SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #62
The South African Rock Music Digest
is a free, subscription e-mag, edited
by Brian "Vagabond" Currin and Stephen
"Sugar" Segerman and delivered direct
to your e-mailbox.
Established January 1999.
To unsubscribe: reply to this issue
with "unsubscribe digest" as subject
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CONTENTS
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1.WHAT'S NEW - Ronnie Singer passes away, Hansie's Greatest Hits, Wonderboom, Top 10 MP3 downloads
2.ON STAGE - Jorge Carlos at 206
3.NEW RELEASES - SA Freedom Songs
4.WOEMA - Theunis Engelbrecht looks at Theuns Jordaan
5.SPOTLIGHT ON - Sugar shines a light on Wendy Oldfield
6.USA for SA - Kurt Shoemaker reviews Wonderboom
7.CLASSIC ROCK - John Samson remembers John Ireland
8.FORUM - Cold Fact in Australia, SA Artists on US radio, Liela Groenewald in SA
9.REQUESTS - Looking for Mango Groove and Marie
10.ON THE NET - Click2Music
11.WHAT'S ON - Andre Fourie Benefit, Oppikoppi, Little Sister, Authentic gigs
12.GOOSEBUMPS - World Class Rockers
13.LINKS AND ADS
14.BACK ISSUES
15.CONTRIBUTIONS
16.SUBSCRIPTIONS
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SA ROCK DIGEST - THE WEBSITE
http://www.rock.co.za/sarockdigest/
Use the website search engine to find any information published on each and every previous Digest. These archives are updated weekly.
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SA ROCK DIGEST - ON THE RADIO
Listen out between 10.15 and 10.30am on SAFM (104-107KHz) every Wednesday morning to hear Digest co-editor Stephen Segerman chatting to Bruce Millar about the lastest music news and breaking stories.
Visit SAFM on the net at:
http://www.safm.co.za
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AMUZINE
http://www.cd.co.za
For more news, views and reviews on the SA and International music scene visit the Amuzine website.
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ONE WORLD
http://www.oneworld.co.za
Selling South African Music to the World
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SA ROCK FILES
http://www.rock.co.za/sarock
The online archive for the history of SA rock
The SA Rock Files webpages are updated regularly thanks to input from various fans of SA rock music around the world.
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1.WHAT'S NEW
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RONNIE SINGER
It is with much sadness that I advise you that Ronnie Singer has passed
away. Ronnie died on Monday the 5th June 2000 at the age of 59.
Ronnie was born in Cape Town as was a formidible force on the music in the mid '60's. A small synopsis of his career is in the "History of
Contemporary Music of South Africa" book. There is even an ad on the inside about ZONAL Recording tape of which Ronnie had the agency.
Leon Singer
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HANSIE'S GREATEST HITS
It was the American comedian Chris Rock who finally put that inane
argument in its place. He was discussing the Trenchcoat Mafia,
perpetrators of the horrific Columbine massacre, and the questions that
always manage to surface, like what music were they listening to at that time? Rock insisted it made no f*&*^* difference what music they were listening to. He asked if anyone knew what music Hitler was listening to, what particular CD was in that monster’s Discman!? Bill Hicks also addressed that question when discussing the situation where some Judas Priest fans committed suicide after listening to some Priest albums that allegedly contained suicide-inducing hidden lyrics. The late, great Hicks asked the one obvious question that didn’t surface at the trial to determine whether Judas Priest could be held responsible for those deaths. He asked why would a band take steps to kill their own audience??? But I digress...
Here we have a very different situation, and let it be made clear
that there is no intention to link or compare our fallen cricket captain to those murderers/loonies. No, we have to find a way to try and understand what turned Hansie into the most high profile crook since Tricky Dicky. Sure he was tempted, bit that apple, and found himself in a web of deceit. But we need deeper answers, and the place to look for those is among the 18 tracks personally selected by Cronje for his ‘Personal Favourites’ CD release. I never liked the idea of sporting celebrities (James Small, Gary Player, Jonty Rhodes, etc) releasing collections of those songs that helped them do the things they do so well. But Hansie’s selection does give us a few clues.
There’s no Hank Williams’ ‘Your Cheatin’ Heart’, ‘Friend Of The Devil’
by The Grateful Dead, or Steve Miller’s ‘Take The Money And Run’ (or
don’t run as the case may be), but there is Roger Hodgson’s ‘Had A
Dream (Sleeping With The Enemy)’ (Ha!). There’s also Toto’s ‘Africa’ (I
bless the rains down in Africa, except when they fall on Centurion
Park), but maybe he just likes that ‘Castle Lagers on the roof in New
York’ ad. How about Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’, Deacon
Blue’s ‘Wages Day’ or Celine Dion’s ‘If You Asked Me To’. No, Chris Rock was right, all this collection illustrates is Hansie’s dismal lack of musical taste. How the hell can he get psyched up for a match listening to REO Speedwagon’s ‘Keep On Loving You’, Men At Work’s ‘Down Under’ (does he know it’s an Aussie song?), or Chris de Burgh’s ‘Where Peaceful Waters Flow’?
So it wasn’t some ‘anarkistiese’ music that turned him, it was greed and too much power, the deadly combo that usually results in hubris,
corruption, and ultimately, a crashing downfall. He should have listened mostly to one song on his favourites list, it’s Paul Young’s version of ‘Love Of The Common People’, something Han-sies has surely lost forever. (SS)
{Ed: Hansie Cronjé's '18 Favourite Songs' was released in 1997 by Sony Music South Africa, catalogue number CDCOL 5494 M, available at most good CD shops and even at some bad ones...}
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WONDERBOOM RETURN WITH A BOOM!
Besides a handful of performances, not much has been forthcoming from
Gauteng rockers Wonderboom since their ‘Is It? EP first appeared a few
years ago. I first heard ‘She Cries’, the impressive opener on that EP,
during halftime at a Honeymoon Suites/Trans.Sky gig at the River Club
and was moved to ask the sound engineer what he was playing over the
P.A. Fortunately the CD was on sale at the door, so it went home with
me and songs like ‘Jafta Rebel’, ‘Pantsula’ and ‘Green Fever’, although
not as stirring as ‘She Cries’, made this a worthy and very promising
reflex purchase.
Since then, their consistently shirtless frontman Cito has spent more
time in photographic studios than in recording studios. But he and Wade, Martin and Danny managed to find some spare time and a new six-track EP, ‘Never, Never, Never’, has just been released. Just in time for the national exposure that their support slots on Live’s ‘The Distance To Here’ SA tour will surely bring. That prestigious slot follows their decision to sign to the David Gresham Label. So things are looking up for Wonderboom and their strong and confident rock sound. Two extra shows were added to the heavily booked Live SA tour schedule, giving Wonderboom the priceless opportunity to reach a whole new audience. (SS)
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WEEKLY TOP 10 MP3 DOWNLOADS
Position [Last Week] Song - Artist (Style)
1. [1] Mangwane - Yvonne Chaka Chaka (African Pop)
2. [4] Foreva - Lickerish (Modern Rock)
3. [14] Crucial Situation - Don Carlos (Reggae)
4. [3] Wena U Bani...? - O'Da Meesta (Kwaito)
5. [16] Margarida - Choppa (Latino Kwaito)
6. [9] Lucky Fella - Squeal (Modern Rock)
7. [2] Waai die Draai - Oom (Reggae)
8. [10] Beautiful Thing - E'smile (African R&B)
9. [5] Stagefright - Boo! (Monki Punk)
10. [-] Blue Blanket - Fetish (Alternative)
Thanks to Digital Cupboard
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
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2.ON STAGE
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JORGE CARLOS LIVE AT 206
206 is one of the smaller venues in the De Villiers street musical
complex in Cape Town that houses The Jam, The Shack and an assortment of bars. Sunday 11th saw trance-master and multi-instrumentalist Jorge
Carlos unveiling his new musical direction to a gobsmacked crowd, more
used to the eclectic trance compositions off his ‘Trip Of Africa’ album.
Shorn of his flowing locks and now sporting a short kyf haircut, Carlos
played solo for an hour, adding live guitar and djembe-based percussion
to a non-stop backing tape, moving from the Herb-Alpert trumpet melody
over clattering drums of ‘Afro-Galactic Jam’, to the guitar fireworks of ‘Watto Drive’.
Accompanied by an evocative slide show, Carlos displayed his
instrumental expertise and broad range of influences, keeping the
audience entranced and bopping. A new track samples the James Brown
vocals off ‘Sex Machine’ with Carlos adding some pumping bass, drums and squealing guitar to breathe new life into this funk classic. Based on the dynamic sounds issuing forth from the small 206 stage, Jorge Carlos’ upcoming album promises to emulate the vision and energy of ‘Trip Of Africa’. Can’t wait! (SS)
Trip of Africa on the net:
http://surf.to/tripofafrica
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3.NEW RELEASES
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These new releases and any other South African CD can be ordered online at One World, the best SA CD store on the pla-Net.
http://www.oneworld.co.za
SOUTH AFRICAN FREEDOM SONGS - INSPIRATION FOR LIBERATION
A very apt title for this new double CD release from Making Music
productions, in partnership with Robben Island Museum, Mayibuye Centre
and with support from MTN. The first CD, narrated by French-Canadian
radio journalist, Lucie Page, and SA radio and TV presenter, Shado
Twala, features interviews, speeches and discussions from political and
struggle luminaries including Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisuslu, Bishop
Tutu, Ronnie Kasrils, Baleka Mbete, John Matshikiza, and Pallo Jordan.
This CD explains the stories and motivations behind these Freedom Songs.
The second CD contains 25 of these better-known freedom songs and
chants "which galvanized rallies, marches, funerals and battles of the
struggle, including those which were broadcast into South Africa from
the transmitters of Radio Freedom".
These 25 songs are presented in their original form as gathered from
scratchy vinyl, over-played cassettes and other sources. This presented
a major challenge to the producers who took great care in the
transference of these snippets to CD format. There are no dance mixes,
added musical touches or extra effects. The songs are displayed in their original forms, increasing the power of their words, emotions and
intentions. The comprehensive 14-page booklet that accompanies this
release has translations of these words and songs. Take ‘Naants’ Indod’
Emnyama’ for example, a short Xhosa chant that promises "Watch out
Verwoerd/Vorster the Black man will get you".
This CD has an important historical, political and nostalgic relevance
to many both in SA and overseas. The producers behind the project
include Barry Feinberg of the Mayibuye Centre, Steve Gordon of Making
Music Productions and Shamiel Adams. (SS)
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A LIFE LESS STRANGE - SEMISANE
Chris Acker and Sascha Muller have been doggedly recording and releasing material under the Black Diamond moniker for some years now. A succession of female vocalists worked with the band but no long-term
line-up emerged. Now the two are back with a new band name, new sound,
and a 20-year old vocalist and co-writer called Tikara. This fresh
Cape-based combination is now known as Semisane and their recent signing to BMG has been cemented with the release of their debut 10-track album, ‘A Life Less Strange’. (There could be some confusion due to the similarity of the band’s name to that of BMG international label mates, Semisonic.) It’s unusual that they found themselves voted onto the Winston State Of The Nation bill, but the exposure, and the opportunity to utilize top notch sound and lighting, could kickstart an exciting future.
The album is a soft and sweet package of pop treats. Tikara’s emotive
and breathy vocals create a sound similar to those of Frente, Bic Runga and the Sundays’ Harriet Wheeler and are surprisingly mature for someone who had never before sung professionally. Tikara, who successfully auditioned after hearing a radio ad, had never recorded in a studio until the band entered the Farm Studios in Gauteng under the experienced wings of producers Brian O’Shea and Christopher Tuck. Tikara also played keyboards on the album alongside Morne Smit (bass), Acker (electric and acoustic guitar), and Muller (drums and percussion). But it’s her gently melancholic vocals that spearhead the album’s many attractions. The album glides along at its own steady pace, allowing the understated but effective arrangements to reveal their secrets. A handful of these songs could have done the honours as first single but ‘Right Here’ got the nod. It could easily have been the QZoo-ish ‘Now I Know’, which reappears (and works better) as a speedier dance mix at the end of the album. Time will tell whether BMG’s instincts were correct about Semisane. I have a feeling they were. (SS)
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JUST ANOTHER BAND - OFF THE EDGE
Light and shade, soft and hard, fast and slow... this new album from SA stalwarts Off The Edge is one of contrasting sounds and moods. This 3rd official album from Off The Edge was superbly produced by Peter Hanmer in Johannesburg's Foxglove Sound studios. From the heart-rending 'In My Heart' to the epic 'St Aidans' this album is a pleasure to listen to over and over again. (BC)
Off The Edge on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/offtheedge
Peter Hanmer from Off The Edge has very kindly given the Digest 3 copies of 'Just Another Band' to give way this week.
Name the 3 instrumental tracks on the new album and stand a chance of winning a copy of 'Just Another Band'.
Answers to mailto:sarockdigest@crosswinds.net
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VARIOUS ARTISTS - OM TE BREYTEN
The cream of the current Afrikaans music scene honours the stellar writings of Breyten Breytenbach. Valiant Swart, Amanda Strydom, Lieze Stassen, Duusman, Brasse Vannie Kaap, Battery 9, Johannes Kerkorrel, Anton, Mynie, Steve. Honours all round. Breyten up your life. (SS)
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FRANK OPPERMAN AND PRIME TIME ADDICTION - SERIAL BOYFRIEND (GALLO)
Give a listen to ‘Serial Boyfriend’s’ stunning acoustic rock tunes with angst, cynicism, humour, power and intelligence. Pleasantly recommended. (SS)
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LESLEY RAE DOWLING - CLEAR (GALLO)
Dowling’s growly croon is as emotionally taut as ever, but there’s a new vulnerability in her voice, and a sensuality in her lyrics. (SS)
Lesley Rae Dowling on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/lesleyraedowling
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BINAURAL - PEARL JAM (Sony Music)
Sounds like the Jammers trawled through somebody's old collection of early 70s Led Zeppelin, Who, Hawkwind, Creedence and Jethro Tull albums, listened to them intently, added a few pearls of wisdom, some sweet jams and ended up writing some great rock tunes. Recommended, but not for Kenny G or Michael Bolton fans. (BC)
Buy it online at Noize Net:
http://www.noizenet.com.au/cgi-bin/search/productview.pl?ID=342928
Pearl Jam on the net:
http://www.pearljam.com
http://www.pearl-jam.com
http://www.sonymusic.com/artists/PearlJam/
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SMOOTH AFRICA - VARIOUS ARTISTS (HEADS UP)
A strong collection of SA smooth jazz which gives great value to whoever buys it and deserved exposure to all these great artists. (SS)
Heads Up on the net:
http://www.headsup.com
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THE ANTHOLOGY - KEN HENSLEY (Castle Music)
This brand new compilation CD release from Castle (distributed by Sony Music SA) contains highlights from 3 of the best albums from Ken's back catalogue; 'Proud Words On A Dusty Shelf' (1972), 'Eager To Please' (1975) and 'Free Spirit' (1980). (BC)
Ken Hensley on the net:
http://www.ken-hensley.com
Uriah Heep on the net:
http://www.uriah-heep.com
Interested in other Rock Legends, such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, etc? Then please visit:
http://www.rock.co.za/vagabond
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4.WOEMA
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VREEMDE STAD - THEUNS JORDAAN
Nog 'n nuweling op die Afrikaanse musiektoneel wat baie potensiaal toon, is Theuns Jordaan van Pretoria. Sy debuut-CD, 'Vreemde Stad', is deur Wildebeest uitgereik en is iets heel besonders. Op die CD sing Jordaan vyf van sy eie komposisies - 'Klein verbond', 'Makiesakie', 'Visserman', die titelsnit en 'Hakieshart' - asook bekendes soos David Kramer se 'Skipskop', Gert Vlok Nel se 'Beautiful in Beaufort-Wes', Valiant Swart se 'Sonvanger', Koos du Plessis se 'Onthou jy nog' en 'Skielik is jy vry', Koos Kombuis se 'Lalie' en Piet Botha se 'Sien jou weer'. Aanvanklik is dit vreemd dat iemand wat duidelik 'n baie talentvolle liedjieskrywer uit eie reg is so baie ou bekendes sing. Maar uiteindelik besef 'n mens Jordaan druk sy eie stempel af op die ander liedjieskrywers se werk. Die CD word afgesluit met twee medleys wat maar kon gebly het: 'Loslappie-mengelmoes' en 'Liedjieboer-mengelmoes'.
Dit is ongelukkig dat Theuns Jordaan bemark word as "die nuwe Koos du
Plessis". Hoe kan 'n nuwe kunstenaar 'n identiteit van sy eie bou as
sulke etikette op hom geplak word? Dit is uiters onregverdig teenoor
Jordaan. Sy stem herinner wel op plekke aan Du Plessis s'n en sy
vertolkings is net so broeiend en melancholies, maar dit is duidelik dat Jordaan hoegenaamd nie probeer om Du Plessis na te boots nie.
'Vreemde Stad' is nog 'n produksie uit Jurgen von Wechmar en John Playdon se Sunset Recording Studios in Stellenbosch. Dié span het die afgelope jaar of twee, drie hulle merk begin maak met hulle professionele, sterk produksies, soos onder meer vir Lesley Rae Dowling se album 'Clear'. Nie net die produksie nie, maar ook die verwerkings is vars en van 'n hoë gehalte en sonder enige foefies. Die musikante is uitstekend - Schalk Joubert op baskitaar (luister net hoe jol hy op 'Hakieshart'!), Jason Rosenstein op dromme, Sean Butler op klavier en Anton L'Amour op kitare. Met dié debuut lê Jordaan 'n stewige grondslag vir die res van sy loopbaan, maar 'n mens hoop dat sy volgende CD net uit sy eie liedjies sal bestaan.
Theunis Engelbrecht
mailto:theunis99@worldonline.co.za
These and any other SA CD is available online from One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
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5.SPOTLIGHT ON... WENDY OLDFIELD
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It was back in 1982 that this Cape Town-born, talented and dynamic
artist first burst onto the SA music scene as lead vocalist for
Sweatband. Wendy Oldfield’s six successful years with Sweatband saw them touring extensively around SA and releasing a well-received album 'No Sweat' that spawned the hits, ‘Tonight’, ‘This Boy’ and ‘Shape Of Her Body’. In 1988, Wendy split from Sweatband and released her first solo single, ‘Living In The Real World’ which topped the 5FM and Capital Radio charts. Her debut solo album, ‘Beautiful Rain’ only arrived in 1992 but produced three chart hits including her best-known song, ‘Acid Rain’.
Following the album’s European release, Wendy Oldfield enjoyed an
unbroken period of extensive attention and publicity. She appeared on
the covers of a number of top SA magazines and, with her band, supported Wet Wet Wet at the Sun City Superbowl in 1996.
That prestigious appearance coincided with her first release on the
Teal/PolyGram label. ‘Ruby’ was the result of a strong writing and
producing relationship with Leonel Bastos, Taps Khomo, Neil Snyman and
Ian Osrin. 'Acid Rain’, the smash hit off her debut solo album was a
large pointer to the wealth of thought, talent and innovation that went
into this, her excellent second album. Moving away from her Sweatband
pop roots, Oldfield delved into the exciting new sounds of world music
and produced an album crammed with creative ideas and intriguing
textures. The Oldfield/Bastos/Khomo songwriting trilogy was responsible
for most of these songs with Ian Osrin and Neal Snyman adding layers of
sensitive and sparkling aural flourishes to these compositions.
‘Ruby’s first track, ‘Eenie Meenie’, added "new-age for kids" lyrics and tribal chants to accordion swathes and a grungy reworking of Cream’s ‘Sunshine Of Your Love’ riff. ‘1000 Miles’ was a beautiful ballad that highlighted Oldfield's sensitive vocals while ‘Together’, ‘Totally Blind’ and ‘I’ll Follow’ worked off complex percussion patterns and a chugging rock groove. Album highlight, ‘Let’s Bury Our Guns (And Not Our People)’ tied all these eclectic influences into a powerful plea for peace in SA.
Neil Snyman took a more central and collaborative production role on
‘Duwayo’, her 1997 six-track EP. This six-track EP was released in
September ‘97 as a short but bold exposition of Wendy Oldfield’s new
world musical direction, first unveiled on the eclectic ‘Ruby’ album.
The song ‘Duwayo’, which was given a further three remixes at the end of this album, was a trance-y, layered mix of djembes, didgeridoos,
berimbous, and chants. This powerful and heartfelt piece of music earned a well-deserved nomination for the 1998 FNB Music Awards’ ‘Song of the Year’. ‘Time’ was a delicate slice of lilting rhythms and lovely
harmonies and ‘Legalize’ was a haunting and evocative ska/reggae/dub
groove. Adrian Levi, Lee Davey and Craig Dodds add their interpretive
mixes of ‘Duwayo’ to complete that exciting half-hour of contemporary SA music.
Oldfield has been writing and performing as energetically as ever over
the past few years. She works with a permanent four member band
comprising Douglas Bean (lead), Sean Fourie (keyboards), Gaston Goliath
(drums) and Rob Nel (bass). With a new short-haired look, she looked
comfortable and confident and charmed the large crowd when supporting
Simply Red on their SA tour. Her recent experimental work with sounds,
chants and djembe-inspired rhythms boded well for her 1999 album release ‘On A Pale Blue Dot’, which won the 2000 FNB SAMA Award for ‘Best Pop Album’. ‘On A Pale Blue Dot’ (Carl Sagan’s description of the appearance of Earth from outer space) is Oldfield’s strongest and most complete album to date. With an eye on the international market, this album gathers together the best of her past work (‘Duwayo’, ‘Legalize’, and the omni-present ‘Acid Rain’) with some newer material. Although Wendy Oldfield has yet to achieve the large-scale success she deserves, her impressive back catalogue, consistent effort and gigging, and obvious love for the music should hopefully see that changing in the near future.
Stephen Segerman
mailto:sugar@cd.co.za
Sweatband on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/sweatband
Wendy Oldfield on the net:
http://www.wendyoldfield.co.za
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6.USA FOR SA
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IS IT? - WONDERBOOM
A band lacking pretensions, yet replete with social dynamics which
suggest a zeitgeist... and if I correctly understand the phrase of the title, you might reply, "Isit?". In truth, 'Isit?' by Wonderboom is six fun-rocking songs. One who has seen Wonderboom perform says they put on an exciting show and incite the audience to party. On this first outing, the EP 'Isit?' they prove themselves much better than competent rockers, and I look forward to their next EP.
'Isit?' is a six song clutch of variety held together by a consistent
Wonderboom style. I imagine them listening to playbacks and proudly saying: "We can play all sorts of rock." On 'Isit?' they show off rock ability in a variety of styles.
They open with a slightly bluesy rock number, 'She Cries'. Compared with the rest of the EP, this song seems gentle even though it rocks. Maybe it's the easygoing harmonica. There is reggae in the song 'Smile Pantsula' that bops along nicely.
They get into some catchy straight-ahead rock rhythms in track three,
'Bang' (ignore the track listing here, it's switched with 'Green Fever', listed as #5). One can do more to this song than head bob -- there are rhythmic variations meant for real rock dancing.
More mixing rock and reggae is 'Jafta Rebel' -- a pot song that starts
out as reggae and drives straight into harder territory and has a couple of... herbal references. (Are you shocked to read that in this EP by a group named Wonderboom there are a few references to a mild yet illegal euphoriant?) Ja, good stuff.
{Ed: clarification for non-South African readers: "boom" is one of the many local slang terms for Marijuana}
Then there is the catchy disco beat in the song 'Green Fever', replete
with disco handclaps and a disco drum intro. This song has a beat defying one not to move some body part in time to the beat. It's good disco, honest.
'No Left Turn Unstoned': the big rock finish. The catchy beat and
dominant bass that one has come to expect of their music by listening to the previous five songs on this EP. It is a big noise song, anthemic, and one that I have had echo from the night before in my mind as I slouch towards coffee. Additionally, in this song, this Yank has heard what he assumes to be the correct pronunciation of "dagga"!
With 'Isit?' Wonderboom prove themselves more than competent rockers, more than rock journeymen. They have mastered various rock styles and they have their own distinctive style, with an aromatic sense of humor. I hope their upcoming release is not only a growth but also a solid offering like this six-song EP.
Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas
mailto:kbshoe@hotmail.com
This and any other SA CD is available from One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
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7.CLASSIC ROCK
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JOHN IRELAND (1982, Transistor Music)
Opening with his hit single 'I Like...' {reached #2 on the Springbok charts in August 1982 and spent 15 weeks in the Top 20 - ed} John Ireland's 1982 album is jam packed with piano/ synthesizer ballads. While some of the synth sounds are a bit dated, this does not detract from the album which features some lush orchestral sounds. Two tracks ('Movie Theme (Diana)' and 'Diana's theme') are possibly directed at Princess Diana as the album was released the year after her marriage to Prince Charles. These songs now seem quite ironic in light of her death, especially where John sings abouts girls wanting to be her. The album does well to hold it's own and not become a hit single surrounded by 9 b-sides as a lot of 80's albums tended to do.
John Samson, London, England
mailto:Thesamsons@aol.com
John Ireland on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/johnireland
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8.FORUM
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LOOKING FOR THE COLD FACTS
The Australian pressing of 'Cold Fact' by Rodriguez is available online
from Noize Net in Australia.
http://www.noizenet.com.au/cgi-bin/search/productview.pl?ID=1189
Warning: There is also an album listed on their website titled 'Swing Like A Metronome' by a Rodriguez which is not by our hero, Sixto 'Jesus' Rodriguez, but by somebody else.
The 'At His Best' CD that is also listed there is similar to the South African 'The Best Of Rodriguez' but is worth getting for collectors as it features the full 6.35 minute version of 'Sandrevan Lullably/ Lifestyles'. 'Sandrevan Lullaby' is the instrumental intro section and 'Lifestyles' is the biting commentary piece about life in America. The timing on the version available on the SA 'Best Of...' and 'Coming From Reality' CDs is only 5.05 minutes.
The instrumental intro, a wonderful guitar/ violin duet (played on a Stradivarius, says Rodriguez), is slightly longer on the Oz version and is repeated again at the end of the song. The Australian 'At His Best' CD is the only place to find the full-length version of this track on CD.
Climb Up On My Music - A site dedicated to Rodriguez is at:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/rodriguez.html
Everything you ever wanted to about Rodriguez and more is on this site (except "when is he coming back to SA?").
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USA FOR AFRICA (CONTINUED...)
On my KRVM Women In Music show, I got to play 2 songs from Linda Kekana's new album, Cindy Alter (yes, I know she's living here now - but there is a connnection!), Qkumba Zoo, Famous Curtain Trick and Miriam Makeba.
On a show on KWVA, we managed to put in a 30 minute set of SA music,
featuring Squeal, Sugardrive, Boo, Lekgoa, Sunways and Johnny Clegg.
Still plugging away at bringing real music to America! Thnaks not only to the bands who sent me their material, but to Tic Tic Bang and Gallo, for putting their money where their mouths are, and getting me music to play here! Wouldn't it be nice if more record companies could support their artists? In fact, wouldn't it be really nice if more SA radio stations could support a bigger variety in the music they play??
Leigh Barrett
mailto:wimusic@hotmail.com
KRVM and KWVA
Oregon, USA
Postal: 1641 Wilson Street
Eugene, OR 97402
USA
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LIELA GROENEWALD
I'm a folk singer and would like to promote my music and my site (http://www.liela.co.za) a little. I've done backing vocals for Koos Kombuis for a couple of years now and perform solo in Jo'burg and at festivals such as KKNK in Oudtshoorn and Oppikoppi.
Liela Groenewald
______________________________________________
9.REQUESTS
-------------
MANGO GROOVE
I need info on Mango Groove for a school project, when the group started, members names background, tours etc. Who can I contact?.
Thanks,
Kyle
mailto:oracles@global.co.za
---------------
LOOKING FOR MARIE
I do have one single question for the readers of the Digest: I'm
looking for lyrics to the song 'Marie' from this band: Townes van Zandt. Sounds Dutch (or maybe South African), right?
Here's why I'd like to read the lyrics:
"I have a producer for my screenplay "Marie" which is based on a song by Townes van Zandt." (Tribal News from Robbi from June 13th, 2000)
Thanks in advance,
Andre
mailto:andre.wilms@comline.de
Robbi Robb - a cry above the jungle:
http://www.vechte.com/robbi_robb/
______________________________________________
10.ON THE NET
---------------
CLICK2MUSIC
http://www.click2music.co.za/
BMG label website for The Usual, Just Jinger, TKZee, Soweto String Quartet, Tessa Ziegler, Patricia Lewis and other SA artists as well some International stars, like Santana, Christina Aguilera, TLC and Westlife.
Great biographies, discographies and Real Audio downloads.
Recommended.
______________________________________________
11.WHATS ON
--------------
ANDRE FOURIE BENEFIT CONCERT
FRIDAY, 23rd JUNE 2000:
TUXEDO
PURPLE HAZE (EX-OMEGA LIMITED)
VALIANT SWART
CREEDENCE/ CLAPTON SHOW
DUCK CHOWLES BAND
SATURDAY, 24th JUNE 2000:
THE MIKE McCULLAGH BAND (Mike from McCully Workshop)
DREAD KINGS
LIVE WIRE (feat. Brian Davidson from FREEDOM'S CHILDREN)
AKKEDIS
STAGE FRIGHT
Tickets are sold at the River Club (Phone 021-4486117, Andrew Darlington) in Cape Town for R25,00. Both nights, doors open at 7:00pm and show starts at 8:00pm. Full bar service and refreshments available.
The fantastic raffle prices include:
- international rock memorabilia donated by SKUNK ANANSIE, THE MISSION and LIVE and include T-SHIRTS, AUTOGRAPHED POSTERS, CD'S and more...
- Various goodies, hand-signed and donated by several RADIO 5FM DJ'S
- a hamper package donated by BIG CONCERTS, including CD's, T-Shirts, posters and concert ticket vouchers
- various CD's donated by UNIVERSAL MUSIC
- various CD's, T-Shirts and posters donated by RIESTER INTERNATIONAL RECORDS
- several CD's donated by various local bands
- meal vouchers
- ZIPPO products
An AUCTION SALE of Andre's personal guitar which has been autographed by Steve Morse of DEEP PURPLE will also be taking place!
We would also like to refer to the TRUST ACCOUNT again which makes it possible to donate money without going to the actual benefit concert as such. Many money donations have been reported "incoming" to this account after our last e-mail and on behalf of Andre's kids, we would like to thank you all for your great support in this matter. Anyone who still wishes to donate money, here are the details again:
Any donations can be paid into the trust account for Andre's kids:
Renette Rauch Attorneys Trust Account
Standard Bank Athlone
Account-no.: 07 330 5391
Branch code: 025909
THANKS!
... ON BEHALF OF RICKY, RYAN and SAMANTHA
Additional thanx go to (in no particular order):
Barney Simon, Big Concerts, The Riverclub, Pirates, UNIVERSAL MUSIC, ZIPPO, Skunk Anansie, Live, The Mission, KFM, SAB, Distillers, Sound On Stage, Paul Bothner, Real Concerts, The Fruit Fly Navigators, The Audio Connection and last but not least thanks again to all the participating bands as well as all bands that were willing to participate but could not make it due to unforseen circumstances or unavailability (Brenton Blue, Blues Broers, Kiss The Sky, Delta Blue, Fetish, Gordon MacKay, The Usual, Late Final, Mean Mr.Mustard, Springbok Nude Girls)!
Thanks for everyone we forgot to mention.
Riester International Records
http://www.riester-records.co.za
--------------
OPPIKOPPI
http://www.oppikoppi.co.za
3-6 August - Northam
11-13 August - Worcester
August in South Africa means OppiKoppi, and this year the biggest (and best?) SA music festival will not be restricted to its usual Bushveld location in Northam. Due to a large demand from the Cape fans, the OppiKoppi organizers have arranged for a scaled down version of the festival to be held on the weekend following the northern version. The festival planned for Worcester (one hour out of Cape Town), will be hosted at the "Kleinplasie" grounds and will be a slightly scaled down "highlights" package of the bushveld leg.
Northam (Bushveld Oppikoppi):
Not My Dog, THC, Groinchurn, Jimmy 12", Aavaaz, BVK, Carlo & Johhny, Vd Want & Letcher, Frank Opperman, M, Firing Squad, Interzone, Collosal Head, Springbok Nude Girls, Duusman, Delta Blue, Project 2501, Selaelo Selota, Bizarre Bazaar, Boo, Sugardrive (Yang circle), Ssshhh, Ohm, Fruit Fly Navigators, Nine, Sunways, Mesadoth
Worcester Oppikoppi:
Not My Dog, THC, Groinchurn, BVK, Aavaaz, Carlo & Johnny, Vd Want & Letcher, Firing Squad, Interzone, Colossal Head, Springbok Nude Girls, Duusman, Blues Broers, Frosted Orange, Delta Blue, Gurkha, Suda,
Boo, Sugardrive, Blackmilk.
Tickets for both events are available from Ticketweb and will be priced at R220 for the Northam leg and R200 for the Worcester leg. Prices include access to all the stages, toilets, showers and camping facilities. Ticketweb can be contacted on 0861400500 or http://www.ticketweb.co.za.
A great deal of information regarding both festivals is available on the Oppikoppi website.
OPPIKOPPI - FARM NOOITGEDACHT - NORTHAM
P.O BOX 56
NORTHAM
0360
PHONE: 014 - 7860597
FAX: 014 - 7860034
WEBSITE: http://www.oppikoppi.co.za
E-MAIL: oppikoppi@icon.co.za or oppikoppi@sigidi.co.za
--------------
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.littlesister.co.za
July 1 - Northmead Mall, First Street, Northmead, Benoni
July 19 - Messina
July 28 - Trichard
July 29 - Glenn Marais, Crn Veld and Dann St, Glen Marais, Kempton Park
----------------
WOODSTOCK SA
22nd to 25th of September
Heidelberg Kloof - Gauteng
Contact mailto:woodstock@authentic.co.za
--------------
TUMBLEWEEDS
5 Section Street
Paarden Eiland
Cape Town
(021) 510 6371
---------------
AUTHENTIC GIGS - JUNE, NATIONWIDE
SUGARDRIVE MINI TOUR
Wednesday 21 June
Sugardrive "In the Circle" - Bassline, 7th Street, Melville
Thursday 22 June
Sugardrive "In the Circle" - Bassline, 7th Street, Melville
WATERSHED
Thursday 22 June
Watershed, Sshhh..., Up The Creek, Hilda Street, Pretoria
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
AUTHENTIC IDEAS: 011-646-6467
EMAIL: mailto:authentic@authentic.co.za
____________________________________________
12.GOOSEBUMPS
-----------------
What magical music moment gives you goosebumps? It could be song, an album, a live performance or even just the intro riff of your favourite song ('Smoke On The Water', anyone?).
Send an E-mail to mailto:sarockdigest@crosswinds.net and tell us about your goosebump moment.
-------
WORLD CLASS ROCKERS
I vividly recall the free live performances of the World Classic Rockers at the Rand Show during April 1999. The band consisted of:
* Denny Laine - Lead vocal / guitar (ex-Moody Blues / Wings) (sang Go now / Band on the Run)
* Spencer Davis - Lead vocal / guitar (ex-Spencer Davis Group with Steve Winwood) (I'm a Man / Gimme Some Lovin')
* Michael Monarch - Lead / rhythm guitar (ex-Steppenwolf) (Born To Be Wild / Magic Carpet Ride)
* Nick St. Nicholas - Lead vocal / bass guitar (ex-Steppenwolf)
* Fergie Frederiksen - Lead vocal (ex-Toto) (Africa / Rosanna)
* Bruce Gary - Drums (ex-The Knack) (My Sharona)
I had the opportunity to meet them backstage (to have my LP covers autographed!) after their last performance and I was really impressed with their down to earth attitude. Denny Laine remarked on how blue the sky appeared on the cover of the first Moody Blues LP, while he recalled that it was a cold, grey day they posed for the cover shots. He could also still kick his own ass after, as co-writer of 'Mull of Kintyre', he signed his part of the royalties over to Paul McCartney. Nick St Nicholas was still upset over having been placed back in the shadows and hardly being recognisable on the 'Monster' LP cover. I would say the highlight of the show was when they launched into 'Born To Be Wild' with all the enthusiasm of 30 plus years ago.
Just goes to show - you can't keep a good rocker down.
Dave Malherbe
____________________________________________
13.LINKS AND ADVERTS
-----------------------
ARTISTS:
SA ROCK LEGENDS
http://www.rock.co.za/legends
SA MUSICIANS ON THE NET FROM A TO Z
http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/Rembrandt/SAArtists.html
ROBIN AULD
http://www.robinauld.co.za
BERNARD BINNS
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za
PIET BOTHA & JACK HAMMER
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/pietbotha
KOOS KOMBUIS
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.littlesister.co.za
OFF THE EDGE
http://www.rock.co.za/offtheedge
SPRINGBOK NUDE GIRLS
http://www.nudegirls.co.za
VALIANT SWART
http://www.valiant.co.za
ARCHIVES:
THE LEGENDS OF SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK
Where SA rock legends still live
http://cd.co.za/legends
SOUTH AFRICA'S ROCK FILES
The online archive for the History of South African Rock
http://cd.co.za/sarock
MESSAGE BOARD:
TOO GOOD TO BE FORGOTTEN
Post your message on the SA Rock message board
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb311757
NEWS:
AMUZINE
News, views, reviews and interviews
http://www.rock.co.za/
ARTSMART
Arts news from Kwazulu-Natal
http://www.artsmart.co.za
POWERZONE
News, classifieds and much more...
http://www.powerzone.co.za/
WALL OF SOUND
Up-to-date news on the International music scene
http://www.wallofsound.com
WHATS ON:
BARLEYCORN
Cape Town's Music Club
http://twisted.co.za/barleycorn/
THE BIG TREE
Gant's Centre, Strand
http://www.icon.co.za/~diner/gigs.htm
HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB
The Troubadour, Kalk Bay
Every Wednesday night 8:30
Entrance R15 - bar available
Information:
Rob Anderson (021) 7891021
mailto:anderson@botzoo.uct.ac.za
Nadia Scaillet (021) 4489834
mailto:noid@netactive.co.za
TAMBOER
Pretoria entertainment guide
http://www.tamboer.co.za
ZA@PLAY
What's on around South Africa
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/art/music/menu-music.htm
SHOPS:
MUSICA
SA's music retail chain
http://www.musica.co.za
ONE WORLD
Selling South African Music to the World
http://www.oneworld.co.za/
OUTLAW RECORDS, CAPE TOWN
http://www.outlawrecords.co.za
Branches at:
Cape Town Central (021) 4238145
Wynberg (021) 7972482
Claremont (021) 6717887
RENEGADE MUSIC
New & Used CD's
Strand concourse Cape Town
Tel (021) 4185436
N1 City Goodwood
Tel (021) 5952436
VIBES MUSIC
N1 CITY, CAPE TOWN
Phone (021) 5953220
mailto:vibes@fast.co.za
RECORD COMPANIES, LABELS & STUDIOS:
BEATROOT MUSIC
http://www.beatrootmusic.co.za/beatrootmusic.htm
BMG
The Usual, Just Jinger, TKZee and others
http://www.click2music.co.za/
CAVEMAN PRODUCTIONS
Kevin Shirley's website
http://www.cavemanproductions.com
FRESH MUSIC
Independent multi-faceted music group
http://www.fresh.co.za
GALLO MUSIC
Supporting South African Music
http://www.gallo.co.za/
INDIE MUSIC EXPLOSION
http://www.indie.co.za
MELT2000
Independent label
http://www.melt2000.com
MIGHTY MUSIC PRODUCTIONS
http://www.mightymusic.co.za/
MOUNTAIN RECORDS
Music from and about Africa
http://www.mountain-africa.com
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
Off Centre * Tic Tic Bang * Season To Taste * Shrapnel
Local & imported product
mailto:tictic@iafrica.com
mailto:tasty@iafrica.com
RADIUM WRECKORDS
The home of the Radio Rats, The Glee Club, the Chauffeurs
and the Pop Guns
Radium Wreckords
Suite 207
Postnet
Private Bag X10
Flamwood
2572
Klerksdorp
mailto:jhandley@aghs.co.za
RIESTER INTERNATIONAL RECORDS
Independent SA record company
http://www.riester-records.co.za/
STREET LEVEL RECORDS
Cape Town's Independent Record Label
http://www.streetlevel.co.za/
SUNSET STUDIOS
Stellenbosch Recording Studio
http://www.freeyellow.com/members2/sunsetsound/index.html
TEQUILA MUSIC
The Home of African Music
http://www.tequila.co.za
TL MASTERING
http://www.tl-mastering.com
Digital Mastering, Editing and Remastering
mailto:prozak@iafrica.com
phone: 082 701 5096
RESOURCES:
BACKSTAGE
The Musician's Resource
http://www.backstage.co.za/
PEDRO THE MUSIC MAN
Music teacher
http://users.iafrica.com/m/mu/musicman
ROCK ARCHIVE CD-ROM
For more info or to buy/trade this CD-ROM contact:
Werner Regenthal
mailto:wrkohnse@zaz.com.br
ROCK DAY BY DAY
The history of rock as it happened
http://www.rockdaybyday.com
SHOW VILLAGE
sound - lights - dance
http://www.showvillage.co.za
MAGAZINES:
AMUZINE
African Music Magazine
http://www.cd.co.za
SLY
Online magazine
http://www.sly.co.za/
STAGE
SA Music magazine
http://www.stage.co.za
RADIO:
DINOSAUR DAYS
The radio show, the CDs, the website
http://www.dinosaurdays.co.za
CAPITAL RADIO 604
Remembering Capital 604 (1979 to 1996)
http://www.Capital604.com
FMC RADIO
Internet radio supporting local music
http://www.fullmoonconcerts.co.za
SAFM
South African Radio Station
http://www.safm.co.za
BOOKS:
THE HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Garth Chilvers and Tom Jasiukowicz (TOGA, 1994)
http://www.rock.co.za/files/book_order.html
KOOS se SONGS
Koos Kombuis
http://www.oneworld.co.za
TRIVIA:
CLIMB UP ON MY MUSIC
A site dedicated to Rodriguez, the Sugar Man
http://www.rock.co.za/files/rodriguez.html
IMAGES OF ROCK
Your Ultimate Rock And Roll Experience
http://www.imagesofrock.com
POP SHOP TRACK LISTINGS
A tribute to those great Pop Shop albums
http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/Rembrandt/PopShop/PopShopHome.html
SPACE HYMNS
The only known website for Ramases
http://www.rock.co.za/ramases
VAGABOND'S WORLD
a rock music trivia site
http://cd.co.za/vagabond
PIOTR'S GREEN PAGES
Discographies and lyrics for the legends of rock
http://www.zetosa.com.pl/piotrus/greenpages
FESTIVALS:
SPLASHY FEN
The festival, the CD, the book, the website
http://www.splashyfen.co.za
OPPIKOPPI
http://www.oppikoppi.co.za
RUSTLERS VALLEY
http://www.rustlers.co.za
MUSIC ON-LINE:
CDDB
CD Database Online
http://www7.cddb.com/
CDMAX
CD player for accessing the online CD database http://www.mindspring.com/~clark_tisdale/CDmax/
DIGITAL CUPBOARD
African music, MP3s and more...
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
MP3.COM
Listen to MP3s of South African artists
http://www.mp3.com/regions/africa/south_africa/
MP3 SOFTWARE
Links to download sites
http://www.rock.co.za/files/mp3software.html
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14.BACK ISSUES
---------------
BACK ISSUES
http://www.rock.co.za/sarockdigest
On-line and keyword searchable
__________________________________________
15.CONTRIBUTIONS
-----------------
This e-mag is a discussion forum for rock and pop music --
South African and International -- past, present and future.
All contributions are welcome, send them to:
http://www.rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:brian.currin@new.co.za
All contributions in plain text e-mail format with no attachments, please.
The following types of contributions may be ignored
as they take a while to fix:
HTML format e-mails (Outlook users, please note)
e-mails all in lowercase
e-mails all in CAPITALS
e-mails with attachments
Any e-mail with an ".exe" file attached will be automatically trashed so please don't even try.
________________________________________
16.SUBSCRIPTIONS
----------------
Send an e-mail to mailto:brian.currin@new.co.za with any words or phrases that vaguely indicate acceptance or... visit http://www.rock.co.za/sarockdigest and fill in the simple form.
--------
Want to unsubscribe from this e-mag?
Surely not, but if you really must, then just reply to this e-mail,
saying "I'm bored" or "get me out of here" or "I've had enough" or whatever. I'll get the idea, eventually.
"unsubscribe digest" has been known to work too...
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