SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #116
http://www.sarockdigest.com
30th July 2001

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JAMES PHILLIPS TRIBUTE ISSUE
22 January 1959 - 31 July 1995

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The South African Rock Music Digest
is a weekly, free, subscription e-mag,
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Established 27th January 1999.

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SUPPORT SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC WEEK
25th August to 1st September

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CONTENTS
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1.NEWS - Just Jinger, Blue Zoo, Venessa Nolan, Emerging Sounds, Hog Video
2.CHARTS - Top SA Albums & Songs, Statistics
3.CD REVIEWS - Showcase 3, Age Of Innocence
4.CLASSIC ROCK - Nick Drake, James Phillips
5.FORUM, REQUESTS & FEEDBACK - 12 Drummers, Lithium, LM Radio
6.LIVE REVIEWS & GIG INFO - Nick Taylor
7.ON THE WEB - Zen Arcade, Binary, Mel Botes, SA Music Message Exchange
8.BACK ISSUES
9.CONTRIBUTIONS
10.CONTACT DETAILS
11.SUBSCRIPTIONS
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1.NEWS
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NO DIGEST NEXT WEEK

This week's bumper jam-packed issue will need to keep you going for the next 2 weeks as there will be no issue next week. Issue #117 will be in your e-mailbox on the 13th August.

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JUST JINGER - NO BIG DEAL

The SA Times reported this week that Just Jinger had failed in their bid to woo Universal Records agents into signing a record deal. They performed an intimate gig for the record company agents and 250 of their hardcore fans a couple of weeks ago. However, the verdict was that they would probably do well in the States, but not sure how they would fare in the UK. I guess Art and the boys have had too much sunshine in their lives, not miserable enough like a Radiohead or Travis for the UK's liking. As their two year working visas slowly run out, Art remains upbeat and says they are continuing to apply for the American visas.

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WHO’S WHO AT THE BLUE ZOO

By popular request, Alan Judd, Terry Rosenberg & Friends will return to
the Blue Zoo for another of those extremely popular light Jazz, Folk 'n
Blues evenings, featuring an additional line-up to the regular A & T
Band:

The full line-up is: Alan Judd - Guitar & Arrangements, Terry Rosenberg
- Piano & Vocals, Mary-Ellen Blackman - Vocals & Piano, Alan Bowden -
Vocals, Bass & Percussion, David Marks - Mouth Harp & Guitar

This line-up of songwriters & musicians has proved extremely popular at
the Blue Zoo in Mitchell Park, Durban over the past year - often joined
by other musicians during the sets - Dan Chiorboli sits in from show to
show as do others. Besides their renowned & exceptional menu, the Blue
Zoo - which is also licensed - dishes up a smorgasbord of light popular
Jazz, with many new tunes served up as the main course & a Folk style
hoot for desert.

Come & join in; liven up the suburbs, listen & enjoy the evening with us.

Wednesday 1st August. 7:30 for 8:00pm. Cover Charge R20.
Booking Essential - Phone 303-3568

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VENESSA LIVE DATES

Venessa Nolan’s debut album, ‘Burn’, has been having a busy time since
its release earlier this year. The album is selling consistently on the
back of some strong chart and radio action for songs like ‘Fragile’,
‘Losing Control’, ‘With You’, ‘Why?’, and ‘Emptiness High’. Next up is
the single ‘Glorious Gem’, which has just been playlisted on 5FM as well as various community and university radio stations, and is getting a lot of airplay.

Venessa Nolan and her band’s current line-up - Yolande Glover (keyboard
and backing vocals), Carl Treunich (drums), David Adamson (bass), and
Bruce Muzik (guitar) - will be performing live at a Womens' Day gig at
The Jam in Cape Town on the 8th of August, sponsored by Gauloise.
The performance will include a guest appearance by Jayne Mayne
(guitarist from Madame Freak) and female DJ's Jazza and Honey Bee, who
will also be spinning before and after these sets. Women will get in
for free and guys can buy tickets at the door for R20.

The Venessa Nolan Band will also be performing live at Doodles in
Parklands on the 30th of July 2001. Tickets at the door for R20. ‘BURN’
is available in all Musica outlets nation-wide and the CD will be
available for purchase at the venue.

Contact Details:
Management: Nicolette Strachan 082 964 1632
mailto:nixevents@freemail.absa.co.za
Website: http://www.sunsetrecording.com/venessa

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EMERGING SOUNDS NEWS

Wednesday August 1 - the second season of Lyric "The Songwriters
Competition" at Bugsy’s Beat Bar in Randburg. Cover charge is R10 and
for further information telephone Patric on 083 765 5952.

Thursday August 2 - monthly finals of Crazy Croc Music Madness at Nile
Crocodile, Lynwood, Pretoria. Bands play pool, do a pop mime, jam four
songs and do a "down-down" competition with a difference. Cover charge
is R10 and for further information contact Hazel on 083 941 9253.

Friday August 3 - JIP bied aan Spinnekop by die Mixer in Melville. To
pre-book telephone the Mixer on 482-1806/7. For further information
telephone Therese on 073 157 5349.

Sunday August 5 - The RP Studios Emerging Showcase starts at Morgan’s
Cat, Randburg Waterfront. Each Sunday patrons will only hear South
African music starting from 14:00 with the DJ followed by fresh emerging bands showcasing their talent (each month one of these bands will be awarded studio time courtesy of RP Studios). Then from 16:00 the RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition starts with duos/soloists as well as bands competing in this prestigious competition. In between the artists the DJ will only play SA music. The action starts from 14:00 and entrance is free.

http://www.emergingsounds.com
Jose Cuervo Happenings Guide 08 2234 2234

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YOU CAN BE IN THE HOG’S VIDEO!

After a very successful national tour, Cape Town ska-punkers Hog Hoggidy Hog are back in action and ready to shoot their second music video from their recent album, 'Driving Over Miss Davie'. Join the Hogs on Saturday 4 August at Studio 47 in New Market Street, Cape Town (on the same road as the Good Hope Centre in line with the railway tracks) at 13h00. Be part of the fun - entrance is free and there will be great music (Hog Hoggidy Hog, punk/ska/hxc DJs), and some booze specials.

For more info contact Mariska on 082 375 8991
or go to the website: http://www.fishpaste.com
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2.CHARTS
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2a.THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK
http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts

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

1. [1] Showcase: 3 Unearthed - Various (Sony)
2. [4] Snowflake - Zen Arcade (Indie)
3. [2] Poles Apart - Karen Zoid (EMI)
4. [10] Mother's Daughter - Kate Normington (Sheer/SAFm)
5. [-] Voortvlugtend - Akkedis (SSS Records)
6. [6] Xero - Binary (Indie)
7. [3] Oppikoppi Tuned - Various (Oppikoppi)
8. [5] Live Fact - Rodriguez (Sony)
9. [7] Johnny Calls The Chemist - Falling Mirror (Retro Fresh)
10. [8] Memoirs Of A Clone - Watkin Tudor Jones Jnr (Chameleon)
11. [16] Burn - Venessa Nolan (Rhythm)
12. [9] Rising Above The Madness - Lionel Bastos (SAFM)
13. [13] Steady On - Moodphase 5ive (African Dope)
14. [11] Thin Shoes In June - Felix Laband (African Dope)
15. [17] Dreamland - Edi Niederlander (Indie)
16. [15] Waiting For The Dawn (re-issue) - Big Sky (Epic)
17. [12] Merry-Go-Round - Wess-Lee (Scorpio)
18. [14] Seratonin - Fruit Fly Navigators (Indie)
19. [-] Kuyatsha - The Branch (Rhythm)
20. [19] The Moon Is A Spoon - Sunways (Fresh)

Sponsored by Networld
http://www.new.co.za

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2b. THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN SONGS OF THE WEEK
http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts

This week [last week] Title - Artist (Album/Label)

1. [11] Not About You - Zen Arcade ('Snowflake'/Indie)
2. [1] Set Of Wheels (Karoo Anthem) - Karen Zoid ('Poles Apart'/EMI)
3. [4] Indigo Girl - Watershed (‘In The Meantime’/EMI)
4. [3] Undying Light - Edi Niederlander ('Dreamland'/Indie)
5. [-] Glorious Gem - Venessa Nolan ('Burn'/Rhythm)
6. [9] Afrikaners Is Plesierig - Karen Zoid ('Poles Apart'/EMI)
7. [2] Crazy Over You - Zen Arcade ('Snowflake'/Indie & 'Showcase: 3
Unearthed'/Sony)
8. [-] Khululuma - The Branch (Rhythm)
9. [5] King With A Crown - Spoon Feedas ('Showcase: 3 Unearthed'/Sony)
10. [6] Thank You - Lionel Bastos ('Rising Above The Madness'/SAFM)
11. [7] She Says - Cutting Jade ('Showcase: 3 Unearthed'/Sony)
12. [10] Here Comes The Night - Big Sky ('Waiting For The Dawn'
re-issue/Epic)
13. [-] Conquistador - Circus (‘Circus’ re-issue/RetroFresh)
14. [14] Long Holiday - The Sunshines ('Long Holiday' EP/Tel Michael)
15. [-] Why - Garth Taylor (‘Why?’/PT Records)
16. [13] Johnny Calls The Chemist - Falling Mirror ('JCTC'/Retro Fresh)
17. [17] Shout - Fruit Fly Navigators ('Seratonin'/Bionic)
18. [-] Lay Me Down - Gripp (‘Showcase 3/Sony)
19. [15] These Sparks Will Fly - Wess-Lee ('Merry-Go-Round'/Scorpio)
20. [-] Rock And Roll Man - Bedrock (‘Recovery’/Criminal Records)

Sponsored by Networld
http://www.new.co.za

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2c. CHARTING THE CHARTS
http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts

Some statistics after one year of the SA Rock Digest song charts,
thanks to John Samson

Most No.1 Hits:
3 - Moodphase 5ive
2 - Venessa Nolan
2 - Semisane

Most weeks at No.1 by an artist:
6 - Moodphase 5ive
5 - Danny K
3 - Semisane

Top 20 Hits based on Chart Performance:
1. Johnny Calls The Chemist - Falling Mirror
2. Hurts So Bad - Danny K
3. Long Holiday - Sunshines
4. Fragile - Venessa Nolan
5. Alright - Semisane
6. Aphrodite (Feeling Much More) - Coleske
7. Your Song - Just Jinger
8. Eastern Bridge - Jesse Jordan
9. Shout - Fruit Fly Navigators
10. All Roads - Liesl Graham
11. Thank You - Lionel Bastos
12. Rise 'N Shine - Moodphase 5ive
13. Slow Down - Yvonne Chaka Chaka
14. One Time - Matthew Van Der Want
15. Like A Holiday - Wess-Lee
16. Right Here - Semisane
17. Satisfy - Dreamshop
18. Higher Ground - Jenny Delenta
19. Johnny Calls The Chemist - Wonderboom
20. Fall - Jenny Delenta

Most Number of Hits:
5 - Moodphase 5ive
5 - Blk. Sonshine
4 - Semisane
4 - Just Jinger
4 - Venessa Nolan
4 - Watershed
4 - Robin Auld

Top 5 Artists based on Chart Performance:
1. Semisane
2. Moodphase 5ive
3. Venessa Nolan
4. Just Jinger
5. Blk. Sonshine
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3. NEW, RECENT AND UPCOMING RELEASES

IN THE ARENA - CIRCUS re-issue on CD (RetroFresh)
http://rock.co.za/legends/circus

Circus were one of the most exciting live progressive rock bands of the mid 70s. Their heartstopping version of Procol Harum's 'Conquistador' is on this album that 26 years later still sounds as majestic as it did back then. Digitally remastered by the band themselves and packed with rare photos and incisive liner notes.

WHY..? - GARTH TAYLOR (PT Music)
Cool, well-produced, self-composed bouncy songs from multi-talented Durban boy, Garth Taylor.

AFRICAN FOOTPRINT - ORIGINAL CAST (First Night)
http://www.africanfootprintonline.com/

Dianne de Beer, Pretoria News: "African Footprint is described as an explosive stampede of song and dance - and it is exactly that." "... fantastic dance numbers take us through the South African landscape with gumboot, township jive and hip-hop pantsula... glorious sequences..."

RECOVERY - BEDROCK (Indie)
http://members.spree.com/sip/bedrock

A mixture of original rock songs performed by a group of older rockers from Oranjemund in Namibia who clearly realize and accept that an NME correspondent is unlikely to pitch up in the near future, but don’t care at all.

VOORTVLUGTEND - AKKEDIS (SSS Records)
http://www.stellenbosch.co.za/akkedis

A collection of fine rock tunes, ranging from the carefree 'Datsun SSS...' to the more serious and hard rocking 'Jannie Cocaine'.

KUYATSHA - THE BRANCH (Rhythm Records)
New Cape Town reggae group, The Branch, launched their debut album, ‘Kuyatsha’, at the Drum Café on Saturday night. The 10-song African reggae-pop collection, featuring highlights like ‘Khululuma’, ‘Write Your Name’ and ‘Sanna’, has just been released by Albert du Plessis’ Rhythm Records label.

DORPE, STEDE & STREKE - VARIOUS ARTISTS (Rhythm Records)
A compilation of Afrikaans musicians singing songs about towns, cities and regions of South Africa. There are not many CDs where you can find David Kramer and Anton Goosen next to Randall Wicomb and Lukas Maree on the same disc or listen to the West Coast sounds of the late Worsie Visser rubbing shoulders with the urban blues of Valiant Swart. Take a tour.

GET THIS - THE ROCK REBELS (Value/EMI)
http://www.bobbylouw.co.za

Some of SA's best-known artists and session musicians (and actors!) have formed a supergroup to have fun it seems. Consisting of PJ Powers (Hotline), Bobby Louw (Bats, Free Ride, Dream Merchants), Kevin Kruger (The Kynd, Backtrax, Julian Laxton, Gentle People, HOT RS), Myles Shannon (Outland, Rio, Mango Groove, Little Sister), Bill Flynn (Vinnie & the Viscounts, TV and film actor), and Denny Lalouette (Beanstalk, Theta, Little Sister), sure seem to be having a lot of fun on this CD playing a mixture of original songs, rock classics (Locomotive Breath, Hush), opera and yodelling (yes, really!). The title says it all: Get this!

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5FM SHOWCASE: 3 UNEARTHED (SonyMusic)

There have been times when I have truly been worried about the future of SA rock bands. For example in the late nineties and last year with a lot of the media focus on turntable DJs and other dance acts, it seemed as if the traditional guitar-driven band was an endangered species. But since the middle of last year I have noticed an upsurge in rock music
(halleluja!) especially Rage Against The Machine-style rap-metal acts, commercial punk music, and in this country, rock ballads and mild rock songs.

'Showcase 3' is a collection of the best songs from a new generation of unsigned, or soon-to-be-signed bands. FiveFM seem to have chosen almost exclusively straight forward rock bands for this album. There are no cross-over acts or more experimental type artists. I think one can see this two ways: either they chose these bands because they reflect what are currently the popular musical styles (Watershed, GrannySmith, Mean Mr. Mustard, etc) on the SA airwaves and can therefore probably sell more CDs, or maybe there are just more of these types of bands around.
Recorded, mixed and produced by Evert de Munnik and Neal Snyman the album was recorded at SABC’s RP studios in JHB. The inlay has pictures of all the bands with a short write-up on each one as well as phone numbers for bookings and info. I’m sure this will go a long way to help them get gigs.

There are some great tracks on here, like the brilliant 'Crazy Over You' by Zen Arcade and 'King With A Crown' by Spoon Feedas, and I really dig 'Dissipate' by Three Weeks Anaemic. I think a year from now it will be really interesting to see which bands on this album are making it big. All-in-all a really cool collection, well-recorded and produced and very professional sounding. This is easy to heavy-ish rock music so don’t expect anything revolutionary. At least I can rest easy now knowing that there are still loads of guitar bands in this country and with any luck someone has got to make it to MTV soon.

Jason Smith

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NOWHERE LAND - AGE OF INNOCENCE (INDEPENDENT)
http://www.aoi.co.za

OFF THE EDGE member Peter Hanmer is the man behind this project, because he played all the instruments (guitars, keys, bass, drums), did some additional vocals and harmonies, produced and wrote all the 12 songs on the debut CD of AGE OF INNOCENCE. Besides Peter, this South-African band also features the female lead singer Sherry-Lee Jones. The music of the band is a bit epic and very calm at times, but each song has a very melodic approach that will even attract AOR {Adult Orientated Rock - ed} fans. Just listen to the first two songs, "Dreams" and "The winter and the summer", both starting very calm, but ending up as good melodic AOR-type tunes with some very nice harmony vocals. Besides a lot of keyboardwork, Peter also uses the acoustic guitar on all the songs.

Surely this isn't a rock album, but still a very enjoyable melodic album that is perfectly suitable for airplay during long hot summer nights. A fine example is the song "St. Aidans", a very impressive tune that features excellent vocals of Sherry-Lee and also a great electric guitar solo. Another notable song is the lovely midtempo AOR of "Cry for help", a song that may attract fans of BURNS SISTERS, T'PAU, QUEEN OF SPADES and a softer HEART. More AOR based material can be found towards the end, namely the very good semi-AOR ballad (with a slight bluesy touch) "Still want you back", with impressive vocal and guitarplay. The CD also has a few instrumentals, and although it may not be a rocking album, it still is a very impressive calmer aor/poprock type album with an important role for the vocals. More info at: http://www.aoi.co.za

(Points: 8 out of 10)

Reprinted from the Strutter'zine website <http://www.angelfire.com/ma/strutteraor> with the kind permission of Strutter'zine editor, Gabor Kleinbloesem.

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MORE REVIEWS
For more reviews of new and recent South African CD releases and re-issues please visit:

AMUZINE
http://rock.co.za/reviews.htm

EMERGING SOUNDS
http://www.emergingsounds.com

OPEN RECORD
http://www.openrecord.co.za
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4. CLASSIC ROCK
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SHILOH'S CORNER

NICK DRAKE

Born in Burma on the 19 June 1948 at a time when Israel became a nation, Nick spend his first two years in India before his parents moved back to the UK. A Cambridge College student who played saxophone and clarinet, Nick began writing his own songs in the late sixties. Thanks to Ashley Hutchings of Fairport Convention who heard him performing a penetrative act at the Round House, he then introduced him to their manager Joe Boyd. Boyd was immediately convinced that Nick was something special and signed him to Island Records. At that stage Island Records was marketing another successful folk act, John Martyn. At that stage Joe Boyd tried to matchmake Nick with Beverley Thompson, but it was the outgoing Glaswegian John Martyn who took a shine to Bev. Nick was a shy, awkward performer who remained aloof from the public and press. Suffering from severe mental illness he stopped doing concerts at the end of 1970. He submitted the tapes of his album "Pink Moon" totally unaccompanied to Island Records by mail and then entered a psychiatric rest home.

Nick's platonic love for Beverley grew more intimate with the ever increasing departure of John Martyn. The reality is that John and Beverley loved Nick dearly and Nick would often come over and baby-sit for them. Nick lived down the road from John and Beverley, who had a flat in Hampstead. John Martyn's song "Solid Air" was purely dedicated to the memory of Nick Drake. He officially only released three albums and his jazz-tinged folk music often included South African pianist Chris McGregor. Nick developed a close friendship with Françoise Hardy while staying at her flat in Paris and to date Françoise Hardy has vowed that she would never release the recordings she made of his songs.

He died in bed at his parents' home on the 25 November 1974, a victim of an overdose of antidepressant medication. Family and friends disagree with the coroner's reports and it could well be that his love for Beverley Martyn could have led to a possible suicide. (All considering that he phoned Beverley hours before the tragedy). A superb boxed set by Hannibal Records was released in the nineties after a new generation of admirers came to the surface. Sadly Nick's popularity gained strength after his death, very similar to that of cult figure Rodriguez and the incorrect assumption that he had passed away. Every album that Nick Drake released has value beyond pound and fame, be it the jazz tinged "Bryter Layter" or the depth of "Five Leaves Left". As we discover the truth of Nick Drake, there are only four leaves left, for the one that dangled in the autumn winds was bound to fall, but has given new life to the arid folk grounds of the new century. The richness and colour of this autumn leaf will be an ever reminder of how fragile the life and times of a true poet can be.

{Piet Botha often perform Nick's 'Northern Sky' (with vocals by Jonathan Martin) at gigs and this track is available on his 'Bootleg' CD released in February this year. - ed}

Shiloh Noone, Cape Town
mailto:shiloh_noone@hotmail.com
http://www.sarockdigest.com/shiloh

Blues and Variation
Fine Music Radio 101.3 FM
Wednesdays 10 pm

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SPOTLIGHT ON JAMES PHILLIPS
http://rock.co.za/legends/jamesphillips

James Phillips passed away peacefully at 6.30am on the 31st July 1995 due to complications arising from a car accident that occurred three weeks previously while in Grahamstown for the festival. This issue of the SA Rock Digest is dedicated to this musicians' musician.

One of James’ best friends and musical collaborators, Carl Raubenheimer, wrote about him after his tragic death in 1995 that James "was a saint who lived the life of a devil". That attitude summed up the too-short but wonderful musical career of the original "East Rand cowboy, singer, songwriter, musician, guitarist, composer, cultural icon, voice and conscience to generation of apartheid-era (and after) white South Africans". Inspired, but not influenced, by the British punk boom of the late '70s, Phillips formed his first band with Raubenheimer and Mark Bennett. Corporal Punishment reflected the angst and white paranoia of Springs, the typical mining town where Phillips spent his youth. Already clashing with the SABC and major label indifference, as well as with unwanted attention from the "security" establishment, Phillips then formed Illegal Gathering with David Ledbetter and Wayne Raath before connecting with fellow-Rhodes student, Lee Edwards (bass). These two formed the basis of the Cherry Faced Lurchers, one of the most prominent and relevant rock bands of the ‘80s in SA.

Their single and live favourite, ‘Do The Lurch’, became the signature song for Jamesons, the new rock club in central Johannesburg where The Lurchers played a long and important residency, spearheading the SA alternative music movement of the emergency-ridden ‘80s. Phillips then unveiled his "slaughterer of Afrikaans sacred cows" alter ego, Bernoldus Niemand. The sneering and mysterious "gunman" image on the album cover further established James Phillips as a leading influence of the "Voëlvry" alternative, Afrikaans rock renaissance alongside Koos Kombuis, Valiant Swart, Willem Möller and Johannes Kerkorrel.

Ever the prophet, Phillips then moved away from the anger and cynicism of his earlier material and, sensing the oncoming cosmic political change, began moving towards a more hopeful, piano-based, jazzy sound. In late ’93 he brought a host of contemporary South African jazz artists into the Valley Studios in Gauteng and produced his most accomplished and (sadly) last, full original album, the light, fresh and gorgeous, ‘Sunny Skies’. In 1995 James Phillips was involved in a car accident on his way to perform at the Grahamstown festival. He died later of complications from an undetected fractured skull.

‘Soul Ou’ (released in 1997) is a sensitive and fitting epitaph to this great South African man, musician and artist. His influence and charismatic presence is still felt in South African rock circles and he is very sorely missed.

Stephen Segerman

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

MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA - JAMES PHILLIPS
http://rock.co.za/legends/jamesphillips

James Phillips is a bit of a maddening performer. Just when I think, "This song sounds like the one before it," is exactly when he goes off in a different direction. It's not as if reggae numbers are followed by a country tune, but more a matter of style or content changes. All of the songs rock, except for the dark and quiet 'Afrika Is Dying', but he does change direction a few times.

For example, the rockin' 'Rock and Rolls Royce' with the refrain, "I don't want that factory sound", is followed by the stark, ultra-serious piano and vocals of 'Afrika's Dying', which is followed by a satirical spoken bit on conscription that introduces 'Willie Smit'. I enjoy it, but the sequence is quirky.

Part of this maddening aspect is that the 21 tracks on this career
retrospective are un-chronological. The sequencing does engage the interest and keep one involved, though.

The songs are culled from his many bands and phases: Corporal Punishment, The Cherry-Faced Lurchers, James Phillips and the Lurchers, Illegal Gathering, Bernoldus Niemand, and just plain James. Through all the bands, he is primarily a rocker.

Phillips adopted personae, too. That is, he put on various faces much as the Beatles sometimes pretended to be made-up rockers (John playing as Johnny Moondog, for instance, instead of as John Lennon). Phillips's
Bernoldus Niemand personality sounds interesting, like a voice from no one, or from the people. Sometimes Phillips even sounds like Randy Newman, then he's back to solidly James Phillips.

Most of 'Made In South Africa' was written by James Phillips, a few songs are co-written with Carl Raubenheimer, who wrote a couple alone, and one song is written by that talented Rat Jonathan Handley. Whether playing a bar band sound, piano rock, or straight ahead rock, the musicians rock seamlessly together.

Among the many musicians on this CD are Bruce Cassidy, Paul Hanmer (yes, the jazz pianist), and Willem Möller. On one track, Wendy Oldfield takes a turn on some vocals, and Gloria Bosman does the same on another track.

Most often, Phillips sings what I sometimes call Real Songs -- a taste and term I acquired in the Sixties from listening to music addressing social issues. I used to figure that if I understood a song then it was probably a love song, and if I didn't understand a song it was probably about drugs. Phillips's songs aren't often about love, but if I don't understand them it's not because they're about drugs, it's because they are about a country and culture I'm learning about. This is, after all, 'Made In South Africa', not 'Ooh, Ooh, I Love You, Susie.'

Phillips's Real Songs on 'Made In South Africa' are full of South Africa references. He loved South Africa and felt real pain about events and issues in his country. The social issues Phillips deals with are Apartheid, civil liberties, conscription, and racism -- issues the US has also had dissension over. (For example, 'Darkie' speaks of white paranoia, a sensation not unknown in the States during our own period of Apartheid). As a result, some songs are perhaps too real, not easy to listen to comfortably.

Phillips felt passionately about these issues. In the liner notes, Andrew Donaldson quotes Shaun de Waal of the 'Mail & Guardian': "In the Emergency years of the mid-1980s, the Lurchers were the cornerstone of an alternative musical renaissance that provided a voice and a sense of community for many...."

Minstrels often provide a voice for people, or put feelings into words. Phillips comes across as a modern troubadour in this sense, perhaps as
influential on other musicians as on his audiences.

Quite a bit of James Phillips's personality seems to come through in these songs. Right or wrong, I sense a talented, probably charismatic,
intelligent, at times abrasive man, one quick and enthusiastic to follow his interests and ideas, one with a strong ego (and that's not a bad thing for an artist -- unless you're Brenda Fassie). There is a hyper, always-active feel to these songs, even if Phillips wasn't hyper in daily life.

I'm usually satisfied with a greatest hits package of mainstream bands, such as The Eagles. Not so with James. There's more to him than a
representative CD can get across, and that's why I'm going to buy his 'Sunny Skies' CD with my next One World order. Oops, out of print. Then 'Wie is Bernoldus Niemand?' Nope, out of print, too. Maddening. Okay, then: 'Soul Ou' -- that one is available.

But Phillips was not what I'd call a mainstream, over-produced, homogenized performer. I don't claim to get all of the cultural references in his songs, but his audience was South Africa, not Texas.

For example, I feel there's more to 'Toasted Take Aways' than I'm getting, but there's always the beat and guitar to fall back on. In a satisfying number of songs James sings with his own honest South African accent, and uses other SA accents. He certainly wasn't singing about being mellow or takin' it easy.

The musician who suggested James Phillips to me suggested this CD first. But 'Made in South Africa' whets my appetite and piques my curiosity for more of this brash, outspoken, complicated, and prolific performer. I'll come back to this maddening, diverse work often because it has lyrical depth, is intrinsically, even fiercely, South African, and it rocks.

James Phillips
http://rock.co.za/legends/jamesphillips

Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas
mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com

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LONDON LEKKER
London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music

SUNNY SKIES - THE LURCHERS
http://rock.co.za/legends/jamesphillips

The Oxford English Dictionary defines lurcher as a petty thief, swindler, spy. Of course a lurcher could also mean one who lurchers. Listening to Sunny Skies by the Lurchers, I would opt for the latter as the music tends to swagger from rock to jazz to blues and back again. It's not easy listening.

Only Lee Edwards and the late great James Phillips managed to survive the loss of the Cherry Faced in the group's name, and they were joined by Willem Möller and Paul Hanmer with "Mr Shifty" Lloyd Ross (once a Radio Rat) credited as Button Pusher. The backing vocalists included Wendy Oldfield, Jenny Delenta and Gloria Bosman, so we're not looking at a team of amateur lurchers, these guys knew how to lurch, and lurch they did.

This album is raw, brassy and alive. When it rocks it really rocks, when it's bluesy, it's really bluesy and when it gets jazzy it moves between Miles Davis Kind of Blue smooth, through John Coltrane Love Supreme noisy chaotic to African Jazz Pioneers Hellfire African. The vocals are rough and ready, with Phillip's vocal chords apparently having been made in Sheffield, England and finished in Duluth, Minnesota, USA (work it out yourself).

The opening lines on the album "If we loved one another it would be heaven, it wouldn't be hell" are a clear political statement, although as this was recorded the year before THE election in SA, not as vitriolic as Phillip's earlier work.

The closing track is a sweet instrumental piece that has not only shades of Tananas, but also sunblock, baggies and slip slops of Tananas. It is a soothing end to this rough diamond of an album. Not everyone who listens to this will like it, but those that take the time to get into it will by justly rewarded with a calmly aggressive album of jazzy rock blues. As for me I say have your people call my people and we can do Lurch.

James Phillips
http://rock.co.za/legends/jamesphillips

John Samson, London, UK
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com
http://www.sarockdigest.com/london

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

SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS: 30 YEARS AGO
http://rock.co.za/charts

Friday, 30 July 1971

This week [last week] Title - Artist

1 [1] Funny, Funny - The Sweet
2 [3] Mozart Symphony No. 40 - Waldo De Los Rios
3 [2] Lonely Days And Lonely Nights - Lincoln*
4 [5] It Don't Come Easy - Ringo Starr
5 [4] When Love Comes Knocking At Your Door - The Dealians*
6 [8] Rain, Rain, Rain - Gentle People*
7 [6] Me And You And A Dog Named Boo - Lobo
8 [14] Hold On To What You Got - Peanut Butter Conspiracy*
9 [7] The Seagulls Name Was Nelson - Des & Dawn Lindberg*
10 [13] Sea Cruise - Johnny Rivers

* South African Artists

Last week I mentioned that Lincoln had originally formed in Zambia, but
during the week I was corrected by Mike, the group's one-time manager, who said they formed in Bulawayo. Thanks for the correction.

While still holding the top spot, the Sweet were also seeing chart action at the bottom end of the top 20 with 'Co Co' entering at 19. There must be something about the group that they had to say everything twice.

Waldo De Los Rios took over the challenge for the top from Lincoln who sadly dropped down from number 2, however, with Peanut Butter Conspiracy having a second top 10 hit for the year, the SA representation remained strong in the top 10. Also new to the top 10 was John Ramistella, better known as Johnny Rivers.

SA Artist at no 1 this week:

Paradise Road - Joy (1980)

John Samson
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com

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

BIRTHDAYS

JULY
23 Amanda Strydom (1956)
30 Kate Bush (1958)
30 Buddy Guy (1936)

Some sources have 30th July as Marc Bolan's birthday, but he was actually born 30th September 1947. He died on the 16th September 1977, 2 weeks before his 30th birthday.

AUGUST
10 Ian Anderson (1947)
10 Karen Zoid (1978)
15 Debbi Lonmon
19 Ian Gillan (1945)
20 Robert Plant (1948)
20 Gwynneth Ashley Robin (born Gwynneth Joubert in 1960, died May 1976 in a light aircraft crash)
24 John Ireland (born John Griffith in 1954)

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

RODRIGUEZ - ALL THE COLD FACTS
http://SugarMan.org

For all the latest Rodriguez news and info, visit:

The Great Rodriguez Website
http://SugarMan.org

Climb Up On My Music - a site dedicated to Rodriguez
http://SugarMan.org
________________________________________________

5.FORUM, REQUESTS AND FEEDBACK
-------------------------------

12 DRUMMERS DRUMMING

I am trying to track down a lead singer in a band called "12 Drummers Drumming" they went to Germany in the 80's ...in particular the singers name is Rudi Froehling / Rudi Edgar ...do you have any news / info on him?

thx Gail
mailto:bigsmile@37.com

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

LITHIUM

I recently stumbled across the above SA band and loved their sound (I understand they've recently disbanded which is a real shame).

I'm trying to get hold of any of their albums. I understand they were signed to EMI under which label they released 'Broken' and 'Take Out' and have since released 'Zennon Supertroopers' independently.

One of the tracks I am particularly interested in is called 'Twisted' (I think). This is probably from their debut album 'Broken' but I couldn't be sure. Could you let a desperate wannabe UK fan (me!) know where I can get hold of their CDs. I've tried every conceivable link on the www but with no success. I have also recently written to the band at their address in Fish Hoek, but since writing I found out they'd disbanded so I don't hold out much hope of a reply from them.

I really hope you can help me.

Tim Crook
mailto:mailbox@fynmoreslaw.com

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

LM RADIO

I am looking for a CD that is long out production (circa 1990) that was called something like 'LM Radio'. It contained a whole lot of music from the LM Radio era with a track of the then famous LM DJ, David Davies. Where can you suggest I start looking for a copy (other than a flea market which may be my best bet!).
Thanks and with regards,
Bernie
mailto:Bernie.McLoughlin@ENGENOIL.com

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

WATKIN TUDOR JONES

I'm a South African living in Copenhagen. I urgantly need to get in contact with Watkin Tudor Jones and have tried everything with no luck. I'm wondering if you could help me.

Mike Liebenberg
mailto:mike@deadline.dk

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

I WANNA... BANK?

Being a consumer of both South African music and South African banking (the former being enjoyable, the latter not) I was intrigued to see the latest banking service that's just been launched, especially as Arno from Springbok N*de G*rls plays quite a role in the TV ad! Perhaps my perceptions of SA banking will change to be more in line with my enjoyment of SA music!

For your information, 20twenty's website is http://www.20twenty.com

Michelle Longman

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

SOUND SOLUTIONS
http://rock.co.za/soundsolutions

A Cape Town-based music resource that offers two main areas of expertise and assistance:

1) Music Searches - Assists in recommending and finding relevant music
soundtracks for television, cinema and radio commercials and
productions.

2) Music Licensing - Assists in obtaining the publishing and recording
rights for music to be used as soundtracks for commercials and other
productions.

For more info, please contact:
Stephen Segerman or Graham Katz
021 461-9541
mailto:sugar@rock.co.za
______________________________________________

6.LIVE REVIEWS AND GIG INFO
----------------------------

WELCOME BACK NICK TAYLOR!

It has become clear that there is a revival taking place in South Africa, amongst the more discerning musical public. Firstly we had the Bats - a sell-out run at the Baxter, The Blundells followed with yet another sel- out at The Lindbergh, and now we have Nick Taylor, back on stage after 16 years, receiving a standing ovation from an audience who had sung along, collapsed laughing at old memories, and then shared the new songs and thoughts with this amazing artist. It really is more than just a trip down memory lane though, it is also a 'journey into the heart and the future', to use Nick's own words, and brings with it a message of hope and love, mixed with loads of humour.

To say Nick is better than ever is downplaying it. His voice has mellowed, and is much richer, the humour is sharper, the dancing awesome - could put most youngsters in the shade - in fact the entire evening was one of being with an old friend, "one of the nicest people in South African show business" is the comment of most people when hearing he is back on stage.

Nick will be giving a Gala concert in aid of Nerina Gardens Rental Support on Wednesday 8th August at the Masque Theatre, in Muizenberg, (Bookings at 782 6106 and 782 2063) followed by 4 shows at The Masque from 9th - 11th August. Bookings at (788 1898). This show is both a delight and a treat, one to take your children to, if only to prove that we really do have the best music, it is above all tremendously uplifting for those of us who choose to stay in this New South Africa, and without doubt, some of the best music we have heard for years. Thank you Nick.

Don't miss it!

Ann Bishop

{Nick Taylor's CD 'Free White & African' was released late last year and is well-worth a listen. He goes back to his roots, musically and lyrically, as he remembers the jols and the bops of the 60s in South Africa. A folky, poppy, show-stopping rock and roll CD that will bring a smile to your face and maybe a tear to your eye. Full review in the next issue - ed}

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

340ml

Friday, 03 August 9pm
Abelarde Sanction, cnr Fulham and Ripley Rd, Brixton
Artists: 340ml and DJ SkaSA
Cover charge: R15. Ladies Free before 10pm.

Friday, 24 August
Cool Runnings, Melville
Artists: 340ml, Tidal Waves and THC

Contacts: mailto:three40ml@yahoo.com or Rui @ 0826701895

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

AUTHENTIC GIGS

For more info:
Beth Hillary
Authentic Ideas (Pty) Ltd
T: 011-646-6467
F: 011-646-6441
C: 073-152-6262
E: mailto:beth@authentic.co.za

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

BASSLINE
http://www.basslinejazzclub.co.za

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

BINARY
http://www.binaryonline.co.za

9th August - Oppikoppi - Main Stage
30th August - Mixer Melville - "XERO" 2 "ONE" - Acoustic/Plugged
Binary & Strings

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

HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB
The Troubadour, Kalk Bay

Every Wednesday night 8:30
Entrance R15 - bar available

Rob Anderson (021) 7891021
mailto:anderson@botzoo.uct.ac.za
Nadia Scaillet (021) 4489834
mailto:noid@netactive.co.za

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

JULIAN'S
http://www.julianlaxton.com
mailto:julianlaxton@artslink.co.za

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

LIVE IN LONDON
SA artists performing in London
http://www.sarockdigest.com/london

JC SUPERSTAR IN LONDON

Johnny Clegg is to perform 2 shows at the Alexandra Palace on the 10th & 11th of August. Tickets cost £20 and can be obtained by calling 020 8923-1464 between 9am and 9pm. The shows are sponsored by the 1st Contact, a company that help people coming over to the UK with job, accomodation, tax advice etc. Tickets can also be obtained by visiting their website <http://www.1stcontact.co.uk>.

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

M MUSIC MANAGEMENT AND PROMOTIONS

THURSDAY 2 AUGUST
Velvet Mary and Flowerheads at Dorp Street Theatre
Café, Stellenbosch. R15. Music starts at 21h00.

Mariska
mailto:mariskadupreez@yahoo.com
082 375 8991

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

OPPIKOPPI
http://www.oppikoppi.co.za

9-12 August 2001 - Oppikoppi - Pretoria @ Fountains Valley
21-23 September 2001 - Oppikoppi - Worcester @ Kleinplasie

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

PRIMUSIC

Monday 6th August: PriMusic@BLU, 226 Stamfordhill Rd,
Morningside, Durban
Featuring: Naked Natives, Jason Tonkin and Alan Hobbs, Friends of PriMusic

Monday 13 August: PriMusic@BLU
Featuring: Steve Fataar and friends, Jason Tonkin and Alan Hobbs, Friends of PriMusic

Sunday 26 August: PriMusic@ Camperdown Agricultural Show
Featuring: Jason Tonkin and Alan Hobbs, Friends of PriMusic

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

RODRIGUEZ
http://www.sarodigest.com/rodriguez

August/September - South Africa & Australia

Dates & venues to be confirmed

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

ROEKELOOS - GIG GUIDE
http://www.roekeloos.co.za/musiek.html

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

SARON GAS

3rd August Roxy's JHB unplugged
9th August Oppikoppi PTA
10th August Royal Agricultural Showgrounds Pietermaritzburg
11th August Durban Exhibition Centre DBN
24th August Lytellton Manor Centurion
25th August Sasolberg High School Van Der Bijl
31st August Tramps Benoni

Ingrid N Roding
Frontline Entertainment Management
082 883 0535
mailto:ingrid@fem.co.za

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

SEMISANE
http://www.semisane.com

8 August Independent Armchair Theatre Obs

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

SUNWAYS

Thur 9 Oppikoppi Fountains Valley Pretoria
Sat 18 Monty's - Pietersburg
Fri 24 Halfway House - Kimberley (TBC)
Sat 25 Equinox - Bethlehem
Thur 30 Tappas - Port Elizabeth (With Flatbox)
Fri 31 Barnacles - Port Alfred (With Flatbox)

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

TASSENBERG ALL-STARS CD LAUNCH
HIGH STREET THEATRE
17 and 18 August

The bands Akkedis, Spinnekop, Delta Blue, Frosted Orange, Mikanik and Valiant Swart perform. This is a compillation album and contains songs of 14 artists. Six of the groups will entertain the audience with their CD songs, which were recorded live The styles include folk, pop, rock, blues, metal rap and hip-hop.

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

UP THE CREEK

Tuesday 31
Poetry reading evening hosted by Ian Raper. All poets are invited to our open stage poetry evening. The cover charge will be R5.00 and reading poets will not be charged a cover charge.

Wednesday 1 August (To Be Confirmed)
Karma and Julian: Karma of the band Henry Ate will be performing, with fellow band member Julian, their immensely popular acoustic show.

Thursday 2 August
Delta Blue. At last Delta Blue is once again at Up the Creek all the way from the Cape. Delta Blue as the name so aptly describes, is a jazz and blues band that knows how to get a crowd going. The cover charge will be R20.00.

Friday 3 August
Nardus du Plooy. Nardus du Plooy is an Afrikaans performer who has a great afrikaans folk repertoire of original music. The cover charge will be R10.00 and reservations are welcomed.

Tuesday 8 August
Delta Blue will be making their second performance for those who missed the one on the 2nd.

Up the Creek, Restaurant and Music Theatre
Tel/Fax: (012) 362-3712
mailto:upthecreek@worldonline.co.za

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

THE WHAMMY BAR
Marine Circle
Tableview
(021) 557-5692
mailto:thewhammybar@mweb.co.za
Open Mon-Sun 6:00pm till late

The Whammy Bar is a live music venue that features original SA bands.
Bands start at 10.00pm Fri & Sat.

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

ZA@PLAY
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/art/music/

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

ZER02HER0 Upcoming Dates:

Fri Aug 3 CIRO'S, BRIXTON 8pm: Half Man Half Beetle
Thu Aug 9 OPPIKOPPI, FOUNTAINS, PRETORIA (jazz/folk stage) 3pm: Zen
Arcade
Fri Aug 10 RADIUM BEER HALL (Louis Botha Ave, Orange Grove) 9pm: The
Party Dolls
Sat Aug 11 BUGSY'S BEAT BAR (cnr Republic/Rabie Fountainebleau) 9pm: Zen Arcade, Flowerheads
Fri Aug 24 THE MIXER, MELVILLE: Half Man Half Beetle
Thurs Aug 30 CD WHEREHOUSE, THE ZONE, ROSEBANK 5pm: Zen Arcade
(unplugged in-store performance)
Fri Aug 31 BOHEMIAN: The Party Dolls FREE GIG!

Contact:
Paul Drosdzol
Zer02Her0
082-685-0819
mailto:drosdzol@sowetan.co.za
________________________________________________

7.ON THE WEB
-------------

ZEN AND THE ART OF WEBSITE MAINTENANCE
http://www.geocities.com/zenarcade1/

I've been trying for 2 days now to access the Binary website
<http://www.binaryonline.co.za>. I've got to the screen saying "enter" and have clicked enter... logical I guess. What pops up next is a screen with what looks like 4 moons orbiting a planet and the word "loading". Now I am a patient man, so I let it load.

In the meantime I thought I would check out Zen Arcade's site
<http://www.geocities.com/zenarcade1/>. I was greeted by a very unassuming front page which told me that I was in the right place. Click on the plectrum and you have the main page. No flashing lights, no fanfare, no strange things bouncing across your screen (although we come to that later), just the basics. Now maybe I'm getting old, or it could be because I have an attention span slightly longer than a kid in a sweetshop, but I feel comfortable with this. Laid out simply on plectrums are links to the various pages, recordings, the band, contacts, gigs and the intriguing features link.

Back in Binaryland, we're still loading.

From the Zen links you can pretty much get all the info you want on the band, including where to purchase their CD {http://www.oneworld.co.za - ed}. There are biographies on the band members, a comprehensive gig guide and the necessary contact details. It's easy to navigate with all the pages linking to the others.

Binary? Still loading.

As yet there are no samples of Zen Arcade's music, but these are promised as forthcoming attractions. There are also a number of band pictures to be found, including a rather cool pic of the band under the billboard advertising them. The features page is more a band news page and includes the Roadkill Diaries under the ZA Tour where you can experience life on the road with the Zen Men. (The tirade against the owners of the Chilli 'n Lime is a must-see attraction en route).

LOADING, LOADING, LOADING etc etc etc (you guessed, I'm trying Binary again).

I found this fledgling site to be easy to navigate, and except for the rather bland opening page, well laid out. There are some pop-up adverts which are a minor irritation, but I guess you have to pay your cyber-rent. Be sure to check the contacts page, if only to see the blow up s*x doll floating around at the bottom of the page.

Back to Binary... oops, Binaryonline is now binaryoffline. Maybe a few more 1's and 0's and less time-consuming flash? I'll try again sometime soon, the wait better be worth it.

Sam L Johnson

{I tried the Binary website and it loaded fairly quickly, though those swirling moons are a bit difficult to catch at first. Pity its a Flash-only site, which might exclude a number of visitors. Websites shouldn't chase their visitors away just because they are not cool enough to have the latest bleeding edge software - ed}

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

MEL BOTES
http://www.melbotes.com

Mel's new Afrikaans CD, entitled 'Oomblik van Waansin' and the official Mel Botes website were both launched on Thursday 26th July. The CD is available for purchase on the site, as well as the David's Confession - About Time album.

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

SOUTH AFRICA MUSIC MESSAGE EXCHANGE
http://homepage.mac.com/spadge/message.html

Richard "Dick" Laws, the guitarist from the A-Cads (who had a Springbok #1 hit in 1966 with 'Hungry For Love') has set up an online message board. Says Dick: "The SAMME is a message board for people connected to the South African music scene, past and present. Use it to announce gigs, find a musician, find a band, tell a Van Der Merwe joke, find old friends, and, if you so desire, make an absolute fool of yourself before millions."

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

LINKS PAGES:

3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdearmusic.com/links.html

A TO Z OF SA MUSICIANS
http://www.sarockdigest.com/musicians

AMUZINE
http://rock.co.za/links.htm

MUSIC.ORG
Original African, jazz, hip hop, reggae & kwaito artists
http://www.music.org.za/artists

ONE WORLD
http://www.oneworld.co.za/links.cfm

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

VAGABOND'S WORLD
http://rock.co.za/vagabond/links

SEARCH ENGINE:

GOOGLE
http://www.google.com
Quick and accurate, highly recommended

ARTISTS:

AKKEDIS
http://www.stellenbosch.co.za/akkedis/

ALTERNATIEWE AFRIKANERS - VETSEUN
http://www.afrikaner.co.za/tronk10/
http://vetseun.freeservers.com/

ROBIN AULD
http://www.robinauld.co.za

BINARY
http://www.binaryonline.com

BERNARD BINNS
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za

BIG SKY
http://www.stevelouw.com

BIZARRE BAZAAR
http://www.geocities.com/bizabaza

MEL BOTES
http://www.melbotes.com

PIET BOTHA
http://www.pietbotha.com

JOHNNY CLEGG
http://www.johnnyclegg.com

CLOUT
http://www.clout.co.za

FOUR JACKS AND A JILL
http://www.fourjacksandajill.co.za/

LIESL GRAHAM
http://www.lieslgraham.com

LIELA GROENEWALD
http://www.liela.co.za

HELLOANGEL
http://www.helloangel.co.uk

IAN HENDERSON
http://www.ianhenderson.co.za

JACK HAMMER
http://rock.co.za/jackhammer

JESSE JORDAN
http://www.jessejordan.co.za

KOOS KOMBUIS
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za

JULIAN LAXTON
http://www.julianlaxton.com

LITTLE SISTER
http://www.rock.co.za/littlesister

BOBBY LOUW
http://www.bobbylouw.co.za

STEVE LOUW
http://www.stevelouw.com

NAKED NATIVES
http://www.nakednatives.co.za

VENESSA NOLAN
http://www.sunsetrecording.com/venessa

NOT THE MIDNIGHT MASS
http://www.sarockdigest.com/midnightmass

OFF THE EDGE
http://rock.co.za/offtheedge

PEDRO THE MUSIC MAN
http://users.iafrica.com/m/mu/musicman

RABBITT
http://www.rabbitt.co.za

RADIO RATS
http://rock.co.za/legends/radiorats

RODRIGUEZ: CLIMB UP ON MY MUSIC
A site dedicated to Rodriguez, the Sugar Man
http://SugarMan.org

SEMISANE
http://www.semisane.com

SHARKBROTHER
http://www.sharkbrother.com

SKINCAGE
http://go.to/skincage

THE SUNSHINES
http://www.thesunshines.com

VALIANT SWART
http://www.valiant.co.za

AMANDA TIFFIN
http://listen.to/amandatiffin

NOA TYLO
http://www.noatylo.co.za/noa.html

ZEN ARCADE
http://www.geocities.com/zenarcade1

ARCHIVES:

3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdEarMusic.com

RETROFRESH
http://www.freshmusic.co.za/retrofresh.html

OPEN RECORD
http://www.openrecord.co.za

SOUTH AFRICA'S ROCK FILES
The online archive for the History of South African Rock
http://rock.co.za/sarock

SOUTH AFRICAN RADIO CHARTS 1969-1989
http://rock.co.za/charts

SA ROCK DIGEST CHARTS 2000 onwards
http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts

MESSAGE BOARDS:

SOUTH AFRICA MUSIC MESSAGE EXCHANGE
http://homepage.mac.com/spadge/message.html

NEWS:

AMUZINE
News, views, reviews and interviews
http://rock.co.za/

ARTSMART
Arts news from Kwazulu-Natal
http://www.artsmart.co.za

BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/newroom/toptens/sarockdigest.shtml

EMERGING SOUNDS
http://www.emergingsounds.com

JAZZNEWS RENDEZVOUS
http://www.egroups.com/group/JazznewsRendezvous
This newsletter is posted weekly on Sundays and looks at the
world of Jazz in South Africa and beyond.

POWERZONE
http://www.powerzone.co.za

SA MUSIC
http://www.samusic.co.za

STAGE
http://www.stage.co.za

TAMBOER KRANTJIE
http://www.pretoria.co.za
http://www.tamboer.co.za

SHOPPING:

ONE WORLD
Selling South African Music to the World
http://www.oneworld.co.za/

RECORD COMPANIES, LABELS & STUDIOS:

AFRIMUSIK
http://www.afrimusik.com

BMG
http://www.click2music.co.za

CAVEMAN PRODUCTIONS
Kevin Shirley's virtual cave
http://www.cavemanproductions.com

FRESH MUSIC
http://www.freshmusic.co.za

MELT2000
http://www.melt2000.com

MOUNTAIN RECORDS
http://www.mountain-africa.com

SHEER SOUND
http://www.sheer.co.za

STRANGER THAN FICTION
http://www.strangerthanfiction.co.uk

SUNSET RECORDING STUDIOS
http://www.sunsetrecording.com

TL MASTERING
http://www.tl-mastering.com

RESOURCES:

BACKSTAGE
backstage.co.za/

INDEPENDENT DIGITAL
http://www.idig.za.net

RISA
Recording Industry of South Africa
http://www.risa.org.za/

SOUND SOLUTIONS
http://rock.co.za/soundsolutions

SOUTH AFRICAN SLANG
http://www.supertubes.co.za/bot_bar/surfrikan/slang_intro.html

RADIO:

CAPITAL 604
http://www.Capital604.com

SAFM (104-107KHz)
http://www.safm.co.za

5FM
http://www.5fm.co.za

BOOKS:

THE HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Garth Chilvers and Tom Jasiukowicz (TOGA, 1994)
http://www.sarockdigest.com/book

We are happy to exchange links with any good website supporting SA music. A good website in our opinion should be informative, regularly updated and linked back to us. If you already link to us and you believe your link should be here, please contact Brian Currin at mailto:sarock@sarockdigest.com
__________________________________________

8.BACK ISSUES
---------------

BACK ISSUES
http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives
Online and keyword searchable
__________________________________________

9.CONTRIBUTIONS
-----------------

Press releases:
Please submit all press releases to Sugar at mailto:sugar@rock.co.za

Contributions:
Please submit all contributions, reviews, requests, searches and comments by filling in the form at:
http://rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:sarock@sarockdigest.com

All e-mail submissions need to be in plain text e-mail format with NO attachments, please. You may, however, include web addresses (URLs) in your e-mails which point to websites or images on-line.

E-mails in HTML format, or e-mails all in lower-case or all in CAPITALS will tend to be ignored as they can take too long to correct for inclusion in the Digest.

Any e-mail with an ".exe" file attached will automatically be trashed.

Bulk mailings which show everybody's addresses also tend to get trashed automatically. Just use the "bcc" (blind carbon copy) function on your e-mail programme.
________________________________________

10.CONTACT DETAILS
-------------------

EDITORS

Brian Currin
vagabond@rock.co.za
http://rock.co.za/vagabond

Stephen Segerman
mailto:sugar@rock.co.za
http://rock.co.za

Postal Address:
Brian Currin
PO Box 521
Eppindust
7475
Cape Town
South Africa

MAIN CONTRIBUTORS

Kurt Shoemaker, USA
mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com

John Samson, UK
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com

Shiloh Noone, South Africa
mailto:shiloh_noone@hotmail.com
http://www.sarockdigest.com/shiloh

Tertius Louw, South Africa
mailto:louwt@mweb.co.za
________________________________________

11.SUBSCRIPTIONS
----------------

Send an e-mail to mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com with any words or phrases that vaguely indicate acceptance or... visit http://www.sarockdigest.com and fill in the simple form.

--------

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