Good Hope, Darling Street, Cape Town Tickets: R120 at Computicket www.arnocarstens.com -------------- 'ON THE GO' ARE STILL ON THE GO! The organisers and musicians behind the recent successful 'On The Go' reunion concerts in PE report back on events subsequent to the concert... On Wednesday 5 May 2004, 29 under-privileged children from the Eastern Cape benefited from your efforts and your support when we presented them and their teachers with their very own musical instruments at the Boardwalk Casino and the smiles and the joy on their faces made it all worth it. Though we gave guitars, trumpets, recorders, violins and clarinets, and funding of musical tuition, this will benefit not only them but also their communities. Thank you to Bob Eveleigh, Ken J. Larkin, Bruce Baldwin, Cyril Hartel and Keith Yoko for assisting us and also to the management and staff of the Boardwalk Casino by making it an even better day for the children by catering for them. In the evening the organisers of the 'On the Go' 2004 re-union concert and the management of the casino had the chance to say thank you to the local musicians and media representatives by hosting a cocktail party in the SuperSport Arena. It was well attended and our guests had a glimpse of un-edited video clips from the concert and the afternoon's presentation. Tony Yoko explained the future plans of the 'On the Go Music Fund', which will become an annual event, still supported by The Boardwalk Casino, the Eastern Province Herald and Algoa FM, to nurture and support musical talent in the Eastern Cape. We want to thank Mr. Graham Vass for immediately making a further donation on behalf of the Boardwalk Casino to the music fund. Anton van Rooyen then discussed plans for the next concert, which will take place on the weekend of 18 to 20 March 2005. The format of the concert will still feature bands and singers from the 'On the Go' era and try to present some of the people who were not able to appear at the re-union concert. He further announced that Mr Danny Williams, the international recording artist well known for his world-wide hit, 'Moon River', has agreed to appear at the charity concert in 2005. Danny Williams will, for the first time since he left 40 years ago, return to his home town, Port Elizabeth, to support the 'On the Go Music Fund'. We would like to thank Pat Liberty , Cliffy Francis, Di Barnard and Maureen Dalzell for their assistance at both events and also Jill Stewart from Algoa FM for her assistance in making contact with Danny Williams. Di Barnard is our contact person in Port Elizabeth and she has stock of the 'On the Go' T-shirts as well as the 'Legends' CD. You can call her on 0836550562 We are currently updating the website and hopefully the new version will be up soon. In the meantime you can still visit us at: www.audio-trax.com/Website/On_the_Go.html. We really want this website to be as comprehensive as possible, featuring past and current aspects of music in the Eastern Cape so if you can contribute please contact us at Mailto:onthego@audio-trax.com -------------- 3RD EAR (MAKING) WAVES [The article below appeared, as is, in the Weekend Independent. It is David Marks' response to an article on Ezra (Lingeveldt) by Sylvester Haskins in The Star (28th April 2004), titled 'Thou Shalt Not Worship False Idols'.] David 'Grouch-ou' Marks writes: Ezra's Pop-Idol experience ('Thou Shall Not Worship False Idols' - Sylvester Haskins, 28th April 2004) only serves to highlight the mainstream music media's role in this target market Pop Idol farce - despite your latent attempt to help Ezra promote his recording career. As Doc Phil said: There are no victims anymore, only volunteers. So, if the media and musicians don't want to listen, what can we say? We told you so? MTN marketing now plan to jump onto another Idol and Superstar driven bandwagon left in the wake of the old Coke Pop Idols scam and The Great Nokia fiasco? If MTN (and the mainstream music media) were indeed genuinely passionate about creating Superstars, wouldn't they first consider helping South Africans build some form of a music education and performance related infrastructure, before throwing up another top-down tax-deductible target-market bone at us? We can see the future from here - all we have to do is look back. It's the same old thing. The more serious, committed, creative and talented musicians will be chased into exile because the same old segregated mass market target philosophy prevails; only this time it is not closed-door bored-room politic and racism (we hope), but digital dart-board economic. And this is all supported by expensive European consultants with lots of mass market research numbers to play with. So which 'serious' musician can afford to compete? (Not that music is a serious business, so to speak... we don't go out to work, we go out to play and have fun. But, come to think of it, so too do professional politicians and sportspeople. And look at the sponsorships they get). The commercial record, media and broadcast industries have had 10 years to help us (SAfrican musicians) set up the administration needed to develop the super-talent they claim, and we know, is here. But where are the facilities to accommodate and promote the stars they may discover and a system to catch them if/when they fall? Commercial sponsors were obliged to do this with sport. Why can't they do this with music, art and culture? Where are the reconciliation, transformation and development structures that we (musicians) have been so idealistically working for since 1994? Presenting Pop Idols or forcing government to protect vested interests is not levelling the playing fields - as ICASA seems to think, by forcing broadcasters to programme 50% pre-recorded commercial music. There is no thought given to our traditions, roots, history, art and culture in this (so-called) local content quota system. Therefore, most of the people know nothing about SAfrican music and musicians, other than what we are force-fed by the commercial record, broadcast and music media industries. And guess who can afford to buy up the advertorials and marketing space? Truth is - Music in South Africa is no longer considered a human right... it is now just a top-down industry short-cut, used as a sound track to attract comfortable customers and cell-phone consumers. Freedom-of-choice and access to information for artists/musicians, remains critical and limited to what the broadcasters, the commercial record and media industries drip-feed us. (So-called) Free-market democracy goes no further than a safe, cost-effective shareholder's bottom line. If sponsors can't be a little more adventurous with our money, then mediocrity will forever reign. Given the music potential and talent in this country, I find it all rather sad. With respect, the print media should shoulder a lot of the blame. It is not only the broadcasters who, for obvious strange or stubborn inherited reasons, insist that the record and music industries are one and the same. Despite their good intentions, sometimes, MTN, Coke & the other sponsors are on a wild search for young consumer addicts that may have nothing to do with music. So what is this with the manner in which they seem to exploit rather than explore our historically fractured and culturally segregated intellectual property landscape? Nobody owes us (musicians) a living. Least of all the taxpayer, the media or the sponsors. However, only free and fair access to information and education in this sector will make it work for us all, and it will help stop the exploitation. It's true that the music must speak for itself. But nobody can be heard in a vacuum created over the past 60 years by commercial sponsors or the record and broadcast industries, no matter their stated good intentions post-1994. Sponsors seem only too happy to attract young naive suckers - or their parents - with impressive and impossible promises of entitlement deeds. We are not taught that there are no short cuts to fame and fortune. It really is a lot of hard work and practice. But if one is aware of the dangers along the way, a career in music - serious or otherwise - can be a wonderful challenge and a lot of fun. And we must remember, not everybody can be in the spotlight. Methinks it is about playback time! Perhaps our brand new minister of Arts and Culture, Pallo Jordan, will listen a little closer? Because the commercial music media (or is that the record media?) certainly don't want to hear. David (Groucho) Marks 3rd Ear Music Company (Est. 1969)/The Hidden Years Music Archive Project (Est. 1994) www.3rdearmusic.com Mailto:thirdear@iafrica.com -------------- SURGE TO PERFORM IN EUROPE Exciting times ahead for Surge Marques, better known to us as DJ Surge, as he is scheduled to perform a three date tour in Europe that begins in Germany on the 22nd May 2004 at Live Music Circus Kothen Birthday, followed by Club Lexion in Holland on the 5th of June 2004, and ending at the Rhein Main Alarm 8 event on the 09 June 2004 alongside Cosmic Gate, Tom Wax, Tillmann Uhrmacher and Kayaowa. This follows shortly after his return from Miami where Surge performed at Club Maze at the Miami Winter Music Conference side events, where Surge captured attention when he performed at the M2 Theory event at Club Maze, Miami earlier this year. Surge's accomplishments in the dance industry in South Africa are already at national status with his own Surge 2001/2/3 CD compilation together with DVD being very popular in its genre of progressive uplifting trance, and is well known for the successful co-productions such as Splash and Slippery 'n Wet events. These continued achievements create a positive attitude towards South African talent within Dance Music that is of exceptional standard and seems more and more of our own entertainers are gaining recognition internationally. Keep watching these sites for when updated accordingly. www.live-music-circus.de/main.html www.lexion.nl www.rhein-main-alarm.de Info: www.surgemarques.com -------------- AND FINALLY! SA MAN OF THE YEAR - DANNY JORDAAN! By now everyone has had something to say about the fact that South Africa has been awarded the 2010 Football World Cup. It was great to see Madiba at the ceremony (c'mon Sepp, we dare you to look into his eyes and say "Morocco"!) and to feel the sheer joy of seeing the words "South Africa" on the card. That certainly helped us to forget painful memories, like the depression of four years ago when "Deutschland" won the bid, or having to sit through another long, self-congratulatory and very patronising and crappy speech by Sepp Blatter before he eventually announced our name. But for us, the hero of the day was Danny Jordaan, the CEO of the SA World Cup bid committee. As Bid chief for the 2006 event, which SA lost to Germany by one controversial vote, Danny Jordaan was probably the most strongly affected by that shock result four years ago. But, as we know, Danny shrugged his shoulders, and immediately and bravely began the whole, long process again. Another four years of non-stop travelling, meetings, handshakes and sheer hard work, to ensure that the next time it would be South Africa's name on the card. On Saturday, in Zurich, it was, and Danny Jordaan, as well as Bid committee Chairman, Irwin Khoza, and all their supporters, sponsors, staff and families should be very proud of their achievement, which will no doubt have a wonderfully positive effect on South Africa over the next six years. Danny, you're a role model and a great South African, and you will always have the gratitude of our entire, ecstatic nation. -------------- 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) Vier by Vier en Visvang - Blomkrag ('Boere Country'/Indie) 2. [5] (2) Long Riders Of Nam - Brian Finch ('Never Look Back'/Indie) 3. [3] (3) Something In My Eye (Live) - Boulevard Blues Band ('Tassenberg All*Stars 4'/Trippy Grape) 4. [6] (4) Snakes And Ladders - Evolver ('Evolver' EP/Indie) 5. [13] (5) Love Is The Hunter - MacAngel ('Summer In Berlin'/Sonique) 6. [1] (1) Gravity - James Stewart (Street Level) 7. [9] (7) Charlie Kaufman - Fallen ('Last Chance For The Forgotten'/Indie) 8. [10] (8) Drowsy Maggie - DNA Strings ('DNA Strings'/Afrimusik) 9. [11] (9) Break Down - Believable Addiction (Indie) 10. [12] (10) Jou Ma - Thys Nywerheid (Indie) 11. [7] (7) Don't Walk Away - Larry Amos ('Going Up'/Indie) 12. [4] (1) FCK - Teba ('Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions'/African Dope) 13. [16] (13) Revolution - Swim Club (Indie) 14. [15] (14) What It Takes To Breathe - Bored (Indie) 15. [17] (15) No Matter - Wendy New (Dissolve In The Sun/Indie) 16. [8] (2) Diengele (The Generals) - Kalahari Surfers ('Muti Media'/African Dope) 17. [20] (17) I'm A Doctor - The Innovators ('Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions'/African Dope) 18. [14] (1) Gimme Da Weed - Juan Thyme feat. Chronic Clan ('African Dope Sound System'/African Dope) 19. [26] (19) Multiple Oblivion - Jo Day ('The Truth'/Indie) 20. [21] (20) Cola Wars - Willem Kitshoff ('Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions'/African Dope) 21. [24] (21) Things Were Meant To Be So - chiaroscuro ('A Definition'/Indie) 22. [19] (8) Living As Numbers - Zero Tolerance ('A Perfect Life?'/Indie) 23. [23] (23) FFF - Tonight We Die (Demo/Indie) 24. [25] (24) Driehoek - Van Zyl, Van Der Spuy & Vennote ('Hadeda'/Rhythm) 25. [28] (5) Parallel - Saturnine ('Silence Is Deafening'/Wicked Rock) 26. [22] (1) Gangsta - The Rudimentals ('More Fire'/Indie) 27. [-] (27) Somewhere - Celtic Rumours (SAmp3.com Exclusive) 28. [29] (28) Change Your Face - David Foster ('Flat To Round'/Rhythm/Bowline) 29. [18] (9) Gone Away - Sam Paddock (Indie) 30. [-] (30) Guitar Me - Staige (Demo/Indie) (Based on downloads from SAmp3.com and MWeb Entertainment) Download South African MP3s at http://www.SAmp3.com ---------------------------- SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [2] (1) Big Red (Songs From 'Going Nowhere Slowly') - Various (Ripchord) 2. [3] (2) A Definition - Chiaroscuro (Indie) 3. [4] (3) Blomdoorns - Derek Gripper (Open Record) 4. [1] (1) Moving - 340ml (Indie) 5. [10] (5) All That Is Should Be - Plush (Indie) 6. [7] (6) Angel Tongue - Nianell (Fresh) 7. [5] (5) Dissolve In The Sun - Wendy New (Indie) 8. [13] (8) Born Guilty & Other Stories - Colin Shamley (3rd Ear Music) 9. [9] (1) True North - Spoonfeedas (Sesalos) 10. [8] (1) Boerecountry - Blomkrag (Indie) 11. [6] (2) Never Look Back - Brian Finch (Indie) 12. [15] (12) Site Under Construction - Off The Edge (Indie) 13. [12] (1) Muti Media - Kalahari Surfers (African Dope) 14. [16] (14) Beyond The Walls - Rus Nerwich (Indie) 15. [11] (2) Africa She Too Can Cry - Hawk (RetroFresh) 16. [14] (1) The Heat - Dollyrockers (Indie) 17. [19] (17) Summer In Berlin - MacAngel (Sonique) 18. [23] (18) Live - Fly Paper Jet (Indie) 19. [18] (1) More Fire - The Rudimentals (Indie) 20. [20] (2) Sui - Benguela (Open Record) 21. [25] (21) Memories In A Menthol - Adam Tas (Bowline) 22. [28] (22) My Dance - Muse String Quartet (Indie) 23. [21] (1) African Dope Sound System - Various (African Dope) 24. [24] (1) Jika Jika - freshlyground (Freeground) 25. [30] (25) Vol 1: 20/20 Vision - The Tripps (Indie) 26. [26] (1) As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand - Fokofpolisiekar (Rhythm/Bowline) 27. [22] (1) Steady On - Moodphase 5ive (African Dope) 28. [17] (5) I-Ternal Fire - Lions Of Zion (Indie) 29. [-] (29) Lick The Lion - ISLA (Indie) 30. [27] (1) Humanarium - Bed On Bricks (Indie) READ http://www.rock.co.za/files LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?AffiliateID=4321 The hosting of MP3s on the SA Rock Digest website is thanks to the Future Perfect Corporation http://www.futureperfectcorporation.com Building online communities to make the future perfect Chart statistics at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts New Releases
MP3's: ------- MWEB ------- SAmp3.com is now the official and exclusive supplier of South African mp3's to MWeb's new SA Music Download section. This week the following songs are available for exclusive download for MWeb subscribers. These tracks have never been released on mp3 before and some are not even available on CD yet. Non-MWeb subscribers can still listen to these tracks, however you will not be able to save them onto your hard-drive. But in about 2 weeks time all 5 of these songs will be available for all to download at http://www.SAmp3.com. MWeb Exclusive mp3's this week: 'Download' - Phringe 'Kitchener' - Piet Botha 'Hemel Op Die Platteland' - Fokofpolisiekar 'One Moment' - Antipathy 'Noh TV' - The Rudimentals 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: 'Gimme Da Weed' - Juan Thyme feat. Chronic Clan http://www.SAmp3.com/africandope.html 'Musical Chairs' - Serving Suggestion http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_l_s.html 'Close To Me' - Six Of Nine http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_l_s.html 'Saad Van 'n Psigopaat' - Abel Kraamsaal http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_e_k.html 'Headlines' (demo) - Jack Hammer http://www.samp3.com/artists_e_k.html -------------- 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. ---------------------------- CELEB-SELECT: JOHNNY FROM BOKSBURG Every week we ask a well-known SA music personality to give us a list of their top 10 South African songs: This week it's Johnny's turn. JOHNNY'S TOP 10 Howzit oakes. So you want to no what are my Johnny's Top 10 fave rit essay choons is. OK so here goes: 1. Johnny Calls The Kemist - Faull en Marias (cos I do) 2. Johnny is nie dood Nie - Koos Kombuis (cos I isn't) 3. Johnny Cool - A Leagull Gatha Rink (cos I is) 4. Johnny - A Sigh Lim Kits (cos it's Me) 5. Johnny & The Mermate - Johnny Congos (cos I like fish) 6. Johnny's Conshins - Corprill Punishmint (He wasn't in my unit on the border) 7. Johnny's Gun - Colin Shambles (cos I's got one) 8. Johnny Raakvat - David Krama ((cos I dig Red Fellskoons) 9. Jan Skopgraaf - Peet Bow Tie (Cos Jan is mos Afrikaans for Johnny) 10. Jannie Coke Ain - Ukker Diss (Cos I drink a lot of it) I also dig that oke Johnny Clegg what was in Jah Luka and Johnny Collini is okay but he sounds too much like them fancy spagetti's what you get there in Little Italy restrant there by the maul. Other than that I can't think of no more Johnny's so hope this is okay. Cheers Johnny from Boksburg -------------- GIAN GROEN RELEASES 'MET DIE MAAN GEPLA' Gian Groen previously worked with the group Spinnekop, which was the platform he used to experiment with diverse types of music. Gian Groen has now released a new album, titled 'Met Die Maan Gepla', and the band's line-up on the album is the same as Spinnekop. The album was launched at this year's KKNK festival in Oudtshoorn and is already looking to be one of the more successful Afrikaans folk-rock albums of 2004. 'Met Die Maan Gepla' contains some of Gian Groen's strongest work to date like the title track, 'Boesem', and 'Hartseer Son', and also includes songs in English like 'Turn Around'. -------------- HAVE YOU SEEN THE LITTLE PIGGIES, WITH THEIR NEW ALBUM? OINK! It all started off back in 1995 when the band calling themselves Hog Hoggidy Hog played their first gig. They took the SA underground scene by storm with their unique sound and energetic live performances and have being doing so ever since. After developing a cult following among the SA youth, the Hogs released their first album, 'Fishpaste and Vibe'. The album did really well and all of the singles from the album received frequent airplay and high placings on 5fm's Modern Rock Chart. HHH then redefined their sound by adding a horn section to the band and through extensive gigging and touring the band's fan base continued to grow. By the time they had recorded their second full length album, 'Driving Over Miss Davie', the name Hog Hoggidy Hog was well known all over the country, and in their genre they had become respected as one of the best live acts in South Africa. The band's second CD release was a huge success, with the original pressing of the CD being almost completely sold out on the first night. The Hogs packed the venue out way beyond capacity with the biggest crowd to ever attend a punk or ska event in Cape Town. The Hogs didn't stop there, with all the singles from the second album doing even better than the first on the airwaves. The band then did some more nationwide touring as well as playing prime slots at all the major SA music festivals. HHH also developed a reputation for putting on the best and most well attended live music shows in the Mother City. According to one observer, quoted in a recent publication, "The Hogs have the ability to turn any show they play into a circus full of crazy people and the kids love it". The Hogs' journey has been a very eventful upward spiral that has brought them to the point where they are now one of the most popular bands in the country. But they felt there was still something missing... Hog Hoggidy Hog have always been known for putting on spectacular live shows and although their first two full-length albums have done relatively well, the band was never totally satisfied with either of them... Thankfully that has now changed. HHH have teamed up with producer Theo Crous (Springbok Nude Girls) and have finally put together an album which they have simply titled, 'OINK!' No expense has been spared for this album which their extensive fan base has been keenly expecting for the last three years. So 2004 could be the year of the Hog! In order to release this very eagerly-awaited album, Hog Hoggidy Hog, true to their reputation, have put together a release party in the form of an event matched only by the album itself. Here's what to expect. THE DATE: Saturday 5 June 2004. Starts at 20:00 and the party will go on until about 02:00 the next morning. THE EVENT: Hog Hoggidy Hog, 'OINK!' CD release - Like the album, no expense has been spared to make it the most enjoyable event for the fans. The best in sound and lighting as well as a big screen display. It will be an ALL AGES event, however, there will be a licenced bar, as well as food and cool drinks on sale. THE VENUE: The 3 Arts Theatre, Main Rd, Plumstead (by the nursery). The venue can apparently hold 1500 people and the band are planning to see if they can fit more fans than that in there. THE BANDS: Hog Hoggidy Hog plus special guest bands: The Rudimentals and Fokofpolisiekar! OTHER ENTERTAINMENT: MC will be renowned comedian and funny man, Cokey Falkow of the Comedy All-stars who will be MC'ing and cracking jokes in between the bands. Also being imported all the way from Pretoria, specifically for the event, is his highness, King SkaSa. The King is no stranger to all of the bigger events in the genre up North as well as travelling around to most of the major festivals to spin the most skankingest ska tunes that always keeps the party pumping til way into the early hours of the morning. THE PRICE: R30 (we're sure you'll agree that this is a ridiculously small amount to pay for an event of this calibre). THE MERCHANDISE: The new CD, 'OINK!' Will be available at a special introductory price of R90 for this night only (HHH will have to put the price up after this night in order to cover production costs), Not only that, but everyone who buys a CD at the door will be given free entry! So, basically, you will only be paying R60 for the album! There will be a whole lot of other new merchandise, clothing, stickers etc. Read more in the SA Punk section below... -------------- HITS, MEMORIES & OBSCURITIES (the first in a series by Brian Currin) THE BIG FIVE OF SA ROCK (1967-1974) The 5 big South African Rock bands of the so-called Golden Age Of Rock (1967 to 1974) released 3 albums each (except for Suck who just had the one). Here is a list of some great songs from those wonderful albums. This is not meant to be a definitive list, just something to whet the appetite. HAWK 'Mumbo Jumbo' - One of my favourite Ramsay Mackay compositions (and there are many) given the Chicago-style brass rock treatment by Afro-rockers Hawk (or JoBurg Hawk, depending on what country you are from). Originally appeared on Hawk's 'Live And Well' album from 1974. Released on CD as a bonus track on the recent RetroFresh re-issue of 'Africa She Too Can Cry'. 'Here Comes The Sun' - I wonder if George Harrison ever heard this version of the classic Beatles track? This song is in 2 parts and the second half features a Dave Ornellas rap with words definitely not written by Harrison and some great African jazz saxophone. 'Orang Otang' - A pounding, oft-covered Ramsay Mackay tune, that really deserved to have been a big hit. Released on CD as a bonus track on the recent RetroFresh re-issue of 'Africa She Too Can Cry'. 'Africa' - the title track from the awesome 'Africa She Too Can Cry' album. FREEDOM'S CHILDREN 'Tribal Fence' - This classic track has been covered by Margaret Singana, Rabbitt and Wildebeest, but this original version of the Ramsay Mackay composition off 'Astra' is still the most powerful, and is a true song of Africa. 'Sea Horse' - One of my favourite Freedom's' tracks. A rocking song off the 'Galactic Vibes' album, available on CD, thanks to RetroFresh. '1999' - In 1971, 1999 was way in the future, now it's five years ago! Great rock song featuring vocals by the late Brian Davidson, who also re-recorded this song in 1998. 'Eclipse' - Standout track from the as-yet-unreleased 'Battle Hymn Of The Broken-Hearted Horde' album from 1968. 'Judas Queen' - Driving rock sounds. Peter Vee is rumoured to have sung on this track which owes a lot of its influence to Steve Winwood's Traffic. ABSTRACT TRUTH 'Silver Trees' - This is the title track off Abstract Truth's first album released in 1970 and is still not available on CD. This track is over 8 minutes long and features some wonderful organ sounds from Peter Measroch and the fine guitarwork of Kenny Henson. The bass guitar by George Wolfaardt is mixed well up and can be heard really clearly and Sean Bergin's flute and sax are both stunning. A classic prog-rock song from a classic prog-rock album. Pity so few people know about it! 'Blue Wednesday Speaks' - Very interesting organ-driven prog-rock song composed by Peter Measroch. 'Summertime' - A prog reworking of the old standard. Great stuff. From Abstract Truth's second album 'Totum' which has not yet been officially released on CD. SUCK 'Aimless Lady' - This cover of a Grand Funk Railroad song, gets even heavier. 'The Whip' - Suck's only self-composed song, 'The Whip' is a superb example of the classic rock sounds of the early '70's, ie Sabbath, Purple, Zeppelin. OTIS WAYGOOD BLUES BAND 'Fever' - Originally by bluesman Little Willie John (co-incidentally released on the 'Blues Power' CD which appeared on the cover of a recent Mojo magazine). Though this song has had many cover versions including Elvis Presley, Peggy Lee and Gloria Bosman, this version is my favourite. Emotional vocals, cool guitar and some great flute playing. Reminds me of the first couple of Jethro Tull albums. 'A Madman's Cry' - An Otis Waygood composition from the 'Ten Light Claps And A Scream' album. This classic prog-rock song can be found as a bonus track on the 'Simply Otis Waygood' CD re-issue from RetroFresh. 'I Can't Keep From Crying' - The back cover of the Otis Waygood Blues Band CD re-issue credits John Renbourne as composer. However this song was actually written by Blind Willie Johnson in 1928 and Otis Waygood give it a great re-working which includes a stunning flute solo. AND... An honorable mention should also be made of Third Eye who also released 3 albums and included Colin Pratley and Brian Davidson from Freedom's Children in their line-up. Read more: http://www.rock.co.za/files/sarock_legends_70s.html Listen to mp3 clips at: http://www.freshmusic.co.za/retrofresh.htm Buy CDs at: http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?affiliateID=4321 Buy vinyl at: http://sugarmusic.gemm.com (BC) -------------- ONE WORLD NEW RELEASES - APRIL http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?affiliateID=4321 One World, the comprehensive online SA CD store, has been redesigned and improved. Check out the store's new look and quick and easy operation. These are some of the new titles added to the store's extensive catalogue over the past month: DVD ------ Steve Hofmeyr - 'Toeka - Die Nag Van Die Legendes' LIVE (DVD) Steve Hofmeyr performs songs off his smash hit album, 'Toeka' at Carnival City in 2003 with special guests Bobby Angel, Carike Keuzenkamp, and Sunnette Bridges ------ CD-ROM ------------- Chilvers & Jasiukowicz - 'Music Artists Of SA' (CD-ROM) The second in a series of reference guides by these two authors. The first, a book called 'History of Contemporary Music of South Africa' covered the artists in SA music from 1955 to 1992. This second volume is on CD-ROM and covers the period from 1990 to 2004 with interesting background details on various SA music artists. ------ CD ---- JAZZ: Various Artists - 'North Sea Jazz Festival 2000 - 2004' This new double CD features many of the famous names that have performed over the past five years at the most prestigious SA jazz festival, the NSJF in Cape Town. With names like Moses Molelekwa, Bheki Mseleku, Tananas, Winston Mankunku and many more. Hugh Masekela - 'The Collection' A worthy compilation of some of this living SA music legend's best tracks including 'Jo'Burg High', 'Lite Jive' and 'Colonial Man' to name a few. Rus Nerwich - 'Beyond The Walls' A deep and emotional exploration of songs emanating from the ghettos and concentration camps of Eastern Europe; a mosaic of musical feeling - of bitter sadness and of sweet joy. This collection of songs, sensitively re-interpreted in the jazz idiom, and superbly performed by new Capetonian sax-star Russ Nerwich, serves to communicate triumph and joy over tragedy. Mlungisi Gegana - 'One Step Forward' A remarkable debut from this Eastern Cape upright bassist who is in a class of his own - the album also features Louis Mhlanga, Vusi Khumalo and Andile Yenana Sakhile - 'Togetherness' One World's 'Album of the Month' for April from the jazz outfit that brought us hits like 'Mantobi', 'Isililo' and many more with Shaluza Max featuring on some of the tracks Mahube - 'Qhubeka' Another impressive collaborative effort by some of Southern Africa's finest musicians like Oliver Mtukudzi and Steve Dyer. Louis Mhalanga - 'Tinganekwane ....' ' A worthy follow-up to the acclaimed 'Shamwari' album by one of South Africa's finest jazz guitarists. ----- POP & ROCK: The Tripps - '20/20 Vision Volume 1' The Tripps is a collaborative concept album featuring Nathan Waywell (the bassist from SA band Amersham), with Marc Bentel (Little Sister - keyboards and guitars), Kevin Leicher (Plum - drums, percussion), Melody Kaye (Evenflow - vocals), Marq Vas (Metalmorphosis - vocals), Africa (keyboards), Sasha Sonnbichler (guitars and backing vocals), and Ron Smerczak (as Lord Vader). David Abbate - 'All The Best' David Abbate has quietly built into one of South Africa's finest adult contemporary singer-songwriters. Without any fuss and bother, his very catchy melodies and soulful voice have permeated SA's adult-contemporary airwaves for the last decade. "All the Best" is a collection of his finest SA work Colin Shamley - 'Born Guilty & Other Stories' A double CD set focusing on one of South Africa's finest folkies from years gone by. Featuring Shamley's only album release 'Born Guilty' with bonus tracks as well as plenty of previously unreleased live material from this enigmatic performer. Various Artists - 'Going Nowhere Slowly' (2CD) A double CD collection of some of the songs featured on the soundtrack of this popular and very hip SA travel program, and a strong expose of the depth and quality of SA's contemporary pop-rock artists. Ezra - 'Funk 'n Roll' The debut album from Ezra Lingeveldt, one of the finalists in the first SA 'Pop Idols' competition. Tree63 - 'The Answer To The Question' One of South Africa's most successful rock bands, both in SA and overseas, return with another album of top quality new material. Anke - 'By Heart' Anke Piertrangeli was the popular winner of the second South African series of 'Pop Idols' and this is her debut album, featuring her big hit, 'Silver Lining', a great cover of 'Independent Love Song', plus some original material Off The Edge - 'Site Under Construction' One of South Africa's more mature rock bands release the latest in their series of original rock albums. Hawk - 'Africa She Too Can Cry' Eagerly-awaited reissue of the second album by SA '70's rock legends, Hawk, on the RetroFresh label The Dollyrockers - 'The Heat' This big-selling third album from one of South Africa's most experienced and hard-working alternative rock bands shows off their winning sound and top quality songs Mean Mr Mustard - 'Best Of' A collection of the best songs from this popular Johannesburg pop band; includes their cover of the song 'Build Me Up Buttercup'. Justin Bergh - 'Out Of My Hands' Second album from one of South Africa's most promising rockers featuring the hit 'Out Of My Hands' and 'Misunderstood' co-written with James Stewart. Nianell - 'Angel Tongue' The equally-classy follow-up to Namibian vocalist Nianell's smash debut, 'Who Painted The Moon', which yielded five radio hits both in SA and overseas. ----- PUNK-SKA: Fuzigish & Frenzal Rhomb - 'The Unwanted Traveller' A special release that features songs from the joint SA tour undertaken by top Australian punk act Frenzal Rhomb and South African ska punkers Fuzigish. This album contains rare "unreleased tracks by both bands, as well as re-mastered and re-recorded versions of 'Scratching' and 'Little Bird'. ----- TOWNSHIP POP: Mzwake Mbuli - 'Mbulism' A new album from the great and controversial SA poet who was recently released from prison. More wisdom for the people from Mzwake with his thoughts on relevant issues like rape, abortion and 10 years of democracy in SA. Mbongeni Ngema - 'Libuyile (Songs Of Freedom)' A new and worthy collection of SA freedom songs from the famed SA playwright. Thandiswa - 'Zabalaza' This debut solo album from the Bongo Maffin vocalist with some beautiful music and serious ethnic beats and also featuring Madosini on one of the tracks. Xolisa - 'Times' A new album from a young lady who is certainly on the move, produced by Shaluza Max, whose influence can clearly be heard on this lovely collection. Solly - 'Best Of Solly Featuring The Original Voices' Packed with all the hits that made Solly Moholo a star. Vusi Ximba - 'Best Of' Another worthy 'best of' album with all of Vusi's finest hits. Sydney - 'Mama's Baby' An old school classic that will serve as an enjoyable trip down memory lane for many of Sydney's SA fans. ----- GOSPEL: Avante - 'Kusile' Another inspirational release, their 5th, from the very popular Durban-based gospel outfit. Lord Comforters - 'Thwal'isiphambano' More blissful music on this new release from the group that brought us the hits 'Ubukhulu Bakho' and 'Ngeny 'mini' Lusanda Spiritual Group - 'Bathi Bayamazi' A beautiful gospel album from a group with the voices of angels. Various Artists - 'Tales Of Gospel SA - Choral & Contemporary' A great collection of tracks from a cross section of the genre featuring some of the biggest names in SA gospel. Essential for SA Gospel fans! Ntando - 'Kwantu' A mixture of gospel and pop performed in the best possible way. Joyous Celebration - 'Joyous Celebration 8 - To Be Free' The eighth in this very successful series of gospel from this evergreen group of SA gospel musicians and vocalists Lundi - 'Ngiyabonga' Lundi - 'Box Set' (3CD) Lundi may have encountered some serious critics in the press recently, but his music speaks for itself on these two collections - check out the '3 albums in 1' box set for extra value. Platform 1 - 'Asesabi Lutho' A long-awaited release from the great group that brought us the hit album 'Isencane' in the early 80's Revelations - 'House Hymns 2' The distinctive sound of SA house music fused with gospel - a winning concept that is sure to be as successful as their first release. Maria Le Maria - 'Moruti Ka Ntlo Ya Dimilione' A project that was made possible by Chicco Twala, and the good news is that their second release sounds as good as their first! Joseph Dumako - 'Kuzobamnandi' An SA gospel album that is worth checking out due to the unique keyboard playing on the album. Rebecca & Tsepo - 'The Queen Of Gospel And The Village Pope' With two of South Africa's music legends on one album, a must have! Deborah - 'Ngikuxolele' This third album from the gospel diva is a sure hit thanks to its tranquil nature and soothing sounds. ANC - 'Uyamemeza uJesu Uthi ANC' A gospel concept by Chicco, dedicated (controversially) to supporting the ANC. ----- KWAITO: Tribute To Tebza (Mafikizolo) - 'Tebza Wa Rock' A tribute album to the singer from Mafikizolo who died tragically in a recent road rage incident. The album features some of the true heavyweights in the SA industry including Bongo Maffin, Malaika, Alaska, Mafikizolo, Brown Dash, Mzekezeke, Lebo Mathosa, Trompies, Zola, and Brothers Of Peace Various Artists - 'Yizo Yizo 3' The third soundtrack compilation release from the massively popular TV series - features Mandoza, Brenda and Cashless Society. Mandoza - 'Mandoza' Third album from the kwaito star who brought us 'Nkalakatha' - reported to be his favourite album to date because he claims he has reached maturity! Mashamplani - 'Back 2 Square 1' The popular Mashamplani of old is back with a great new album ----- TRADITIONAL: Mzilikazi - 'Afrika' A former journalist with a moving album that speaks of Africa Shabalala Rhythm Traditional iscathamiya beats International (SA Interest) Various Artists - 'Moyo - Sophisticated African Music' An impressive compilation of African music from the likes of Angelique Kidjo, Ishmael Lo and Khadja Nin. Representing SA are Shaluza Max, Gloria Bosman and Amaryoni. ----- DANCE/ELECTRONICA: MacAngel - 'Summer In Berlin' An album produced in Berlin by one of South Africa's top dance artists. ----- RAP/HIP HOP Kaydo - 'B4 Trinity (The Story Unfolds)' A corker of a hip hop album and a must for every fan of SA's unique hip hop sound. ----- AFRIKAANS Nic Stevens - 'Jonk Bly' Nic Stevens is a talented and versatile musician, gifted songwriter, arranger as well as a vibrant artist who will in future leave an indelible mark on the Afrikaans Music environment. The rhythm of the songs ensures a successful dance CD, whilst the easiness of the melodies and lyrics will afford good listening pleasure. Adam Tas - 'My Memories In 'n Menthol' Adam Tas has a deep voice, and his debut album consists of 12 tracks from his creative pen. The album is new, original and promises to captivate audiences - from theatre-visitors to the more mainstream listeners. Seldom we come across a musical poet that is able to cry, laugh and love in Afrikaans, as well as Adam Tas. Kobus - '100% Skuldgevoelvry' The follow-up to the duo's very successful debut, featuring more alternative Afrikaans rock. Leon Schuster - '2 in 1 Special Edition' This special edition contains the 'Treffers Deur Die Jare' CD, and the soundtrack to his latest blockbuster film 'Oh Schucks I'm Gatvol'. Hugo - 'Deur Die Straights' With Hugo's debut album, the listener is taken through a variety of music with seven original tracks and six covers of well-known artists in the Afrikaans music industry such as Koos Kombuis, Johannes Kerkorrel, Koos Dup and David Kramer. Hugo's dark raunchy voice offers exceptional listening pleasure for both young and old in the Afrikaans music audience. Skrapnel - 'Skeurwevoet' The fifteen original songs on Skrapnel's debut are guaranteed to have you tapping your feet, grooving to the beat and perhaps pondering a thing or two. Jak De Priester - Sally Williams Nougat A fresh and enjoyable collection of songs from a new face and voice on the Afrikaans music scene. ----- INSTRUMENTAL Muse String Quartet - 'My Dance' This much-anticipated debut album from the all-girl Cape Town group Muse String is a real cocktail of influences: Although there are elements of Western Classical music, the real flavour lies in the added twist of Latin American, Kwaito, and Dance music. Order any of these titles at: http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?affiliateID=4321 -------------- ARTISTS -------- SKANKY CORP Skanky Corp is a Knysna-based band that delivers a potent mix of Lounge, Funk, Jazz and Latin, that can best be described as "Fazz"... The group is: Guillaume de Villiers on guitar and vocals, James Kielczynski on drums, Thomas Amorim on didgeridoo and percussion, Waldemar van Wyk on bass, and Judette Strydom on vocals. To date Skanky Corp has performed at the Bomvu African Cultural festival in the Transkei, the Billabong Pro in Jeffrey's Bay and the recent Klein Karoo Kunstefees. On their recent tour to Cape Town, Skanky proved to be very popular at venues like Cool Runnings, Mercury Lounge and Rafiki's. The group are about to commence their second set of Cape Town dates at the following venues: May 19th - Cool Runnings (Obs) May 21st - Independent Armchair with Rudimentals and Superfine May 22nd - Cool Runnings (Long Str). Check out www.skankycorp.co.za -------------- SPOTLIGHT ON: BENGUELA Benguela was formed and found its direction by default. Guitarist Alex Bozas needed some back-up for a gig at the folk club and roped in drummer Ross Campbell and double bassist Brydon Bolton for the night. What happened that evening was largely a spur of the moment creation around a few loose ideas, due to lack of rehearsal time. Six years down the line and they're still improvising every set, feeding off the audiences' energies, and evolving spontaneously as they themselves feel the way. As the band explains: "People think of improvised music as jazz because it has been marketed as jazz. A lot of performers you can't classify get put into jazz, but jazz has a style, rules and common practices, and jazz musicians improvise within those boundaries. Improvised music - true improvised music goes beyond that. It has no preordained language. It entirely creates its own form and genre. It just creates, which is beautiful. What's interesting about an improvising band is that everyone in it is changing all the time, listening to new music, seeing new things, experiencing new emotions, developing...so your perspective on life is changing. And because you're never playing the same chords or singing the same lyrics, you're never acting: it's always a true and immediate expression of who you are. The name "Benguela" was taken from the cold current running up the west coast of Southern Africa and reflects both the flowing nature of the music as well as being geographically representative of where the band came together, and the climate in which they live. Benguela has released their third album, 'Sui', on the Open Record label. It is a double album, with one disc featuring six live tracks performed in Cape Town's Sui Studios in front of a small audience, and a second disc of remixes by local and international artists such as Burnt Friedman & The Nu Dub Players, Felix Laband, Goodmorningboy, Paul Riekert, and Captain Asthma. Their two previous albums are 'Sputnik' (1998) and 'Digital Inability' (2001 on Rhythm Records) - both live recordings captured at various venues around Cape Town and Namibia. The band has played most of the festivals around the country including Oppikoppi (1998 and 2001), Grahamstown Arts Festival, Splashy Fen, and Up The Creek. The band also appears on five compilations/collaborations including both recent Breyten Breytenbach CD's - 'Lady One' and 'Mondmusiek' - and that recent Koos Kombuis CD, 'Equilibrium'. Brydon Bolton (electric upright bass) has recorded and performed with many projects including Hilton Schilder, Robbie Jansen, Bomvu, Fred Kuit & Kopano, Blacky Swart, Frank Mallows (Adamastor), on both of Chris Letcher & Matthew v.d. Want's critically acclaimed albums, with Niklas Zimmer on 'Not For Sale' and 'Conference', 'Elx' with trumpeter Alex van Heerden, and has more recently scored all the music for Jackie Job's dance, 'Spirit', which went on tour to Dusseldorf last year. Brydon has also taught double bass at the Beau Soleil music centre. Alex Bozas (guitar), professional photographer by trade, has been in and out of the music scene around South Africa for many years. Beginning with the Mike Smith Band in Durban in the late eighties, the Zap Dragons in Cape Town around '94, who recorded a single, 'Hard And Heavy', and shot a video for its release. Alex also played with The Dynamics around 1995, who also recorded an album called 'Organic', and more recently with Mark Harris, performing as Cool Bananas. Alex also performed in and created the soundscapes for Jackie Job's dance production, "Daai Za Lady". Ross Campbell has recorded and toured extensively with bands such as Celtic Rumour, Landscape Prayers (releasing the album 'Landscape Prayers'), Urban Creep (releasing 'Sea Level' and 'Tightroper'), and Fetish (releasing 'Shade Of A Ghost', and 'So Many Prophets'). Ross also reviewed CD's for SL magazine for three years and launched www.openrecord.co.za, a critical review site of local artists' CD releases. Ross currently works for Sheer Sound as their Cape Town branch manager/webmaster and has set up and runs up his own record label, also under the name Open Record, with his partner, Albert du Plessis of Rhythm Records. Catch Benguela - Benguela and Action Blue Print at the Independent Armchair Theatre in Observatory, Cape Town on Saturday 22 May. -------------- 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. BRENDA FASSIE - 'BRENDA FASSIE' [SBK RECORDS CDP-95350] By a sad coincidence, I had been giving this disc a few spins lately. Then I heard Brenda Fassie was stricken by an asthma attack and in ICU. Then I heard Brenda was moved out of ICU. Then I heard she was dead. Hard to believe a voice this strong could be silenced. Sometimes angry, as maybe she had a right to be. Sometimes addressing a social issue, as maybe she should. This 1990 CD is an American release by Capitol Records, so in a sense this CD is a greatest hits package. Most of the songs are written by Sello "Chicco" Twala, though Brenda co-wrote four of these vocal outings and did some arranging. 'Too Late for Mama' is an angry-sad song about a tragedy: a mother taking shelter from a storm under a tree and being struck by lightning. Somehow I feel the song suggests it is a failing of society that Mama was hit. Perhaps because Mama was barefooted? 'Shoot Them Before They Grow' divides white people into two camps: bad white people and good white people. Which is a statement one can make out of any hue of human. Bad sepia people and good sepia people, or good green people and bad green people. v Aside from the title 'Black President', the refrain of "Madiba, Madiba" tells us who this is about. Like the other tunes it is a dance all night long song. However, I take exception with the line, "I would die for my president"--but then I have the luxury of having less than great men as my presidents. Given a choice, I would live for my president, family, country, whatever, to ensure that I could, idealistically, live to work for the improvement of life for all. The belter 'I Won't Run' has lyrical echoes of 'I Shot the Sheriff' but not a trace of that tune in the music. Another eminently danceable number, with rousing, slammin' energy, 'Jail to Jail', has an uptempo and snakey rhythm. Lyrically, an interesting thought: a man told he's now free is taken to a mansion with a pool, and yet is still a prisoner, "...a free bird in a golden cage." Is it just me, Chicco, or is 'Stay Away (from My Man)' a smart homage to the Motown sound? I could almost be convinced this was The Marvelettes. 'Don't Follow Me I'm Married' sounds like the singer isn't so reluctant to be followed. The diva doth protest too much methinks. On 'Good Black Woman' Brenda does some calling over chanting background singers. Out of all of these memorable songs, this is perhaps my favorite. 'Orphan' is a bittersweet song about a child who finds a mother and father in a church door... as all orphans should. Angry? Maybe Brenda Fassie had reason to be. Diva of the townships? Sure, why not? I hope Brenda now sings where angry songs are not necessary, where only love songs vibrate the air. Buy CDs: 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: 'THE HEAT' - THE DOLLYROCKERS With their sardonic yet intelligent songs, The Dollyrockers have slowly crept inside my psyche, found a dark corner somewhere in the deeper recesses of my brain from where they stare out forlornly so that whenever you turn towards that part of your brain you are immediately aware of their cold staring eyes on you. That may all sound a bit scary and it is, but it's a comforting kind of scary. 'The Heat', the 'Rockers' 3rd album, is not a party album, or one to put on when you want to be cheered up. If you can imagine the Radio Rats slowed down a fraction and a few shades darker, you are beginning to enter the world of the Dollyrockers. For international comparisons, think The Cure (sans lipstick) meets The Smiths in The Jesus & Mary Chain's lounge. Greg Donnelly has a voice that you will either love or hate. It's disinterested, but at the same time has a sharpness to it that'll either set your teeth on edge, or send shivers down your spine. I find that for me it is the latter where, particularly on the more mournful tracks, there is that achingness that pierces you to the soul. On the more upbeat tracks like the one made available on SAmp3.com, 'Lovesong', he manages to rock but still maintains the ache. Things get quite bluesy on 'Silverfish' while on 'Big Black Jaguar' Greg asks "Am I the last damn saviour of Rock 'n Roll?" Well it's not quite Rock 'n Roll but I like it. It has its rock 'n roll elements as well as Gothic and as already mentioned some blues, so one could say it is a pigeon-hole shy album. But not all is mournful and depressing here. On 'Unaccustomed' Greg sings "And everything's going to be much better now" and repeats this mantra. The hidden track on the album seems to bear this out as it is a cheerful piece of concert hall piano playing. Like its predecessor, the equally lovely 'Glory Glory', the album may sound morbid and downbeat, but it does have an uplifting quality about it and that's why I enjoy listening to The Dollyrockers. Buy 'The Heat' at: http://sugarmusic.gemm.com 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. After 2 weeks at the top in 1969, The Hollies dropped quite drastically to number 4. In fact they would only spend a further 3 weeks on the top 20 before dropping off completely. Peter Sarstedt took over as the new number 1 while Joe South came in second. Billy Forrest under the guise of Quentin E Klopjaeger was the only local representative on the top 20 with 'Melody Fayre' at number 16. As with The Hollies, Terry Jacks had had a 2-week run at the top, but in 1974 he only dropped one place when relinquishing pole position. 'The Entertainer' was written by Scott Joplin in 1902 and was resurrected by Marvin Hamlisch for the movie 'The Sting'. The song made number 3 in the US and 25 in the UK. Of the 4 weeks featured above, 1979 was the only year that didn't feature a new number 1 as Richard Jon Smith held on to the top spot. Glasgow-born Frankie Millar's bluesy 'Darlin' from the album 'Perfect Fit' was moving up the charts and climbed 2 places into the top 5. UB40's drop from number 1 in 1984 was bigger than The Hollies' 1969 drop, but 'Red Red Wine' had spent a massive 12 weeks at the top, tied second with Charisma to Johnny Nash's 13 week run with 'I Can See Clearly Now'. The new number 1 was Italian dance act Fun Fun's 'Happy Station'. The top 5 was decidedly European with Italians at number 1, German band Nena at 3 and Belgium group The Klaxons in at 4. South Africans at number 1 this week: Put Your Hand In The Hand - Alan Garrity (1971) Michael Row The Boat Ashore - Richard Jon Smith (1979) South African New Entries this week: 20-May-77 Silverbird - Wright Brothers (featuring Crocodile Harris) 21-May-71 Lonely Days And Lonely Nights - Lincoln 21-May-71 The Seagull's Name Was Nelson - Des & Dawn Lindberg 21-May-76 Tears On The Telephone - Gerry Grayson & Debbie 23-May-69 Young Love Can Hurt - Dickie Loader 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 11 May 1969 1 [5] Get Back - The Beatles 2 [3] Pinball Wizard - The Who 3 [1] Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In - 5th Dimension 4 [2] Sorry Suzanne - The Hollies 5 [10] Goodbye - Mary Hopkin 6 [6] Windmills Of Your Mind - Noel Harrison 7 [7] Everyday People - Sly And The Family Stone 8 [8] In The Bad Bad Old Days - The Foundations 9 [9] Good Times - Cliff Richard 10 [4] Indian Giver - 1910 Fruitgum Co 11 [12] Boom-Bang-A-Lang - Lulu 12 [14] Hair - The Cowsills 13 [16] My Way - Frank Sinatra 14 [19] 1st Of May - The Bee Gees 15 [11] Monsieur Du Pont - Sandie Shaw 16 [20] Hawaii Five O - The Ventures 17 [-] Proud Mary - Creedance Clearwater Revival 18 [15] Gentle On My Mind - Dean Martin 19 [-] My Sentimental Friend - Herman's Hermits 20 [17] Surround Yourself With Sorrow - Cilla Black Comments: The Beatles were busy breaking up, but could still pen a number 1 as 'Get Back' topped the LM hit parade. Strangely the song did not make the Springbok Charts that week. Perhaps that had something to do with a certain comment that John Lennon made about how big the Beatles were. There were some old crooners in the charts with Frank Sinatra doing it his way at 13 and Dean Martin being gentle at 18. The biggest mover was Mary Hopkins who jumped 5 places to number 5 while 1910 Fruitgum Company was the biggest faller, dropping 6 places to 10. Previous week's top 5 hits: 1. Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In - 5th Dimension 2. Sorry Suzanne - The Hollies 3. Pinball Wizard - The Who 4. Indian Giver - 1910 Fruitgum Co 5. Get Back - The Beatles (Courtesy of Marius Terblanche from Ladysmith in KZN) ------------------------ BIRTHDAYS May 18 Amanda Tiffin (1972, solo, Not The Midnight Mass) 31 Tully McCully (born Terence McCullagh, 1953, McCully Workshop, Falling Mirror, BlueScream)
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 ---------------------------- A TRIBUTE TO BRENDA FASSIE Thank You for your Passion Uzahle Uwhetwe Ushona Uwhetwe. Too Late for Mama - Ma Brr. A Freedom Song. Nqolobane Sithole -------------- METAL GURU, I WANT TO KNOW WHO? Hi, I really want to know who is the band with the hit 'Soul Beauty' from about early 2001 - 2002 - it's a metal band. Thanks spiritfall Mailto:spiritfalldark@yahoo.com -------------- CLIVE'S BIRTHDAY Hi, I am an amateur astrologer. Do you have a birth date for Clive Calder? Thank you Lisa mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=Digest -------------- DIE DOEDIES?? Hi, I have been searching for the album titled "Die Doedies Sing Doemmelliedjies" for many years. I recently came across your web page on Clive Calder (SA Rock Classics), where you showed the cover of the album and listed the tracks. http://www.rock.co.za/files/clive_calder_index.htm Is there any way in which you can assist me in getting hold of the music (e.g. mp3)? I have phoned various record companies and contacted several South African music artists, without any success. I am specifically looking for the track "Baie Bietjie Babie", as well as "Pieterjan", but it would be very interesting to be able to listen to all of them. Your kind assistance will be greatly appreciated! Riaan Mailto:rbooysen@grintek.com -------------- INFO ON AN IBANEZ? Hi, I bought an Ibanez Lonestar Series semi-acoustic guitar in 1986. I recently thought about selling it and was trying to find out what its value was today... with no success. I went onto the internet for information and found only another query from someone else trying to find out more about this particular guitar. It appears to be reasonably unique. I decided to hang on to it and, as the resident entertainer at the Thaba 'Nchu Sun Hotel & Casino resort, I am again using it on a nightly basis. Does anyone out there have information on this guitar??? It's pretty special to me, but is it special in the market place? Regards, Lay Yesson Mailto:quill@iafrica.com -------------- THE DEATH OF AFRICA Hi, Quite a few years ago there was a South African CD called "The Death Of Africa" released, and I am desperately trying to find it. I thought I might ask you if you know or have any idea on where to get it. I am willing to spend good money for it Many thanx, Michael Mailto:mike_dennis_12@hotmail.com -------------- LOST LYRIC LAMENT Hi, I am trying to find out words for Jeremy Taylor's 'Jo'burg Boogie Blues' and 'Liftgirls Lament'. Also two songs 'Heart' and 'Torture' that I heard when I was young but can't remember the singer except that he was disabled. Could you help me in any way. Thanks in Anticipation Terry Ed. - Maybe try Jeremy Taylor himself at www.jeremytaylor.info 'Heart' and 'Torture' were by the late Gene Rockwell (born Gert Smit)... a superb 2CD retrospective titled 'The Heart and Soul of Gene Rockwell' is available from One World http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?affiliateID=4321 -------------- SUNGLASSES...OOH OOH...TO HIDE BEHIND Hi, I am trying to obtain an MP3 of 'Sunglasses' by Hilary, which was released in Aug 1968. Thanks, Joe Ed. - It's not available as an mp3, but it is available on the 'Best Of SA Pop Volume 1' 2CD set from One World: http://www.oneworld.co.za/productspecific.asp?AffiliateID=4321&ProductCode=C DGMPD40485 -------------- BIRD OF A FEATHER Hi, I am trying to find out more about a singer from late 1968 to early 1969. Tommy Sean was his stage name and his real name was Thomas Richard Goddard. He sang with Birds of a Feather and I have an article from Stage and Cinema (Jan 68) which says he was the second lead singer for Calders Collection. He obviously did not sing with the band for long as I cannot find any information about him on the website. The article also states that he was once the lead singer for Birds of a Feather. If you can help me with any info I would be most grateful. v Thank you Tommy Mailto:mwjadnik@mweb.co.za -------------- YOU LIKE? Hi, Where can I find the song 'I Like' from John Ireland? Thank You George Mailto:mcdonald.george@columbus.co.za Ed. - On the Best of SA Pop Volume 3, available at One World: http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?affiliateid=4321 -------------- PEACE SONG Hi, I am looking for a 70's song called "Three billion people". I may have the title wrong. It went something like: "Three billion people, Together, forever Three billion people How will it end" Thanks, Paul Ed. - Believe it or not this was by that anonymous cartoon TV group the Archies!! (Ed.- Didn't they sing that great song "Oh Honey, da da da da da da, oh Sugar Sugar"?) It's called 'A Summer Prayer For Peace' and is basically a spoken recitation of population stats of the countries of the World in 1970 (South Africa: 19 million!) and a sung chorus as you quoted above. It was a number 14 hit on Springbok Radio in 1971, but did not chart in the US or UK! - see http://www.rock.co.za/files/springbok_top_20_(A).html It was released on the Archies LP 'Sunshine' in 1970: http://www.rock.co.za/files/bubblegum_one_index.htm but does not seem to be included on any 'Best Of' CDs. -------------- THE ROOTS OF AMERSHAM Hello, Did you know Marc Bentel left Little Sister to join Amersham in 1996 until our demise 1999 and John Ellis left 1995 to form Tree 63? I have often heard people question Amersham's roots - we were a South African band, our drummer, Tim Trotter, was the only Englishman. Regards Nathan Waywell -------------- CHARTS PLEASE! Hi, I'm doing some research, and would like to know where I can access the Top 20 songs per month (both local and international songs featured on the SA Top 20) from 1970 to date... Thanks, Doug Ed. - The best I can do is point you to our website that has all the Springbok Radio chart info on... hope this helps? http://www.rock.co.za/files/sarock_charts.html -------------- THAT MAMBO MAN Hi Who sings that cool 'Mama Loves Mambo' song used in the current Nike football ad on TV. Sounds like Frank Sinatra. Is it? Thanks Jim Ed. - The song is actually called 'Papa Loves Mambo' and was a Billboard #4 hit for Perry Como in 1954. -------------- YOU NEED HEINZ Howzit Tell me, is there like a limit to what height a oke can be before he can go on that Popeye Dull show cos everyone always is like charfing with Heinz height he could have done this or with Heinz height he could of done that. Johnny from Boksburg -------------- GOT A QUESTION? Please email any musical questions to editor@sarockdigest.com ----------------------------- ----------------- 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 - 'Shattered (Best Of) ' (LP) Trevor Rabin - 'Wolf' (LP) The Flames - 'Soulfire' (LP) Amampondo - 'Live - Uyandibiza' (LP) Kabasa - 'Searching' (LP) Pocket Lips - 'The Rhythm Of Life' (LP) Various - 'Concert In The Park' (double LP) Dog Detachment - 'Fathoms Of Fire' (LP) Johannes Kerkorrel en die Gereformeerde Blues Band - 'Eet Kreef!' (LP) Latest independent SA CD additions: Syd Kitchen - 'Quintessentially Syd Kitchen' Arbor - 'Tower Ape' (Indie) Top Sellers (in alphabetical order): 340ml - 'Moving' Bed On Bricks - 'Humanarium' (Bowline) Bluescream - 'Bluescream' (Independent) Benguela - 'Sui' (Open Record) Chiaroscuro - 'A Definition' (Independent) Dollyrockers - 'The Heat' (Independent) Brian Finch - 'Never Look Back' (Independent) Fly Paper Jet - 'Live' Fkofpolisiekar - 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand' (Rhythm) freshlyground - 'Jika Jika' (Independent) Forest Moon - 'Forest Moon' (Independent) Godessa - 'Spillage' Goema Captains Of Cape Town - 'Healing Destination' (Mountain) Derek Gripper - 'Blomdoorns' (Open Record) Hog Hoggidy Hog - 'Naked' EP (3 Chord) ISLA - 'Lick The Lion' (Independent) Kalahari Surfers - 'Muti Media' (African Dope) Lions Of Zion - 'Iternal Fire' (Independent) Mitsoo - 'Afterglow' EP (Indie) MoodPhase5ive - 'Steady On' (African Dope) Not The Midnight Mass - 'Live At The Planetarium' (Independent) Russ Nerwich - 'Beyond The Walls' (Independent) Off The Edge - Site Under Construction (Independent) Plush - 'All That Is Should Be' (Independent) The Rudimentals - 'More Fire' (Independent) Sedwick The Salesman - 'The Realisation Of Purpose' Colin Shamley - 'Born Guilty & Other Stories' (2CD set) (3rd Ear Music) Soulja - '21 Gunslut' (Independent) SteveVan - 'Getting Stronger' (Independent) 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 - 'Breathe Sunshine' (Amabala) Various - 'A Moment In Cape Town' (Revised edition) (Afribeat) Various SA Artists - 'Big Red' - From the TV series 'Going Nowhere Slowly' [Ripchord] Zero Tolerance - 'A Perfect Life?' (EP) (Independent) This week's best-selling CDs at Mabu Vinyl & CD are: 1. 'Moving' - 340ml 2. 'Big Red' - Songs from the TV series 'Going Nowhere Slowly' 3. 'Sui' - Benguela 4. 'Digital Inability' - Benguela 5. 'The Heat' - The Dollyrockers 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: Flames - 'For Your Precious Love/A Place in the Sun' (7") Morris Goldberg - 'Jazz in Transit' (2LP) Zacks Nkosi - 'Our Kind of Jazz '77' (LP) Passengers - 'Rule of the Swallow' (LP) Peach - 'On Loan for Evolution' (LP) P.J. Powers - 'Thandeka' (LP) Prophets Of the City - 'Our World' (LP) Psycho Reptiles - 'Have Beans Will Travel' (LP) Paul Simon - 'Graceland' featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ray Phiri a.o. (LP) Paul Simon - 'Rhythm of the Saints' featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ray Phiri (LP) 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 pay top prices for top quality. 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 -------------- SUBMIT YOUR SONGS TO 'GOING NOWHERE SLOWLY' The 'Going Nowhere Slowly' crew are still looking for new SA songs for possible inclusion on the TV series soundtrack. So while there's still time you can send your CD and a short biog to: Aidan Harper Ripchord PO Box 12540 Mill Street Cape Town 8010 -------------- RIPCHORD STUDIOS Ripchord is offering some special recording deals. For the month of May only we will be charging only R900.00 per day. Please phone Aidan on 424 3810 or 083 730 5549 to book recording space in our 16-track digital studio. The rehearsal rooms are also cooking! - Fully air-conditioned, vocal PA etc Check the website - www.ripchord.co.za - from R40.00 per hour. To book rehearsal rooms - please phone Steve on 424 3810 (o/h) or 072 519 0601 Call for music teachers: Ripchord Studios have not only a digital 16-track recording studio but also have three air-conditioned PA-equipped practice rooms. These rooms normally operate from 5pm to 11pm, although we do have facilities for bands that wish to rehearse during the day. We are looking for anyone who wishes to use our rooms for music tuition when bands are not rehearsing. We are situated in the middle of town on the corner of Long and Longmarket Streets (2nd Floor 157 Longmarket Street to be exact!). Any interested parties can phone Steve or Aidan on 424 3810 o/h. Call for songwriters: Ripchord Studios also has a post-production facility for film work... features, commercials, music videos etc. We have two sister companies: Sting Models (who provide models, cast & characters for the film industry) and Crewsaders Film and TV Crewing Agency (who provide crew for the film sets). We are looking for budding songwriters who are interested in writing music for commercials, soundtracks etc. and are currently putting together a showreel to market to the industry. We are looking for all genres of music. Please call Aidan on either +27 21 424 3810 o/h or 083 730 5549 for more info. Any bands interested in making music videos can also call us on the above numbers. Ripchord's sister company, STING MODELS, is looking for rock and pop star look-alikes! Sting supplies characters and cast to feature films, commercials and music videos. So if you reckon you look like Robbie Williams, Britney or even Mozart - then give Heidi a call on 424 3810 for a screen test! ----------------------- 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 Sound Solutions and Digest Classified sections are sponsored by: SUGAR MUSIC http://www.sugarmusic.co.za Contact: Stephen Segerman - sugar@cd.co.za LIVE MUSIC
RECOMMENDED SA GIGS See http://www.sagigs.com UPCOMING EVENTS ------------------- Full details at http://www.SAgigs.com KAREN ZOID - Karen will be performing on the 25th of May at Trance Sky (the old Bassline) in Mellville, Johannesburg in association with Levi's BENGUELA - With Action Blue Print at the Independent Armchair Theatre on Saturday 22 May DAVE LEDBETTER AND RONAN SKILLEN - Original compositions from jazz supremo Dave on keyboard, guitar and vocals and Ronan instrumental with tabla and didgeridoo. CDs will be available. Saturday 22 May at Habanero's in Kalk Bay BELIEVABLE ADDICTION - Believable Addiction will be storming into Witbank on the 21st May with Achitecture of Aggression and Funeral Gods at The Rock Café in Witbank. DEREK GRIPPER - 8-string solo guitar compositions exploring the music of the Cape, live at the Dorp Street Theatre, Stellenbosh - Wednesday 19th May SKANKY CORP - The Knysna-based band, that delivers a potent mix of Lounge, Funk, Jazz and Latin, that can best be described as "Fazz", have lined up some Cape Town dates. DELTA BLUE AND BED ON BRICKS - These two popular Cape bands are heading in the right direction with great upcoming plans for the year and great shows to keep your social schedule up and running. GOEMA WEEKEND AT CAFÉ DISTRIX - 'Healing Destination', the debut album by the Goema captains Of Cape Town, is Mac McKenzie's brilliant musical tribute to the Cape Town Goema scene and will be launched at 104 Darling St, Cape Town on Fri. 28th and Sat 29th May 2004. ARNO CARSTENS AND NEW P*RN - Arno Carstens is taking some time out from his burgeoning career in TV commercials to perform at a series of concerts around South Africa during May. SKA TISSUE - Maiden League Records brings you the Cape Town leg of Nelspruit's Ska Tissue's national tour. THE INDEPENDENT ARMCHAIR THEATRE - This week's line-up includes Goema Goema Masala, The Wayne Joshua Band, The A Bomb, The Rudimentals, Superfine, Skanky Corp, Benguela and Action Blue Print - In Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town. THE RUDIMENTALS - Cape Town's ska-punk sensations have lined up a string of gigs over the next few weeks. ---------------------- UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS IN SA: BJORN AGAIN - The most successful ABBA tribute band in the world and will be returning to SA in June following their successful 2002 tour 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 included to the Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town legs of the SA Tour ------------ GIG FOCUS ------------ THE FINKELSTIENS LIVE IN JO'BURG Friday 28 May 2004 It's all happening exclusively for Jo'burg's youth! Level 1 and Powerzone are proud to announce the youth event of the year - The Finkelsteins live in concert hosted by 5fm's Zuraida Jardine. The Finkelstiens will be playing their Jo'burg show of the current tour "100 gigs in 80 days" at Jo'burg's exclusive under-18 club on Friday 28 May 2004. Zuraida Jardine will introduce the Finkelstiens and after their 1 hour show, some of Jo'burg's best DJ's will be there to entertain the crowd till the night grows old. Tickets are only R35. There will be lots of prizes to be won as well. These include CD's such as Limp Bizkit, DJ Casper, D12 to name a few. Friday 28th May 2004 - LEVEL 1, Randburg Doors open at 7pm and the Finkelstiens start at 8.45pm Please follow the signs from the Hans Strijdom/Hans Schoeman (Hill Street) intersection Tickets on sale at the door - R30 For more information: www.l1.co.za or www.powerzone.co.za Craig Green & Chris Green of LEVEL 1: Craig 082 829 8161 or Chris 082 389 5566 -------------- DEREK GRIPPER IN CONCERT 8-string solo guitar compositions exploring the music of the Cape. Live at the Dorp Street Theatre, Stellenbosh. Wednesday 19th May, 9pm, R50 Derek Gripper is one of South Africa's most significant and pioneering young guitarists. Winner of numerous music awards, he has a master's degree from UCT and has furthered his studies internationally under world-renowned musicians such as V.V. Umashankar, Odair Assad, Carlos Bonnel and Craig Ogden. Gripper will be performing guitar compositions inspired by the music of the Western Cape from his debut album, "Blomdoorns" (Open Record), as well as a selection of classical works. These compositions will be played on a specially sculpted 8-string guitar. Built exclusively for Gripper, this unique instrument is played upright, like a cello, with a metal endpin that balances on a wooden resonator box. The effect is to create an instrument that expands the pitch, volume and tonal range of the guitar. To book phone 021 886 6107 www.dorpstraat.co.za For further info on Derek Gripper go to: www.openrecord.co.za -------------- SOUTHERN RIGHT HOTEL REOPENS The newly renovated Southern Right Hotel in Glencairn is back in business and presenting the best of Cape Town's Blues and Jazz bands every weekend. On Saturday nights, for the month of May, boogie to the awesome Blues sounds of Los Ballos Quartos and Swamp Funk Quartet with weekly guests, 7pm - 11pm. Last Saturday, (15 May), we hosted the inimitable Los Ballos Quartos featuring Jonny Blundell (AKA Juan Tarramerda) {Fat City}, Tigger Reunert (AKA Tihuana Bra) {Wendy Oldfield Band}, James Kay ( AKA Santiago) {Stark Raving Sane} and Zoltan Zsabo (Zolton of Swing). Chill out around the fireplace on Sunday afternoons with Nicky B and the Covertones playing their unique brand of lounge jazz. 2.30 - 6.30pm For more information call Dean on 782 0314 -------------- RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS COMPETITION Those based in Gauteng try and keep May 23 open because you can be witness to some South African music history in the making at Circus Maximus (see story in 'News' section above). The next Nelspruit leg of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds takes place during June. The Bloemfontein leg is back on track this month (see listings below) and the Vaal leg also takes place this month - for further information and to book your band in the Vaal leg of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds contact the Squire on 082 770 7524. For the May leg of the Johannesburg RP Studios Emerging Sounds there are still openings for bands on May 22. And if you are based in Pretoria (see listings below) you can book your band through the Squire. To book your band in the Durban leg of this event contact Wicked Mike on 083 742 5145. JOHANNESBURG - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS Saturday, May 22 Tempos - 191 Hans Strydom, Kyasands, Randburg Event starts at 15:00 and there is a R20 cover charge Saturday, May 29 - JHB monthly finals Tempos - 191 Hans Strydom, Kyasands, Randburg Event starts at 15:00 and there is a R30 cover charge · Module 69 · Cherry Pill · Sixty Nine PRETORIA - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS Thursday, May 27 - Nile Crocodile - R10 cover charge · Anti Cemetary · Nothing alike · Kickstand VAAL - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS Friday, May 28 - Perfect Manhatten - R10 cover charge · 8th Day For further information contact Simon "Squire" Foulds on 082 770 7524. -------------- SA PUNK By Daniel Neville Hog Hoggidy Hog are at it again!!! As you read above in the 'CD' section, it's been 3 years since Hog Hoggidy Hog has released a full-length album, but it is going to be well worth the wait. The Hogs have been working for the last year on this album and finally it is finished. The band is extremely pleased with the way the album turned out and that finally they have something to show for all their hard work that they are proud of. No expense has been spared in the making of this album that they are simply calling, 'OINK!' Not only will the album will consist of all the unreleased crowd favourites such as 'Flag of Freedom', 'The Naked Song', 'Willy White and Aunty Trish' plus more, they have also recorded a whole lot of brand new kick-ass tracks, never ever performed live. When HHH released their last full-length album, they held a CD release and packed out the venue beyond capacity with eager punks. It was the biggest punk/ska event ever to take place in the Mother City and they almost completely sold out the original pressing of the CD on the opening night. This time, in true Hog fashion, the porkers are going to pull it off again, only this time it's going to be bigger and better. Hog Hoggidy Hog have put together a release party in the form of an event to be matched only by the album itself. We're looking for some people to help out by handing out flyers and promoting the event in your area. If you're interested in becoming part of the Hog Street Team, contact Lee on 0827756868 or email us back and give us your number. -------------- Upcoming SA Punk Gigs: Wed 19 May 2004 - Mercury Lounge - Cape Town - R10, 9pm Three Chord Theory One Good Reason Thurs 20 May - The Nile Crocodile - Pretoria - R10, 8pm The Terrorists Two Strikes Against Fri 21 May - Indie Armchair Theatre - Cape Town - R30, 9pm Rude Skanky Rock The Rudimentals Superfine Skanky Corp (Knysna) Sat 22 May - Dirty Dicks - Hout Bay - R20, 9pm Half Price Ska Tissue Hoax Antipathy Sat 22 May - Whammy Bar - Cape Town - R20, 9pm Antipathy Carea Mental Junto Sat 22 May - Lanners Landing - Paarl - R30, 9pm The Rudimentals Spindlesect Soulja Daniel Neville mailto:daniel@neville.za.net ------------------- LIVE IN LONDON ----------- THE SUN AND THE MOON Sunways @ The Half Moon, 30 April 2004 By John Samson There's an old joke about Van der Merwe wanting to build a rocket to travel to the sun. 'Won't you get burnt?' his mate asks. 'No' is the reply, 'I'll go at night'. So I figure if it's good enough for Van it's good enough for me so I headed out to see the sun at the moon at night. Although I didn't get burnt it still got hot. It was rather like a summer's day as it started off quite mellow with Robbie Boake seemingly forgetting where the mike was as he sang to the crowd from the middle of the stage when his mike was on one side. The interesting thing about this was that it did seem to catch the audience's attention. Once he had found the mike, Robbie settled into a great set and we were soon enjoying the midday heat. Sunways seem to occupy sparsely inhabited area of rock between full on heavy grunge and arty atmospheric rock as they were certainly capable of rocking with aplomb, but there was something more to it as they managed to conjure up emotions other than anger in one. There was a good mixture of serious and fun as they worked their way through their 45-min set. One could sense that the band were enjoying themselves and at times Robbie seemed to resemble Jack White from the White Stripes. As the gig drew to a close, the band built to a crescendo and then slowed to a dusk-like quiet finish. It was a really impressive gig that was never completely mad, but never quite sedate, thus keeping the interest level high. One might say that a gig by Sunways at the Halfmoon would be difficult to eclipse. (JS) Listen to Sunways at http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_l_s.html ------------------- LIVE IN SA ----------- BEING NAWTY AND RUDE AT DOCKSIDE On Saturday, Nawty held a major event at Dockside including bands, skating, cheesy dance arenas with barely covered ladies, as well as some very official looking people with wires hanging from their ears. Ten bands played, including One More Riot, The Doppler Effect and Antipathy, with The Rudimentals, Hog Hoggidy Hog and Fuzigish headlining the evening. Part of the Rude Team decided it would be a good idea to get to Dockside around 5pm to start amping the kids up around our merch stand. Getting to the venue five hours before The Rudimentals took the stage allowed for a lot of time to spare... Now I know this has been mentioned in the past, but any rumours about the Rude Team cleaning out the bar, twice, are not true! By the time The Rude Boys took the stage, the crowd was super-amped, giving The Boys one of the biggest cheers I have ever heard them receive! We even had a couple of dancers trying their luck on stage. All in all, we had a Fire! time! After The Rudimentals, it was time for The Hogs, and I thought we had some pretty enthusiastic dancers on stage... Let's just say that any boys who were at the gig below the age of about twelve saw some things that have probably tainted their minds for eternity. By the time FuziGish took the stage, the crowd was immersed in a cumbersome cloud of dust, but this didn't stop anyone. You gotta love 'em! A huge thanks goes out to everyone who made it to this event to support the bands. PS - On the 1st of May, The Rudimentals played at an event held to raise funds for 16-year-old JP Andrew who was attacked by a shark while surfing Muizenberg just over five weeks ago. This endeavour has put a lot of financial strain on his family, so if you are able to contribute anything at all to JP Andrew and his family, there is a trust fund that has been set up to contribute to medical costs at Nedbank Cape Town, account number 184 010 929 998, branch code 100909. For further information, contact Robyn Cowie at 021 410 7800. -------------- CLASH OF THE TITANS ROUND TWO REVIEW by Aidan Harper Thursday May 10th saw the second round of the Clash Of The Titans gigs held at Café Vacca Matta in Price Edward Street, Tygervalley. First off, a very big thank you to Dave Cathcart from DC Audio for providing a killer sound rig! He brought in his 14K Nexo/Camco compact system. Dave Cathcart worked with the likes of Vanessa Mae, Hothouse Flowers and Papa Wemba. Dave can be contacted on 083 300 4361 or via email at davec@mweb.co.za Big thanks go to Smirnoff Vodka who were our official sponsor for this 'round'! John Phillip kicked off the evening with an awesome acoustic set. John, who hails from Stellenbosch, has been performing as a solo artist for the last eight months playing around the country and opening for acts such as Henry Ate and Just Jinger. You can catch John's performances at venues in and around Stellenbosch. Fronted by singer/songwriter/guitarist Wayne Joshua, this original 4-piece band launched into their 45 minute set. Their style of music is akin to that of Dave Matthews and Hootie And The Blowfish. The stage performance is very dynamic (everyone at the gig loved Alvin Hendrix's laid back style of bass playing!) with a seriously international feel. The remainder of the band is made up of Shai Caleb on drums, Yves Dei-Cont on electric guitar and Alvin Hendrix on bass guitar. The band is currently writing/pre-producing the material for their debut album and will be gigging extensively before heading into the studio to lay down the final takes. A series of "unplugged" shows have also been booked to expose them to a wider audience. The Wayne Joshua band was featured on episode 7 of SABC3's 'Going Nowhere Slowly' with their song 'Rise'. Check out www.waynejoshua.com for more info. The next band up needed no formal introduction. Decked out in their Mafia-style outfits, Mista.E, Mista Boss, Barry Bass, The Mighty D, The Reverend, Jo-D, Rostabone and Doctor Dirk - The 9-piece band named The Rudimentals, or the "Rudis" as they are affectionately known, hit the stage. For those of you who listened to Ska bands such as The Selector, Madness and The Beat, this band is a "Mustgoandseeatallcosts" experience! You cannot help tapping your feet or skanking along to their catchy tunes and stage personae. To call this band 'tight' is an understatement - the tidy brass, keyboard and guitar riffs put together a perfect blend of music that is the essence of Ska. Vocalist Mista Boss is a natural frontman and did not fail to get the audience on their feet. Their album 'More Fire' was released last year and captures that 'live' atmosphere perfectly. Check out www.rudimentals.co.za for the low-down on the band. Clash Of The Titans Round 3 will be taking place at Café Vacca Matta Tygervalley on Thursday 10th June. Doors open at 7.30pm. Presold tickets are available at R10.00 each by phoning Café Vacca Matta on (021) 910 1854/5 or Ripchord on (021) 424 3810. Cover charge is R20.00 at the door and VIP tickets are available at R45.00 each. The Clash Of The Titans gigs are hosted by Café Vacca Matta and Ripchord. Sound rig provided by DC Audio cc Info: Dave Cathcart - 083 300 4361 or davec@mweb.co.za Any bands wishing to participate on future Clash Of The Titans gigs can contact Aidan on (021) 424 3810 or via email at info@ripchord.co.za Anyone wishing to be a sponsor of a Clash Of The Titans gig can contact Aidan at Ripchord on (021) 424 3810 or via email at info@ripchord.co.za --------------------- 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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