SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #195 http://www.sarockdigest.com 24th March 2003 Established 27th January 1999 -------------- IN THIS ISSUE -------------- Sugardrive to play live at the Mercury in Cape Town... North Sea Jazz Festival starts this week... New concept album CD from Constructus... Mississippi songstress Eden Brent visits and sings about South Africa... Kurt basks in the Blk Sonshine... John tackles the Springbok Nude Girls... Carina was at the 'Volk Jou Ook' CD launch... Daniel saw Frenzal Rhomb live... and all the recommended gigs are on www.SAgigs.com. ---------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK DIGEST ONLINE ---------------------------------- For a colorful and clickable HTML version of the SA Rock Digest with images, please visit http://www.cd.co.za where the online version of the SA Rock Digest can be found. Updated every Tuesday. --------------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK DIGEST ON THE RADIO --------------------------------------- Digest co-editor Stephen Segerman presents his SA music slot on the Bruce Millar Show on SAfm (103-106fm) on Monday evenings between 9 and 9.30pm. ------------------------------------- THE SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK ENCYCLOPEDIA ------------------------------------- From Abstract Truth to Karen Zoid, from 'Astra' to 'Zen Boulders', from 'Ag Pleez Deddy' to 'ZX Dan'... visit the South African Rock Encyclopedia at http://www.ROCK.co.za ----------- SAmp3.com ----------- Recent new releases on http://www.SAmp3.com include: 'South Africa' - Eden Brent (International Artist) '9mm Blues' - George Harry 'Push-up Bra' - Uzo Blaker 'Misvuurtjie' - Laurinda Hofmeyr 'James Brown (I Ain't)' - Martin Rocka 'Wakey Wakey' - Constructus 'Oh My God' - The Dolly Rockers 'Dit Gebeur' - Kop 'Tweak Sampler' - Tweak 'Sunette Sampler' - Sunette 'Human Being' - Springcan 'Blommetjie Gedenk Aan My' - Anton Goosen 'Ek en Jy en die Highway' - Valiant Swart 'Saron Gas Sampler' - Saron Gas ------------ SAGIGS.com ------------ The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com. If you cannot access SAgigs.com please e-mail mailto:gigs@sarockdigest.com?subject=gigguide and we will e-mail the gig guide to you each week. ------------- SAKLANK.com ------------- Sluit aan by http://www.SAKlank.com deur e-pos te stuur aan mailto:intekenaar@saklank.com?subject=SAKlank Alle rasionele idees, gedagtes, bydraes, briewe en konsert-/CD-resensies is altyd welkom! ----------- ONE WORLD ----------- Selling South African Music to the World http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 ----------- CONTENTS ----------- 1.NEWS: Karen Zoid, Sugardrive, Cat Stevens, North Sea Jazz Festival 2.CHARTS: Top 30 mp3s & albums 3.NEW RELEASES: mp3s & CDs: Constructus, Eden Brent 4.USA FOR AFRICA: Blk Sonshine 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK: Springbok Nude Girls 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA: Springbok radio charts, birthdays, Vinyl Junkies 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS: A Readers Forum 8.LIVE MUSIC: Frenzal Rhomb, Zen Arcade 9.INFO: Subscriptions & contributions _____________________________________________ 1.NEWS -------- AN UNAZOIDABLE MISTAKE Last week we said that Karen Zoid would be launching her new album, 'New World', at the KKNK in Oudtshoorn this week. Wrong on both counts. A spokesperson from her EMI label informs us that the new album is now to be called 'Chasing The Sun', and its release date has been put back to May 12 (this year we assume). But the Karen Zoid band will still be showcasing songs off 'Chasing The Sun' at the KKNK, so we were close. ==STOP PRESS== News just in from Carina (SAKlank editor) is that Karen Zoid's new CD might well be called 'A New World Inside' (subject to change without notice), which has no connection to the SA Punk band who recently announced their break-up (see SA Punk section below). Read http://www.karenzoid.co.za Listen http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_t_z.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=zoid -------------------- SUGARDRIVE ARE BACK (IN CAPE TOWN) Friday 28 March - Mercury Live Sugardrive were one of the pre-eminent SA bands of the last decade and it was a sad day for their fans when the band announced their break-up some 18 months ago. Fortunately for the faithful they have remained active in the industry since and their collective desire has not waned at all. The band has reformed with new member Ian Bee, has written a pile of new material, and have been playing for the past three months to packed houses in Gauteng. Sugardrive are now "taking the tentative steps toward creating a different world in which to place it's music" according to the band's vocalist and spokesman, Paul Flynn. The Mercury Live is fortunate to be hosting this main event of a short tour to the Cape. Flynn explained: "The band has always held the live arena in high regard, and appreciates that in addition to the recording studio, this is the best place in which to showcase our ideas and get the instant reaction/satisfaction factor operating. The shows in Cape Town will be an opportunity to expand our fan-base network as well as test out our (admittedly nascent) current song ideas". Supporting Sugardrive are Velve and Cruel April. Doors at 9pm. Pre-sale tickets available from the venue at R30; couvert at the door R35. Read http://www.cd.co.za/legends/90s/sugardrive_index.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=sugardrive ---------------------- COME RIDE CAT'S 'PEACE TRAIN' AGAIN Yusuf Islam, the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens, has joined thousands of people around the world calling for peace. In 1978, Cat Stevens recorded his last pop song for his last album, 'Back To Earth', and quietly retreated from the pop spotlight. But in these turbulent times, after more than 25 years, Yusuf Islam has returned to the studio to re-record 'Peace Train', one of his most popular songs. Yusuf Islam explained: "'Peace Train' is a song I wrote, the message of which continues to breeze thunderously through the hearts of millions and there is a powerful need for people to feel that gust of hope rise up again. As a member of humanity and as a Muslim, this is my contribution to the call for a peaceful solution". With 'Angel of War', Islam decided to revisit his music legacy and rework a classic track, so 'Angel of War' is based on the melody of 'Lady D'Arbanville'. Both tracks were recorded at Yellowbrick Studios during a recent trip to Johannesburg. Islam had initially planned his trip to take part in the Nelson Mandela Concert to raise money for AIDS in Africa. Although the concert was cancelled, Islam remained in South Africa, where he started a medical centre in Johannesburg for AIDS patients. Through the years, most of his royalties have been donated to various children's causes - including his 'Small Kindness' charity - which has helped thousands of orphans and destitute families, most recently in Kosovo and Bosnia. Swept up by humanity and reflecting on the world today, Islam was inspired to record a number of new tracks with local South African musicians. "Because I don't play guitar anymore, African harmonies and rhythms have been an inspiration to me, I love the raw origin of the sound; it complements my voice and words naturally", Islam said. September 2000 saw the release of 'The Very Best Of Cat Stevens', marking his first gold record in more than 20 years. In 2001, the 'Cat Stevens Box Set' was released from which he donated the royalties to the September 11th Fund and to Small Kindness. 'Peace Train' is available at www.yusufislam.org.uk or www.catstevens.com Angel of War' is coming soon. ---------------------- TOP SA ACTS COMPLETE NSJF-CAPE TOWN 2003 LINE-UP And news of the Workshops program and the Free Concert in Greenmarket Square! All the names are in, the lists are closed, and those glossy festival programs are being printed. The final line-up for the fourth staging of the North Sea Jazz Festival in Cape Town this weekend is complete (barring any last minute surprises of course!). Unfortunately there was one late cancellation by the female duo Floetry, due to some prior commitments, but the final few names added to the bill - Tony Cox with Barry van Zyl, Steve Dyer, Bheki Mseleku with Winston "Mankunku" Ngozi, and the North Sea Jazz Super Band - will again ensure that the 2003 festival line-up will be as strong as ever. You can view the full Festival line-up at www.nsjfcapetown.com An integral and valuable part of the annual staging of the North Sea Jazz Festival in Cape Town on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 March, is the full program of music workshops that are arranged for the week of the Festival. The 2003 Workshops program will again be held at the Artscape Theatre Complex on the Foreshore from Monday 24 - Saturday 29 March. These well-attended workshops allow interaction and discussion between emerging musicians and some of the established stars appearing at the main Festival. Details of these workshops at www.nsjfcapetown.com It has also become North Sea Jazz Festival tradition over the past three years for espMOJO to stage a Free Jazz Concert for the people of Cape Town, a day prior to the main festival. This year, the free concert will be moving to its new location at Greenmarket Square, in the heart of the city. The free concert will take place on Thursday 27 March, from 16h30 till 22h15, and will again feature a varied line-up of Festival artists, new emerging SA jazz talent, and some established Cape Town legends. Mukta, Relax, and The Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band will be representing the Festival artists with The Mpho & Uvimba Band, Joe and the Drum Sound, Ezra Ngcukana and The Little Giants completing the evening's bill. Tickets for the event are again available from Computicket and are still being sold at exactly the same price as they were for the first Festival - R235 (one-day pass), R360 (two-day pass). There will again be a token system in place for food and drink, and there will be additional refreshment outlets. The festival will again be disabled-friendly with ramps and raised platforms. There is also a NSJF hotline at +27 83-123-JAZZ (or 5299) and line-up updates and other festival info can be found at www.nsjfcapetown.com __________________________________________ 2.CHARTS ----------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Album/Label) 1. [1] (1) Stoute Boude - Anton Goosen en Beeskraal (''n Vis Innie Bos'/Gallo) 2. [3] (2) Beach Girl - Natalia ('The Street Level Sessions'/Indie) 3. [5] (3) Bob's Your Uncle - Canaan's Banana (SAmp3.com/Indie) 4. [4] (4) LekkerByDieSee - Diff Olie ('Die Borrelbad Insident'/Boereplaas) 5. [6] (5) Toeka Sampler - Steve Hofmeyr ('Toeka'/EMI) 6. [11] (6) Room2Breathe Sampler - Semisane ('Room2Breathe'/BMG) 7. [2] (2) Siamese Sampler - Siamese ('Three Piece project'/BMG) 8. [12] (8) Broken Innocence - Alexis ('Overload'/Pt. Music) 9. [16] (9) Spook - Spinnekop ('Soet September EP'/Afrimusik) 10. [8] (1) Vreemdeling - Dertien (SAmp3.com/Indie 11. [13] (11) Vampyre Girl - The Awakening ('Sacrificial Etchings'/Intervention Arts) 12. [9] (1) Dinosaur - Forest Moon ('Forest Moon'/Forest Moon) 13. [17] (13) The Warrior Sampler - Ipi 'NTombi featuring Margaret Singana ('The Warrior'/Gallo) 14. [10] (1) Daytripper - Joe Public ('The Terrible Two's'/Indie) 15. [24] (15) Fishes Of Men - Metalmorphosis ('Blistered'/Silva Moon 16. [18] (16) Otis - November 5 ('617'/Indie) 17. [20] (17) Diep In Gauteng - Stefan Lombard ('Alleen'/Afrimusik) 18. [7] (7) Hey Mr DJ - Caytie Marvelis (Single/Indie) 19. [23] (19) Wish Your Were Here - Liela (SAmp3.com/Indie) 20. [19] (2) Go F*ck Yourself (demo) - Janie Jones (SAmp3.com/Indie) 21. [-] (21) Powerzone Roadshow Sampler - Various (SAmp3.com/Sovereign) 22. [25] (22) Crowd Invasion - Bedrock ('So Where's The Party?'/Criminal Records) 23. [30] (23) Stand By Me - Tait (Fresh) 24. [27] (24) Charlie - Lorraine Shannon ('Lorraine Shannon'/Gallo) 25. [28] (25) Open Your Eyes - KGB ('The First Born'/Mothermix) 26. [22] (1) Sheriff Bush And Deputy Blair - The Nukular Stompers (SAmp3.com/Indie) 27. [-] (27) No Man's Land - Breyten Breytenbach and Arno Carstens ('Lady One'/Rhythm Records) 28. [14] (14) Sarie - Mike de Jager ('Blue Room'/Indie) 29. [-] (29) Say Goodbye - Scarlet Host (Demo/Indie) 30. [-] (30) Ingoma - Khumbula ('Kheta'/African Cream) -------------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [2] (1) Room2Breathe - Semisane (BMG) 2. [3] (2) Killing Time - Anika (Outbox) 3. [1] (1) The Listening Room - Neo Muyanga (BMG) 4. [7] (4) Into The Night We Slide - Radio Rats (RetroFresh) 5. [6] (5) Romance And Finance - Citizen Jones (Flying Kitty) 6. [4] (1) Catfish - Albert Frost (Indie) 7. [11] (7) Luxury - Robin Auld (Free Lunch) 8. [12] (8) Sacrificial Etchings - The Awakening (Intervention Arts) 9. [5] (1) Three Piece Project - Siamese (Muskateer) 10. [14] (10) Awakening - Happy 420 11. [8] (1) Forest Moon - Forest Moon (Forest Moon) 12. [9] (1) Tap Into The System - Dorp (Contains Nuts) 13. [10] (2) The Terrible Two's - Joe Public (Indie) 14. [23] (14) Ligdag - Laurinda Hofmeyr (Rhythm) 15. [21] (15) Khetha - Khumbula (African Cream) 16. [16] (2) Never Before - Dayspring (Indie) 17. [15] (17) Koning Van Die Hawaiise Ghitaar - Jerry Shanahan (Gallo) 18. [13] (4) Getting Stronger - SteveVan (Silvertree) 19. [18] (12) What's In A Box? - Serving Suggestion (Indie) 20. [24] (20) Motive For Breathing - PetFlyz (Intervention Arts) 21. [27] (21) Lorraine Shannon - Lorraine Shannon (Gallo) 22. [17] (1) Gommora - Gommora (Gallo) 23. [22] (2) The First Born - KGB (Mothermix) 24. [19] (4) Afrikaans Met Attitude - Vari-ous (Hoezit) 25. [20] (2) Live At Jamesons - Cherry Faced Lurchers (RetroFresh) 26. [25] (7) The Great South African Trip - Various (African Cream) 27. [-] (27) Elephant - Tim Wells (Indie) 28. [26] (1) Kobus! - Kobus! (ENT) 29. [29] (1) Disclaimer - Seether (Musketeer/BMG) 30. [28] (1) Three - Sunways (Sheer) Read http://www.cd.co.za/legends/2000plus Listen http://www.SAmp3.com Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 ----------------------- TOP SELLING CDs @ONE WORLD http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 1. Rodriguez - Cold Fact http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=CDADTA7000 2. Saron Gas - Fragile (Revised Edition) http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=CDMUS300 3. Four Jacks And A Jill - Very Best Of Vol 1 http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=MORCD521 4. Ipi Ntombi - Original Cast Recording http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=CDRED682 5. Mango Groove - The Ultimate Collection DVD http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=GMVDVD005 _____________________________________________ 3. NEW, RECENT AND UPCOMING RELEASES ----------------------------------------- ------ MP3s ------ New mp3s at SAmp3.com: 'South Africa' - Eden Brent Mississippi blues singer and pianist sings about her love for South Africa. See CD review under "New Releases" below. '9mm Blues' - George Harry A track off the recently released 'Volk Jou Ook" compilation CD from Wildebeest Records (see a review of the CD launch under "Live Reviews" below). If Springsteen's 'Nebraska' album had been recorded in Afrikaans it might have sounded something like this. 'Push-up Bra' - Uzo Blaker Another track off 'Volk Jou Ook'. Blaker sings his wishlist for the ideal woman. Dream on, Uzo! 'Misvuurtjie' - Laurinda Hofmeyr Take a trip with the misty voice and ethereal piano ('Riders On The Storm', anyone?) of Laurinda Hofmeyr. Her CD 'Ligdag' is reviewed in the lastest issue (#2) of SAKlank, out now. 'James Brown (I Ain't)' - Martin Rocka The spirit of Bo Diddley lives on in Wonderboom's Martin Rocka. In fact Bo Diddley, who was born in 1928, is still alive and performing! 'James Brown' is classic, straight-ahead rock and roll boogie with raunchy lyrics and an irresistable foot-stompin' beat. 'Wakey Wakey' - Constructus (Explicit lyrics) Sounds like Prince and David Bowie having a drunken party in Trent Reznor's garage. Or not. See "New Releases" below. 'Oh My God' - The Dolly Rockers Strange, plaintiff sounds from the Dolly Rockers. If you let it this music will grow on you. Taken from last year's 'Glory Glory' album. 'Dit Gebeur' - Kop Afrikaans rock from Port Elizabeth. Kop is Marcell Britz, André Strydom and Kevin Matheus. More in the lastest issue of SA Klank, out now. 'Tweak Sampler' - Tweak (Explicit lyrics) Boy wonders Tweak have released their lastest CD titled 'Dirty Sanchez and the Misfit Kidz'. Micasso has created this sampler of 30 second snippets of highlights from the album. Altogether now, "Tonight we're gonna party, so you better call the F-B-I". And listen out for the classic noisy rock ending. 'Sunette Sampler' - Sunette Sunette Bridges has released a biligual album of pop and dance hits on EMI. 'Human Being' - Springcan Bloemfontein rockers Springcan list Pearl Jam, Metallica and Koos Kombuis as some of their influences. 'Human Being' is a slow, powerful Creed-like song taken off their soon-to-be-released debut CD 'Are You Confuz Ed?'. This song is just one of the styles that appears on this biligual and varied rock album. Album review in next week's Digest. 'Blommetjie Gedenk Aan My' - Anton Goosen Cited by many as the first Afrikaans rock song. This story of the Uniondale ghost girl first appeared on 1979's 'Boy Van Die Suburbs' album and more recently on the Rhythm Records compilation CD 'Dorpe, Stede en Streke', a journey through South Africa in song. 'Ek en Jy en die Highway' - Valiant Swart Harmonica and organ driven blues about life on the road taken from Valiant's 'Deur Die Donker Vallei' CD. Stunning stuff. 'Saron Gas Sampler' - Saron Gas Seether's 'Disclaimer' CD is not a direct re-recording of Saron Gas's 'Fragile' album, so here by popular demand is a sampler of some of the highlights off 'Fragile' including 'Beer' and 'Tied My Hands' which did not make the Seether CD. 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. Buy South African CDs at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 ----- CDs ----- CONSTRUCTUS - 'THE ZIGGURAT' The latest release on the (now-redesigned due to some apple folk getting testy) African Dope label is something, um, completely different, as we by now have come to expect from the gang in Lower Gardens. After some "insane production delays including SA Customs 'losing' 3000 CDs! hmmmmmmmm!", 'The Ziggurat' has finally landed! 'The Ziggurat' is a multimedia adventure from the mind of Waddy Jones, featuring an 88-page hardcover book/CD (with the full story, and some outrageous illustrations by Nikhil Singh), and a soundtrack CD with music by Sibot, Markus Wormstorm and Felix Laband. There is also a bonus, empty CDR for you to download a full extra album's worth of songs on to. 'The Ziggurat' is being dubbed "The most original music project ever from South Africa" and that's no idle boast. Decide for yourselves! Go get it at all authorised African Dope Dealers nationwide. You can check http://www.africandope.co.za/constructus for free mp3 downloads and more info... We have 'Wakey Wakey' available as an mp3 on http://www.SAmp3.com --------------------------- WICKED MIKE WANTS YOU! Well, it's your songs actually... WM is planning his new 'Wicked Bootlegs' compilation, following the success of the 'Let Us Be Heard' CD. He kindly explains how it all works: If you were at Splashy Fen last year, you will remember the 500 Splashy/Burn CDs that were given away to the public. I organised that with you, the bands, paying the costs. The immediate result was hearing the CD played all over the festival grounds. Bands later scored gigs and, most importantly, the public were exposed to bands that they did not know. This year, I will do the same but with a twist. I will make 250 CDs that will possess greater scope. US theatrical rock band Seven 13 is being brought to South Africa by Wicked Rock. In Cape Town, the band will appear at The Cause 3 Festival along with approximately 40 SA bands. In Johannesburg Seven 13 will be at The Doors and will be supported by The AK Massive, Ketamine and myself. At each of these gigs, CDs will be given away. Thirty CDs will be given away on TUKS FM and a further 30 on UCT radio (I've spoken to Barney and he's gonna see what he can do on 5FM). A competition will run on Wicked Rock. Other persons in the music industry will receive a copy e.g. Musketeer Records, Sheer Music, SAmp3, Legend Music, etc. The CD will not have a front cover but the back cover will be printed both sides (and of course the disc). I will pay R1000 towards the costs and there will be no organisational fee. That leaves the cost per band at R250. Each band will then receive four copies of the CD, which will be titled 'Wicked Bootlegs'. Additionally, Seven 13 will give away 70 copies of their 'Unleashed' CD. This is a first-come-first-served offer with the condition that the tracks be of good audible quality. Send your tracks to Wicked Rock, 18 Campbell Avenue, Greyville, Durban, 4001. Many of you have sent me CDs so if I already have possession of the track you wish included, mail me or call me on 083 7425145. For those on the Wicked Rock - 'Let Us Be Heard' CD, the track must be a different one. Those interested can contact me for bank account details. http://www.wickedrock.co.za (Not so...) Wicked Mike ------------------------ EDEN BRENT - 'SOMETHING COOL' (Rhythm Records, RR040) An album by a Mississippi songstress on the Digest? How come? Well, Eden Brent is currently in South Africa for her appearance with Valiant Swart on the "Rainbow Blues" show at the KKNK. And to sing about South Africa, the country she loves so much. Read on... 'Something Cool' is Eden Brent's debut CD, but hey, this gal she sure ain't no beginner. Eden Brent was born on 16 November 1965 in Greenville, Mississippi, but she had this cool piece of work recorded at Sounds Unreel Studio in Memphis, Tennessee and she also produced it. The gentlemen who made this piece of art possible with her, are Donnie Brown on electric bass, Mike Dill on drums, Chuck Lawson on double bass and Kevin Lewis on alto saxophone. Engineering and mixing went through Dawn Hopkins, while the mastering was & well & truly mastered by Brad Blackwood. Eden first made people look up from their TV-dinners when she appeared on blues broer Valiant Swart's TV series, 'Veertig Dae Deur Die Delta'. The unsettling way she can find her way blindfolded through a piano, her sunny smile, her dance in the setting sun, her stunning voice - like the colour of nutmeg, and of course her gentle rapport with old Boogaloo Ames*, playing and singing alongside him on the piano while Valiant was strumming away on the guitar. A truly unforgettable scene. So it's quite normal to want more from Eden. Lo and behold, here's 'Something Cool', a mix of slow deep intense blues, here and there a crisp jazzy beat, and honest words from deep within Eden's heart. Something rather astounding can be found in Track 6 - 'South Africa' - a song dedicated to the country she recently met, the people, her footprints through the land. It speaks to you. Other tracks from her heart are 'Ain't Gonna Be Your Lonely Fool', 'We've Already Said Goodbye', the frisky cool 'Simple Geometry', and 'I Can't Seem To Lose This Memory'. Lift your bourbon an' ice to many more tunes like these. Eden also does her magic quite langourously with 'I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water' and the succulently slow 'Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out'. At the end of this one, she sends the piano out - first to thrash you, then smooth your trenchcoat, and finally she sets you off to Neverland with the blue voice that sees everything. Yes, Eden beckons you closer - to come on the 'Midnight Train to Georgia'. But she'll bring you right back with 'Send Me To The 'lectric Chair'. And you'll stay in her world of smooth blue warmth and bewitching vocal cords - simply because you want to. (CL) *Eden dedicated this CD to her dear friend and mentor Boogaloo Ames, who died in February 2002. Listen to 'South Africa' by Eden Brent at http://www.SAmp3.com by kind permission of Rhythm Records http://www.rhythmrecords.co.za --------------- MORE REVIEWS --------------- More reviews can be found at: Open Record http://www.openrecord.co.za Amuzine http://www.cd.co.za/reviews.htm ______________________________________ 4.USA FOR AFRICA ------------------ Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music BLK SONSHINE (Fresh) Even though I live more of a rock lifestyle with occasional visits to the sha la la pop side of life, this album easily plays over and over here at my casa. If any recent album should shine as a darling work for the African, and world, intelligentsia, it is this one. Blk Sonshine plays an amalgam of folk, various African, some scat bits, a touch of rap, and an original union of South African and American consciousnesses. Both Masauko Chipembere and Neo Muyanga have spent plenty of time in the States (in fact, this CD was recorded in Califronia), so there's the source of the blending cultures of two nations whose music I enjoy. Usually the chant and forced rhymes of rap couplets make me nervous, so after the first song I feel better. Many of the songs are up-tempo literate, complicated, socially conscious, witty ("Thomas Jefferson is George Jefferson's uncle"), and southern Africa black solidarity themed. The rest of the songs are gentle and sweet "I love my baby" songs. And soft love songs abound here, too, with pretty acoustic guitars and gentle percussion. Expect music to make you think and to feel good. The feel-good numbers are often languid and encourage flowing dancing, the social songs full of intricate thoughts. Some of this album is to accompany coffee in the morning, some for fist in the air pride feelings in the evening, and some songs are for getting close. I could point out which songs stand out, but the standout song is usually whichever one I'm listening to right now. Fresh is the parent label of RetroFresh, and their taste in SA classics as well as picking excellent contemporary performers makes for an output I try to keep up with. This album enjoyed success, and even though some of the songs aren't aimed at me and don't sing about my outrage, I don't feel in the least alienated by the solidly crafted music of Blk Sonshine. Read http://www.cd.co.za/legends/90s/blk_sonshine_album.html Listen http://www.samp3.com/fresh.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=sonshine Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com _________________________________ 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK ------------------------ London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music ERRATA In last weeks review of 'Organic' by the Dynamics, I mentioned that the only remaining member from the original line up was Steve Howells, Steve has set the record straight by letting me know that Jimmy Florence was not only another original member to play on 'Organic', but was the instigator of the band reforming. So apologies to Jimmy and thanks to Steve. ---------------- SURPASS THE POWERS - SPRINGBOK NUDE GIRLS You may well ask what's the point of reviewing a Springbok Nude Girl CD as everyone has heard of them and heard them, after all they were the biggest SA group of the nineties. Okay so there is that, but hey if we can't occasionally revel in some of the best hardcore rock every to emanate from the country then what's the point. The SNG's did not make straightforward hard rock grunge. Yes it does form the foundation of the sound, but there are some sounds here that on their own are not unusual, but do make strange bedfellows alongside the thundering guitars and crashing drums. The one that sticks out the most for me is the trumpet of Adriaan Brand, most prominent on the horn powered 'I Love You' which is one of the stand out tracks on the album. It also features some neat hammond organ sounds. Also of note is Arno Carstens vocals. Often delivered at breakneck speed and usually indecipherable, they play a really important role in defining the SNG's sound. There's an edge and at times a venom in them that kidnaps the listener's attention, only returning it as a nervous wreck a god whole after the last notes of the final track 'Kill the World' have faded. Despite all this the primary reason for 'Surpass the Powers' being in any self respecting rock fans collection is the sublimely beautiful 'Blue Eyes'. From it's delicate guitar intro through the spine tingling refrain of 'round about round about round about now' to the soaring vocals of the chorus and the clashing guitars, this is rock perfection. It's no surprise that this was voted one of the all time favourite SA songs in the SA Rock Digest/Amuzine end of the century big vote in 1999. I've always wondered where the Springbok Nude Girls would wear the green and gold, but I guess one has to allow some poetic licence as the Springbok Semi Naked Girls or Springbok Topless Girls don't quite have the same ring to them. No matter what they do or don't wear, the SNG's will always be remembered as one of the biggest SA bands of all time. A band that coulda and shoulda made it on the international stage. All we have left now are the CD's and the memories, and in my opinion, this is the best of their CD legacy. Read http://www.cd.co.za/legends/90s/springbok_nude_girls.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=springbok%20nude --------------------- DORP SHOWCASE GIG Dorp will be playing a showcase gig at Cargo 83 Rivington Street, London EC2A (Nearest tube: Old Street) on Wednesday 26 March (that's this Wednesday). This gig will be aimed at labels and press so they need your support. So get yourself down there, celebrate having made it through half the week, have a jol, but most importantly support SA music. John Samson, London mailto:john@sarockdigest.com _________________________________________ 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA ------------------- SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS http://www.cd.co.za/charts This week [Last week] Title - Artist 30 YEARS AGO (23 March 1973) 1 [1] I Don't Wanna Play House - Barbara Ray 2 [2] We Believe In Tomorrow - Freddy Breck 3 [3] Woman (Beautiful Woman) - Don Gibson 4 [5] The Love In Your Eyes - Vicky Leandros 5 [4] You're So Vain - Carly Simon 25 YEARS AGO (24 March 1978) 1 [2] Mull Of Kintyre - Wings 2 [1] Subsitute - Clout 3 [4] Needles And Pins - Smokie 4 [3] It's A Heartache - Bonnie Tyler 5 [7] Mellow Lovin' - Judy Cheeks 20 YEARS AGO (25 March 1983) 1 [2] Talk Talk - Talk Talk 2 [3] Maneater - Daryl Hall & John Oates 3 [1] I Don't Wanna Dance - Eddy Grant 4 [5] Mad World - Tears For Fears 5 [4] Words - FR David 15 YEARS AGO (26 February 1988) 1 [1] Heaven Is A Place On Earth - Belinda Carlise 2 [2] I Think We're Alone Now - Tiffany 3 [3] (I've Had) The Time Of My Life - Jennifer Warnes & Bill Medley 4 [5] Always On My Mind - Pet Shop Boys 5 [4] Never Gonna Give You Up - Rick Astley Barbara Ray really did not want to play house. If after six weeks at the top of the charts you hadn't got this message in 1973, you were either pretty deaf, or pretty stubborn. Every the optimist, Freddy Breck spent a second week at number two, but was looking to the future to try and get to the elusive number 1. Tune in next week to see if he did. It had taken eight weeks to dislodge Clout from the top spot, but Paul McCartney & Wings finally managed this feat. 'Mull of Kintyre' had been in the top 5 for 7 weeks bouncing up and down and even out of the top 5 before taken pole position. Meanwhile new comer was US artist Judy Cheeks who could boast soul singer Sam Cooke as her Godfather, but couldn't boast any US chart hits. Eddy Grant's eight week run at number 1 was brought to a close by Mark Hollis and his band Talk Talk. 'Talk Talk' was only one of 3 songs to chart that had the same name as the artist. The other 2 being 'Hey You' by Hey You in 1981 and 'Living in a Box' by Living in a Box in 1987. However 'Talk Talk' was the only one that topped the chart. In fact neither of the other 2 even made top 10. Belinda Carlise spent her second week at number 1 in 1988. 'Never Going To Give You Up' was spending it's 21st week in the top 5, this broke the previous record of 20 weeks by Jeniffer Rush's 'The Power of Love'. South African's at number 1 this week: I Don't Want To Play House - Barbara Ray (1973) Let Me Into Your Life - Flood (1976) South African New Entries this week: 24-Mar-67 Die Ou Kraalliedjie - Groep Twee 24-Mar-78 Chinese Junkman - McCully Workshop 26-Mar-71 Carnival Candyman - Beat Unit 26-Mar-76 Sometimes - Tommy Dell & Caroline Du Preez 28-Mar-69 Chapel Of Dreams - Invaders 29-Mar-74 Hurry On Home - Maria 29-Mar-80 Shake Your Body - Plastik Mak ---------------- SHILOH'S CORNER ---------------- THE AGES OF MANN 1) Mann-Hugg Blues Band The South African music workshop in the Sixties churned out a number of notable musicians who achieved varying degrees of success on the international scene. There was Danny Williams and his 'Moon River', Johnny Kongos, and Eddie Kramer, the notable producer of Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. Amongst them was also Michael Lubowitz, later known as Manfred Mann. Manfred Mann's roots were in the heart of the gold mining capital, Johannesburg. He was born Michael (Manny) Lubowitz on 21st October 1940 and grew up in Yeoville. During the early Sixties, Manfred operated in the UK in a low-key ensemble known as the Mann-Hugg Blues Brothers, viciously pounding the Hammond B3 to the cross rhythm of Mike Hugg's drums. These two also wrote commercial jingles for Michelin tyres. The completion of the circle came with the addition of Mike Vickers (flute, guitar and saxophone), bass guitarist Tom McGuiness (who had come out of Eric Clapton's first band, The Roosters), and vocalist and blues harpist supreme Paul Jones. The group, aptly titled Manfred Mann, signed with HMV Records in 1962. They launched their instrumental debut, 'Cock-a-Hoop', followed by numerous singles that were used for the pioneering television program, 'Ready, Steady, Go' - namely the countdown 'Five Four Three Two One'. The single powered into the Top Ten early in 1964. Their first registered UK #1 hit was an old Exciter's number called 'Doo Wah Diddy Diddy', which launched the bubblegum humdrum. Over the next two years, Manfred released a quirky bunch of cover singles like 'Sha La La' (Shirelles), and Dylan's 'If You Gotta Go, Go Now'. In May 1966 the group flew into the #1 position with the uninspiring 'Pretty Flamingo'. This was the final straw, with Paul Jones leaving the nest. Although this proved to be a major blow for the group, they still managed to tiptoe through the charts with an instrumental version of Tommy Roe's 'Sweet Pea'. The Mann family then enlarged when Mike D'Abo, recruited from A Band Of Angels, managed to outclass Rod Stewart when auditioning for Paul's front spot. Mike Vickers also departed and was replaced by Jack Bruce, who had recently cut his teeth with Graham Bond and The Blues Incorporated. The group was a definitive fruit salad affair with Tom McGuiness now taking the lead guitar, backed by a brass line-up of Lyn Dobson and Henry Lowther. Mike D'Abo, still Dylan-obsessed, launched his debut, 'Just like a Woman', on the Fontana label. D'Abo's songwriting skills came to the fore with him penning the soulful 'Handbags and Glad Rags' (Chris Farlowe) and 'Build Me Up Buttercup' (The Foundations). His atmospheric vocal ability on 'Semi-Detached Suburban Mister James' was phenomenal by comparison to past efforts. Mike Hugg also pulled in the pounds by penning 'Shapes of Things' for the Yardbirds in 1966 (later Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck). Mike also wrote the fender-bending Yardbird classic, 'You're A Better Man Than I', well ground by Jeff Beck. The sickening 'Ha Ha Said the Clown' predictably made the Top 5 and their third #1 strike was a reading of Dylan's 'Mighty Quinn'. During the close of the Sixties they streamlined their integrity with the enduring 'Fox On The Run' (different to the Sweet hit in the 70s), and the unforgettable 'My Name is Jack' (previously recorded by John Simon). In 1968, the group featured on a successful soundtrack, 'Up The Junction', spearheading the psyche-silted title track. Klaus Voorman, the silent Beatle, joined the group, with Jack Bruce running for blues cover and forming The Cream with Eric Clapton. Out of the commercial deluge of the mid-Sixties, the band would occasionally sparkle with the Mose Allison's 'Parchment Farm' (with Paul Jones ripping on the harmonica), and the Screaming Jay Hawkins classic, 'I Put a Spell on You'. 2) Jazz Attack With The Third Chapter Tom McGuinnes then also left Manfred Mann to form the folk-inspired McGuinnes Flint. The group was noted for launching an entire album of unreleased Bob Dylan songs, entitled 'Low and Behold'. Klaus Voorman then defected to John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band. The third phase of the Mann featured a unit called Chapter Three, that performed instrumental brass covers of popular Sixties hits. Manfred's Chapter Three featured bassist Steve York, who lunged into some earthy brass powered singles such as the bluesy 'LSD', the 'Abominable Snowman', 'Spirit Feel', and the Gregorian Yardbird chanting, 'Still I'm Sad'. This temporal jazz outfit would eventually give way to the fourth incarnation, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, which now had Mick Rogers on vocal and guitar, Chris Slade on drums, and Colin Pattenden on bass. 3) The Earth Shook And The Heavens Vibrated The Earth Band period was groundbreaking, with the power of the Moog and Mellotron governing the times. The group's debut was, predictably, a Bob Dylan song called 'Please Mrs. Henry'. In September 1972 they launched their 'Glorified, Magnified', which was used as a theme on Radio One for 'The Sound of the Seventies'. Manfred also played the Moog synthesizer on Uriah Heep's 'July Morning' of their 1971 album, 'Look at Yourself'. Manfred was poignant in his interpretation of Holst's 'Jupiter', now titled 'Joy Bringer'. His stellar 'Solar Fire' album launched the eerie Dylan interpretation of 'Father of Day', backed by a cosmic Galactic Choir. 'Solar Fire' was progressively superior, and its title track beamed you to the outer parallels of Alpha Centauri. The Seventies was a phenomenal period, and much of Manfred's Earth albums got lost in the flurry of bands like Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Free. Their 1973 album, 'Messin', covered everything from Doctor John's 'Mardi Gras' to Dylan's 'Get Your Rocks Off'. After the superb 'Nightingales And Bombers' (1975), Manfred took off into the sun with Bruce Springsteen's 'Blinded by the Light'. This atmospheric composition acted as a tracer missile for their 'Roaring Silence' album. In February 1978, Manfred reached actualisation on his rock-powered 'Watch'. Still suffering from the Zimmerman influenza, Mann revived the 'Mighty Quinn', and opened the causeway for Robbie Robertson's 'Davey's On The Road Again'. 'Watch' pounded your senses with the George Orwell-influenced 'Chicago Institute', and soothed the soul with the ambient 'California'. Changes would come and changes would go during the wake of the Eighties when Chris Slade joined Uriah Heep. The arrival of Geoff Britton (ex-East of Eden and Wings) added a new level to the fast sagging Earth Band. Manfred paid homage to his birthplace by launching 'Somewhere in Africa' in 1983, riding on a superb version of Bob Marley's 'Redemption Song'. The group performed live in Budapest in 1984, and covered the bulk of their Earth Band era catalogue to a highly receptive audience. Shiloh Noone --------------- VINYL JUNKIES --------------- This section (named after the much-missed shop from Fishhoek) is for collectors of vinyl, both South African and International. MABU VINYL 34 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town Osibisa - 'Woyaya' (LP) Joy - 'Paradise Road' (LP) Miriam Makeba - 'Sangoma' (LP) Lemmy Special - 'Kwela With Lemmy' (LP) Paddy Edwards - 'At Tiffany's' (LP) Nick Taylor - 'Lieflike Mooiste Bruin Oe' (LP) Abdullah Ibrahim - 'Ekaya' (LP) Cash paid for records in saleable condition. Jacques Vosloo (+27 21) 423 7635 mailto:vinyl@sarockdigest.com ------------- VIBES VINYL Stadium on Main, Claremont, Cape Town Alan Hilton (021) 683 5676 mailto:ahilton@mweb.co.za ------------ BIRTHDAYS ------------ March 24 - Cornelia (born Connie Möller, 1950) March 25 - Elton John (1947) March 25 - Aretha Franklin (1942) March 25 - Jeff Healey (1966) March 26 - Steven Tyler (1948), Aerosmith March 26 - Diana Ross (1944) March 27 - Tony Banks (1951), Genesis March 28 - John Evan (1948), Jethro Tull March 30 - Eric Clapton (1945) March 31 - Mick Ralphs (1944), Mott The Hoople; Bad Company March 31 - Angus Young (1959), AC/DC ______________________________________________ 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS A Readers Forum ----------------------------------- OUR FAVOURITE PORTLAND DJ IS GOING MAD! Hope you can help with something that's driving me nuts! Someone, I think it was an Afrikaans singer, but maybe not, did a song that included part of Vusi Mahlasela's song, 'Mayibuye'. Any ideas who and what song I'm thinking of? Otherwise, hope all is well. I'll be sending an update of shows I'm doing around 'Amandla' the movie and soundtrack, as well as Freedom Day in April. Regards Leigh Barrett-Carter mailto:wimusic@hotmail.com {could that be the section of Johannes Kekorrel's 'Halala Africa'? Ed} --------------------- 60 FLAMES TO BLOW OUT, JUST DON'T ASK KEITH FOR HELP! Just wanted to let you know that it was my dad, Steve Fataar's 60th birthday on March the 14th, and he celebrated it on the other side of the globe, in Oz, where he has just had the pleasure of roaming the continent with the Stones on their 40th anniversary tour! cheers, Tara Fataar ------------------------ HOTLINE TO ALISTAIR NEEDED I would like to contact Alistair Coakley, since we worked together many years ago, and I am now living in the USA. Please try to send me his email address, or forward mine to him. My thanks, and kind regards, Deryk McBain mailto:derykmcbain@sbcglobal.net -------------------------- BAND MEMBERS WANTED IN CT Cape Town-based guitarist and bassist are looking for a vocalist and drummer to complete a band. We are influenced by punk/metal/emo/hardcore... Vocalist should preferably be able to play guitar as well, but not essential. Minimum of 1 year playing/singing experience, and between the ages of 17 - 25. If you are interested send an e-mail to: mailto:weezal_juice@hotmail.com --------------------- HOW ABOUT NURSE RATCHETT? starkravingsane is looking for a manager! Anyone interested can contact us on: mailto:esme@starkravingsane.co.za, 082 4076747 or 072 5663055. -------------------- GOT A QUESTION? Please email any musical questions to mailto:soundsolutions@sarockdigest.com -------- ADVERT -------- This section is sponsored by: SOUND SOLUTIONS Sound Solutions is a private music library in Cape Town that offers music searches, and the sourcing and recommending of songs and music soundtracks for television, film, and radio productions and commercials. Contact: Stephen Segerman - (021) 461-9541 mailto:sugar@cd.co.za -------- ADVERT -------- THE SA ROCK DIGEST PUBLICITY PACKAGES The SA Rock Digest Publicity Packages are the simple way to gain both initial and long-term exposure through our various online and offline resources. For more info please visit http://www.SAmp3.com/faq.html, or to arrange a meeting (in Cape Town) to discuss the SA Rock Digest Publicity Packages further, please contact Stephen Segerman at mailto:sugar@sarockdigest.com or call 021 461 9541. ______________________________________________ 8.LIVE MUSIC --------------- -------- REVIEWS -------- WILDEBEEST RECORDS' 'VOLK JOU OOK' CD-LAUNCH Bonkers and delirious about this launch and the new musos, I pounce on Sin Bin, this bodaciously kickin' new venue in Pretoria. Very quickly I realise that Sin Bin is perfect for truckloads of people. You've got space up to the stars, and then some. You give your ten bucks to the musclemen outside and slip in past the roomy bar area, through to the backyard as big as your granny's heart. Lots of room to braai, sit, snog, splash (yes indeed), make out and dance. Extremely lekker stage for the musos, right next to the rather arrogant windmill guarding the tall black speakers and Hatfield's forgotten trees. The place is insanely full. Young, old, pre-pubescent, medium to rare, fresh, not-so-fresh and other party beasts just having a good jol. And you will never see the loo. In there it looks like licence application D-day. Jacques du Preez from Geraas keeps the whole do together and calls the bands one by one to the stage - very often he demands (and gets) raucous applause for the new dudes and dudettes. We have Seeleeu Leipoldt, yelling hoarsely about the stuff that irks him the most. Clever words, visible talent, but hey - way too hectic, Bru. Next's George Harry (ex-Duin 7). Finely crafted songs, cool voice - especially with '9mm Blues'. Even the masses around the splash hole shut up to listen. After him it's Alta Joubert. Even with the sudden crappy sound, this redhead from Stellenbosch knocks 'em dead. 'Meisie Van Die Ooste' and 'Warrelwind' are presented with relaxed professionalism and a killer smile. Then she does 'Ons Kom Terug', her new song about the expats. Blistering kick-ass rock! Next is Uzo Blaker, whose granddad apparently invented the candlestick. The dude does two moderate songs - 'Sy sê' and a rather yucky 'Push-up Bra'. Then Jacques introduces Fisher. Nice voice, he cares about his stuff. Blonde ponytail and something of the Akkedis rockers in his vibe. His first fans yell like there's no tomorrow for 'Goudpot'. Ah but wait, what do we have here. Adam Tas! First they cover Koos Kombuis' 'AWB Tiete' with a yummy, almost sexy rhythm. Thundering thunderbolts, if only Koos could see this! And Illamar Neitz is churning up the stage with his demonic guitar, everywhere's just sweat and strings and gore - HEISH!!! Adam Tas start with 'Johnny Is Nie Dood Nie' and things go manic - heads and butts rock for "Johnny is nie dood nie, hy's net uitgepass ..." Creating some balance - the young (and totally blind) Bacchus Nel. Not that it stops him from delivering cool folksy tunes and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. He has a raspy voice with a grin just underneath the surface and there's always a joke up his sleeve. After his 'Oppie Plaas' and 'Raam Dit Met Die Son', he waits a moment, then laughs out loud: "Nou kan iemand my net van die stage afhelp, asseblief!" The CD is quite listenable and purposefully intelligent. Grab it for yourself or your mate who has everything. But, for sanity's sake, don't play Seeleeu Leipoldt's 'Blou Blou Lug' for your folks or your gran. Unless you want to illustrate how far a frustration-tantrum can really go. (CL) Listen to mp3s of '9mm Blues' and 'Push-up Bra' at http://www.SAmp3.com ------------------------------ A ZEN EVENING AT THE BASSLINE 13th March 2003 - Couvert: 30 squids - Tattoo Factor: Mild The Zen Arcs returned to our motley colourful bunch of gigging bands this week after a few months of hibernation and overseas trips. One rehearsal and back to the performance grindstone again. This was an "unplugged" gig, electric but sit down & chill...... Maybe so - read on. First set was short and semi-sweet, a warm-up for the rest of the evening that was well attended by a goodly bunch of faithful supporters. The atmosphere was good, the punters anticipating something special. Good start to the later set. The second spasm started with a serious groove and thundered from there onward. Playing a number of tracks from their new album to be released in April, there was a good mix of old favourites and new material. The band was tight and showed no lack of performance fitness, not missing a note or chord to my ears. The sound was good, loudish and punchy but unfortunately the vocals were a bit lost when the band dug in and grooved. However the cohesion of the four members really overshadowed this small foible, and people were well satisfied by the performance. Iain's voice and the riddum section were particularly hot and steamy. They may have been sitting down, but they sure blazed us out of a coma. So that's all the good stuff, what else? I've always felt that their melodic tracks have outweighed the groove material. They write such good hooks that use Iain's vocal range and James' interesting chordal styles so well, I want more of the same! My last comment concerns the Bassline's "no distortion" pettiness. If they want to book rock bands, then this severely limiting policy has to be addressed. Most bands could easily play at this volume with bags of overdrive and crunch, an important part of their sound. Gets a bit boring with no aggression......... and only 2 waitrons (my favourite word -- NOT) for the whole place??? Thirsty gig. Signal to enjoyment ratio (STER): 80% Peter Cornell Read http://www.cd.co.za/legends/2000plus/zen_arcade.html Listen to Zen Arcade mp3s at http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_t_z.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&id=zacd001 --------- SA PUNK --------- NEW WORLD INSIDE TO SPLIT Our favourite emo-Cape-punkers are finito... shit! - here's the official band statement..... "It is true and official. New World Inside is calling it a day. So much has changed and happened in the last two years we have been together, we feel that is time for all of us to give it a skip. We would like to thank everyone who had fun with us at our shows, supported us or played with us for the great times. You know who you are!!! We will be doing our official last show, although we might play a festival or two down the line. Please be there!!! Final Show: BOOGALOOS Tygervalley (20:00) - 29 March 2003 New World Inside with Aftertaste (This is also their last show), 22 Stars, Neshamah, R15, Thank you Rock on!!! Francois New World Inside Read http://www.cd.co.za/legends/2000plus/new_world_inside_index.html Listen to New World Inside mp3s at http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_l_s.html ----------------------- RHOMB WITH A VIEW The 'Unwanted Traveller Tour' with Frenzal Rhomb and Fuzigish A report back from Daniel Neville Over the past few weeks you have probably heard quite a lot about this particular tour, and were wondering why everybody is making such a huge fuss over it. Here's a quick update on the importance of this tour and what it means for the SA Punk scene. Firstly, Frenzal Rhomb are signed to the now infamous Fat Wreak Chords, which is one of the largest "punk" labels in the world. It is owned and run by none other than Fat Mike, who is also the bassist for NOFX. Fat Wreak Chords has some of the best punk bands signed to them, such as Lagwagon, Less Than Jake, Anti-Flag, NOFX, and many notable others. Before the Frenzal tour, there had never been a Fat Wreak band in SA for many reasons, the most obvious being that Fat Mike was never sure that the SA scene was able to support such big bands. So, when Fat Mike saw that Fuzigish was on tour in Europe a few months ago, and that they were an SA band, he decided to send a band from his label to test the SA waters, and so the Frenzal Rhomb tour was announced. Fat Mike made it clear that if the tour went well, and if there was a satisfactory response from the punk scene in SA, then he would be sending more of his bands to come and visit us in the near future. The tour was dubbed 'The Unwanted Traveller' tour, and kicked off in Johannesburg on Friday 7 March at Mad Circle. All those present (and that was around 750 people) had an amazing time and skanked hard all night long to the brilliant bands that supported the first of Frenzal's shows in SA. It was also The Vendetta Cartel's last show and was a great way to go out. Then it was on to The Nile Crocodile in Pretoria for the second leg of the tour. This was again a great show, according to many in the Pretoria audience. Then the unwanted travellers went on down to Durban to strut their stuff, but not before Jay from Frenzal had won tons of money when they dropped in for a quick visit to Sun City. The Durban show was also a real dog show {"dog" in this context means excellent, like "sick" in skateparkspeak - hip Ed}, with a thrilled crowd despite the allocation of on-stage time for the bands. A big and tearful farewell must go out to Leek and the Bouncing Uptones, who also announced that it was their last show. So goodbye to this most amazing band who have done so much for the SA scene in the nine years that they have been around. The tour guys then had a well-deserved one-day break before heading on to PE to give all those "friendly" punks a dose of international punk rock. Then it was off to Cape Town for the last two shows of the tour. The first one took place at the Mercury Live in the city. We got there about two hours before the show started, to chat with the guys. By 9 o'clock, when the doors were scheduled to open, there was a line about 100 meters long outside. At 10, when Hog Hoggidy Hog got on-stage to perform one of their best and most energetic sets ever, the Mercury was packed (about 650 people) and the crowd really started to give it all they had. "I have never seen a skank pit that big ever in my life", remarked Paul* to me as a seething mass of bodies went round and round in front of the stage. It didn't stop there - Fuzigish also played an awesome set and got the usual response from the Cape Town crew. Then Frenzal Rhomb got up and played, and went crazy along with everybody else in the room the whole way through their set. The band was incredibly tight, very funny, and had a powerful stage presence. One could see straight off that they were an international band. The following night the same thing happened at the Waldorf in Constantia, except this time the audience was around 900 strong, and Half Price, Hoax and New World Inside all played ripping sets before the Hogs, Fuzi and Frenzal got up and did their thing. All in all the tour went off really well, and an amazing time was had by everyone. We heard many comments like "That was the best show I have ever been to!" etc. So a big Thanks to Jay, Tom, Gordy and Lindsy from Frenzal Rhomb. Let's hope they go home and send off a favourable report to Fat Mike, so we can see them and their friends in SA in the near future. Well done to everybody who was involved in organising the tour - the ticket sales and tour promotions were handled by a dedicated group of fans all over the country who showed how smoothly it can be done! - especially Paul from [R]evolution*. (DN) See http://www.SAgigs.com for those recommended SA Punk gigs ---------- GIG GUIDE ---------- The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com. If you cannot access SAgigs.com then please e-mail mailto:gigs@sarockdigest.com?subject=gigguide and we will e-mail the gig guide to you each week. Please send all gig info to mailto:sugar@sagigs.com in a plain text e-mail. ----------------------- SEMISANE LIVE AND TOUR DATES Semisane are currently spreading their 'Room2Breathe' songs around the country. They will be performing live at Hectic On Hope (69 Hope Str, Gardens) on Friday 28 March. R20 cover charge from 7pm onwards. Including DJ and drinks specials. Future dates: Fri 28 March - Hectic On Hope (69 Hope Str, Gardens) - Cape Town Fri 4 April - Hectic On Hope (69 Hope Str, Gardens) - Cape Town Fri 25 April - Due East - JHB Sat 26 April - Lusito Land Festival - JHB Mon 28 April - Lusito Land Festival - JHB Read http://www.cd.co.za/legends/2000plus/semisane.html Listen http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_l_s.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=semisane ___________________________________________ 9.INFO -------- ------ LINKS ------ Links to artists, gig guides, resources, record labels, recording studios, music trivia and more at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/links --------------- SUBSCRIPTIONS --------------- To subscribe - please send an e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=NewSubscriber Address changes - please send an e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=AddressChange To unsubscribe - please send a blank e-mail to: mailto:unsubscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=Unsubscribe BACK ISSUES http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives Online and keyword searchable PRESS RELEASES & CONTRIBUTIONS Please submit all press releases, contributions, reviews, gig & festival dates, requests, searches and comments to mailto:sugar@sarockdigest.com EDITORS Brian Currin Stephen Segerman mailto:editors@sarockdigest.com CONTRIBUTORS Don Bryce Carina Laubscher Tertius Louw Daniel Neville Shiloh Noone John Samson Kurt Shoemaker Proofed by Ronx SA Rock Digest Computer Systems maintained by Karl Hansen. Karl is highly recommended for home and office PC repairs in Cape Town. mailto:karma@iafrica.com <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>