SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #72
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
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SUPPORT SA MUSIC WEEK -- SUPPORT SA MUSIC WEEK -- SUPPORT SA MUSIC WEEK
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CONTENTS
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1.WHAT'S NEW - Arts Alive, Blondie Chaplin, Jesse Jordan, Liesl Graham
2.CHARTS - Top 10 CDs, Top 20 SA songs, Top 20 Rock Albums, Top 10 SA MP3 downloads
3.ON STAGE - Tassenberg All-Stars
4.NEW RELEASES - Tassenberg All-Stars
5.USA for SA - Kurt Shoemaker Squeals
6.SPOTLIGHT ON - Blk Sonshine
7.FORUM - String Driven Thing, Sunways/ Boyfriendz, Greetings from USA, Georg Voros, HOT RS in Russia, Hawk in Sweden
8.REQUESTS - SA Music Industry, Rodriguez albums for sale, Master Jack, The A-Cads, The Dealians
9.ON THE NET - Julian Laxton, African Gateway
10.WHAT'S ON - SA Music Week, Sonja Herholdt, Little Sister, Not My Dog, Halcyon, Sunways, Fruit Fly Navigators, Authentic gigs, Woodstock SA
11.LINKS AND ADS
12.BACK ISSUES
13.CONTRIBUTIONS
14.SUBSCRIPTIONS
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1.WHAT'S NEW
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THE 9th ANNUAL ARTS ALIVE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
The 9th annual Arts Alive International Festival welcomes spring 2000
with a rich and varied programme. Musicians from Brazil, home grown
legends, wild and wacky street theatre performers, poets, artists and
dancers from all over the world will converge on the Johannesburg to
celebrate the arts during one of Africa's leading cultural events.
Arts Alive runs from 1 to 30 September 2000, bookings through Computicket. The main sponsors for Arts Alive 2000 are the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Council, the Ford Foundation, Prins Claus Fund, the French Institute, the Government of Brazil, the Netherlands Embassy, the Swiss Arts Council, Business Arts South Africa, National Arts Council, Metro FM, Gauteng Tourism and the Department of Arts Culture, Science and Technology.
Bridget van Oerle
Buz Publicity and entertainment Consultants
mailto:buz@artslink.co.za
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BLONDIE CHAPLIN
There's a new Blondie Chaplin album expected soon titled 'Fragile Thread'. Some details (all I know!) are on the http://www.the-flames.com website.
Bas Möllenkramer
Soest, the Netherlands
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JESSE JORDAN
Debut CD 'Lately When She Cries' was launched by Universal Music on the 21 August, 2000.
Alex Power (Farmyard Studios)
Tel/fax: (021) 8563173
e-mail: mailto:garypower@powergrp.co.za
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LIESL GRAHAM
'Something To Believe' released by Gallo. Produced by Adrian Levi.
Will be reviewed on next week's Digest.
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2.CHARTS
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TOP 10 SOUTH AFRICAN CDs
Based on sales at the Seedys and One World "offline" stores in Pretoria
and http://www.oneworld.co.za online
1. Moholo, Solly - Motlhang Ke Kolobetswa
2. Mandoza - Nkalakatha
3. Trompies - Mapansula
4. Wonderboom - Never Ever Ever Ever
5. Kekana, Linda - Rebirth
6. DJ Christos - DJ Club Classics
7. DJ Nasty - 2
8. Juluka/ Savuka - Best Of
9. Rauch, Laurika - 19 Treffers van 21 Jaar
10. Lewis, Glen (Mixed By) - Numero Uno
Supplied by One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
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THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 ROCK ALBUMS OF THE WEEK
Recent albums from around the world that keep us rocking
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Label)
1. [1] Anthology - Jack Hammer (Wildebeest)
2. [4] In The Meantime - Watershed (EMI)
3. [14] Tassenberg All Stars (live) - Various (Rhythm)
4. [2] Reconstructing Alice - Sonja Herholdt (Universal)
5. [-] Something To Believe - Liesl Graham (Gallo)
6. [3] Smile - The Jayhawks (Sony)
7. [6] The Best Of Robin Auld Vol. 1 (TicTicBang)
8. [10] The Best Of Juluka/ Savuka featuring Johnny Clegg (EMI)
9. [20] No Security (live) - The Rolling Stones (Virgin)
12. [19] Bushrock 1 (live) - Wildebeest (Wildebeest)
13. [17] Best Of The Decade - Big Sky (Epic)
14. [16] While No One Was Looking - Little Sister (Gallo)
15. [-] Physiognomy of The Soul - Bernard Binns (Hedonist)
16. [9] Showcase 2: the 5FM Singles Collection - Various (Sony)
17. [18] Serial Boyfriend - Frank Opperman and PTA (Gallo)
18. [13] Just Another Band - Off The Edge (Independent)
19. [12] Masque Of Shadows - Yoke Shire (Zygo)
20. [11] Lungiswa - Lungiswa (MELT2000)
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THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN SONGS OF THE WEEK
A current and random list, based on accessibility, availability on CD,
and general like-ability
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Album/ Label)
1. (3) Yesterday Again - Watershed (off album 'In The Meantime'/ BMG)
2. (-) Follow The Sun - Cool Funk (off the EP ‘Walking On Sunshine’)
3. (RE) Those Days - Just Jinger (off album ‘Here’s To You’/ BMG)
4. (-) Birds Will Sing - Blk Sonshine (off album ‘Blk Sonshine’/ Fresh
5. (-) Mystic Boer - Valiant Swart (Live version off ‘Tassenberg All
Stars’/ Rhythm Records)
6. (-) All Roads - Liesl Graham (off album ‘Something To Believe’/ Gallo)
7. (15) Trying To Believe - Semisane (off album 'A Life Less
Strange'/ BMG)
8. (2) A Million Lights - Tree (off album '63'/ EMI)
9. (1) Fundal - Lungiswa (off album 'Lungiswa'/ MELT2000)
10. (10) Fiesta - Tim Hoare (off album ‘Cape Mystique’/ Gallo)
11. (6) What Do I Do Now? - Sonja Herholdt (off album ‘Reconstructing
Alice'/ Universal)
12. (4) Sonny Boy - Sibongile Khumalo (off album ‘Immortal Secrets’/
SonySA)
13. (11) Dr Malombo - Tananas (off album 'Seed'/ SonySA)
14. (14) Never Ever Ever Ever - Wonderboom (off EP 'Never Ever Ever'/
DGR)
15 (-) Vuka Vuka - Manhattan Brothers (off album ‘The Very Best of the
Manhattan Brothers’/ Gallo)
16. (16) In My Heart - Off The Edge (off album 'Just Another Band'/ Off
The Edge)
17. (17) 69 Tea - Saron Gas (off compilation '5FM Showcase 2'/ SonySA)
18. (18) Inner City Blues - Lungiswa (Xhosa version off album
'Lungiswa'/ MELT2000)
19 (13) Born In A Taxi - Blk Sonshine (off album 'Blk Sonshine'/ Fresh)
20. (7) Let It Bleed - Justin Bergh (off album ‘Love The Sinner’/ BMG)
Sponsored by Networld
http://www.new.co.za
Networld are webhosts for the Koos Kombuis, Valiant Swart and Robin Auld websites as well as the SA Rock Files group of sites. Networld also ensure that the Digest gets to your e-mailbox every week.
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TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3 DOWNLOADS
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Style)
1. [2] Hypnotic - Benguela (Instrumental)
2. [10] Party On - Ashaan (African Hip Hop)
3. [3] Margarida - Choppa (Latino Kwaito)
4. [1] Pretend/Cynical - A>e>B (Alternative/Electro)
5. [RE] Lucki - Boo! (Munki Punk)
6. [-] Nothing Seems To Shake Me - New Clouded Yellow (Modern Rock)
7. [RE] Stagefright - Boo! (Munki Punk)
8. [5] Wena U Bani...? - O'Da Meesta (Kwaito)
9. [13] Where Aloes Hold the Earth - Benguela (Instrumental)
10. [6] Beautiful Thing - E'smile (African R&B)
11. [RE] Motherhush - Fetish (Alternative)
12. [RE] Happy When I Smile - Ethel My Love (Punk)
13. [-] I Suck - Ethel My Love (Punk)
14. [8] In the Mood For Oud - Strings 'n Skins (Afro-Asian)
15. [RE] Say-Grin - THC (Modern Tribal)
16. [-] End of Summer - Sound (Electro)
17. [RE] How Rude - Fuzigish (Ska/Punk)
18. [-] He's In It - Scrape (Punk/Ska)
19. [-] Alien Love - Fuzigish (Ska/Punk)
20. [RE] If I - Damn the Icebergs (Cinematic Rock)
Supplied by Digital Cupboard
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
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3.ON STAGE
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TASSENBERG ALL STARS
The High Street Theatre in Durbanville was host to the launch of the new live compilation 'Tassenberg All Stars' last Tuesday night (22nd). Performances from 6 of the artists featured on the CD made this is very memorable event.
The acoustic section of the evening started with the wonderful voice and keyboard-playing of Laurinda Hofmeyr. Stand back Carole King, Laurinda is in the house. SA's own Leonard Cohen, Gert Vlok Nel, was up next and played his own style of Afrikaner angst.
Mikanic are 2 guys from The Sons Of Trout and Schalk Joubert (who never seemed to leave the stage). They played some sophisticated, intelligent, jazz-influenced acoustic songs with superb harmony vocals.
Being an old rocker, the highlight of the evening for me was Delta Blue. I was amazed at the soulful voice of the young white lead singer. His mouth organ playing also blew me away. The guitarist, in his dreadlocks and formal suit (you have to see it to believe it), produced some electrifying lead breaks. The keyboard player also seemed to be having a great time, and I really enjoyed his playing.
Valiant Swart played as a 3-piece (no Albert Frost this evening), and this Valiant is one mean guitarist himself.
Akkedis closed the evening with their own brand of Afrikaans power trio rock and roll. Great stuff. (BC)
____________________________________
4.NEW RELEASES
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TASSENBERG ALL STARS LIVE CD
Verskeie Kunstenaars
Lewendige opnames van sewe dae se musiek in die Tassenberg Stalteater op Oudtshoorn tydens die KKNK 2000. Kunstenaars op die CD is: Koos Kombuis, Valiant Swart, Piet Botha, Delta Blue, Akkedis, Laurinda Hofmeyr, Gert Vlok Nel, Mikanic, Theuns Jordaan en Jonathan Martin.
Hierdie CD bevat unieke opnames van kunstenaars wat tydens Die jaar 2000 se KKNK in die Tassenberg Stalteater in Oudtshoorn opgetree het. Koos Kombuis se "Onder in my Whiskeyglas" kry 'n totaal nuwe dimensie wanneer hy besluit om die treffer in reggae styl te doen. So ook sal Valiant Swart se meesterlike nege minuut lange "Die Mystic Boer" jou hare laat regop staan. Hierdie digter/sanger spoeg poësie padlangs en laat jou verbyster met die ongeërgde wyse waarop selfs die aankondiging van sy orkeslede in ritmiese maat op die rug van die musiek gaan lê. Die gehore se deelname gee aan die CD 'n warm atmosfeer, 'n warmte wat ook vasgevang is in die talle foto's geneem tydens die maak van die opnames, en wat in die CD omslag te sien is.
Gert Vlok Nel se "Rivier", 'n roerende verslag van 'n duimgooirit vanuit die Noorde word ingekleur met kragtoer ghitaarwerk deur die veelsydige Schalk Joubert. Theuns Jordaan se ryk stem kry spesiale effek in sy akoestiese vertolking van "Klein Verbond". Delta Blue se "Oreo Cookie Blues" laat dit klink of New Orleans en Oudtshoorn buurdorpe is. Laurinda Hofmeyr se vertolking van "Moment" laat jou opnuut besef, asof vir die eerste keer, watter trefkrag in die Afrikaanse digkuns opgesluit lê. Die Dennis broers, beter bekend as Akkedis, maak met "Jannie Cocaine" 'n kragtige anti-dwelm stelling in 'n taal wat geen dubbelsinnighede duld nie. Harde rock met ryk harmonië maak dít een van die snykant snitte op die CD.
Akoestiese Blues van 'n internasionale standaard word opgedis deur ons eie "slow hand" Piet Botha wat in "Blues vir Louise" 'n tong in die kies ode opdra aan 'n ou bekende wat, as mens Piet se advies moet volg, liefs vermy behoort te word. Jonathan Martin, wat oor die afgelope jare 'n onmisbare deel van lid van Piet Botha se orkes geword het, kom tot sy eie reg met "Northern Sky", 'n Nick Drake komposisie waarin hy deur Piet Botha op Klavier ondersteun word. Die verrasing van die week op Oudtshoorn was die nuwe groep bekend as Mikanic, bestaande uit twee lede van die bekende "Sons of Trout" en Tracy op die agtergrond. "Rastaman" en "Swimmin' with the Women" deur Mikanic is 'n musikale hoogtepunt.
Die Tassenberg Stalteater op Oudtshoorn was die breinkind van Dirk Uys, bekend vir sy aandeel in die Voëlvrybeweging van die tagtigs en wat ook jaarliks die Kaktus op die Vlaktes opelug rock-fees op Oudtshoorn reël. Dirk se beweegrede met die Tassenberg Stalteater was om vir ons digtersangers 'n platform te skep om op 'n meer intieme basis met hul gehore om te gaan en ook om aan minder bekende groepe, wat nie noodwendig die Kaktus verhoog sal deel nie, die geleentheid te gee om saam met die meer bekende kunstenaars gesien te word. Die stalteater was presies net dit. Strooibale het as stoele gedien en die verhoog het bestaan uit 'n paar planke wat bo-op strooibale lêgemaak is. Selfs die "opnamestudio" is op 'n paar strooibale ingerig.
Albert du Plessis, mede uitvoerende regisseur op die "Om te Breyten" CD wat vroër vanjaar vrygestel is (Gallo), was die klankingenieur. Albert het die moontlikheid van 'n CD as uitvloeisel van die weeklange musiekfees ingesien en het die atmosfeer op hardeskyf vasgelê vir latere redigering en produksie.
Die uniekheid van die vertolkings en opnames op hierdie CD maak daarvan 'n eksklusiewe musikale gebeurtenis. Dit bevat al die elemente van 'n "moet hê"- versamelstuk. 'n Verpligte byvoeging tot jou musiekarsenaal en 'n CD om te speel elke keer wanneer die kaggel- of braaivleisvure aangesteek en die Tassenberg oopgemaak word.
(Press release from Rhythm Records)
Verspreiders: JNS Musiek, 011 482 2001,
<mailto:ferdi@jns.co.za>
Uitgereik deur: Rhythm Records, 021 919 8642,
<mailto: duetprod@mweb.co.za>
On the net:
Piet Botha and Jonathan Martin
http://rock.co.za/legends/pietbotha
Koos Kombuis
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
Valiant Swart
http://www.valiant.co.za
______________________________________________
5.USA FOR SA
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MAN AND WOMAN - SQUEAL
The basic rock unit of drums and wires (to steal a phrase) is still
going strong in South Africa under the name of Squeal. Squeal proves to my satisfaction that there is still plenty of room within the basic rock unit of three guitars and a drum set for creative rockin' tunes.
All of the songs on 'Man and Woman' are winners, even though I have
personal favorites, and even though the final cut does take some time to build towards a sudden flash of guitar fury to close the set. Throughout, fine hard rock combines with intriguing lyrics to create memorable songs on this CD, Squeal's second release.
To my ear, the album hits a high and mighty three-song plateau near the
middle, my favorite tracks on the CD. All of the songs are real and genuine rock, however. I can glance down the track listing and hear each and every chorus in my mind, they are all that catchy.
The rave-up middle three are 'Man and Woman' (one expects the title
track to be good, doesn't one?), 'One Fine Man', and 'Long Pig', and my
preferred two are 'Man and Woman' and 'Long Pig' -- two great songs that thunder from the speakers. I can't narrow it down from there, but would rather back up to say that from 'Necessary' to 'Fire', inclusive, there are ten tracks of as pure and basic rock music as one can find anywhere from... Albania to Zimbabwe, with stops at SA and USA in between.
I can't say the album builds to the three middle three songs because it
starts right out with a rocker called 'Necessary' that has a natural hook one can sing along with the first time around. The second song, 'Critical Mass', is a harder tune with a nicely grinding chorus. So this is not an album of a few good songs, but a consistent rock album.
Next comes 'Lost and Lonely' which slows and softens the ambiance
somewhat, and 'Head Up'. Both of these are hooky rock numbers, yet while they are certainly not filler, they are not so all-out in joy and fury as what follows.
At this point, enter a strummed intro followed by the deadly and
ominous rhythm of the track titled 'Man and Woman' and the CD jumps from Excellent and Very Good Indeed to Scintillating and Wow.
Track 6, 'One Fine Man' lopes along, ever slowly building until it
comes to a suitable Big Finish. It nicely bridges 'Man and Woman' and 'Long Pig'. If I were a European, I'd probably still enjoy 'Long Pig', but then I've learned to laugh at myself -- which means I'm either preempting other people, or just joining their laughter. Anyway, this song is full of righteous rock anger and rock fury and is a joy to hear.
After 'Long Pig' the tempo slows somewhat to a rock steady 'Sun Rain'. Solid rock, but a bit of a needed breather after 'Long Pig'. 'Happy
Together' is an uplifting tune that soars, complete with "la-las" that fit naturally.
I'm glad to be able to say that I own both 'Man and Woman' and 'Long
Pig', and that their third CD, 'Civilized?' is somewhere between One World in Pretoria and Texas as I type. I also have the Squeal downloads from http://www.friedjam.com and will buy the promised EPs as they appear. All in all, I'm a Squeal fan, and I want to go to a show and buy a teeshirt. How about Squeal coming to South By Southwest, the Austin, Texas, music get-together between talent and suits, y'all? You can crash at my place and we'll have a braai.
I don't think I'll upset the rest of the band when I say that David
Birch seems to be the leader of this democracy. Birch sings, plays guitar, and wrote seven of the ten songs (his lyrics are not only intriguing, as mentioned, but intelligent). He co-wrote two other songs with Brett Barnes (bass and vocals), and one with Robbie Boake (Guitar and Vocals), as well as producing this disc. Birch is also the one member from the original line-up -- or as he said in an Amuzine interview, something to the effect that one-third of the original band is still involved with Squeal.
Oh, and the guy getting the workout on the drums is Barry Van Zyl --
just stand back and let him work -- he's right on time all the time.
Together these four guys made a CD of pure and basic rock, no keyboards
in sight or sound. If you're a rock purist, take a listen to one of my
favorite South African rock discs. 'Man and Woman' is rock for the world, perfect for braais or barbecues, rugby or football games, The Cape or The Hill Country.
And finally, isn't the name 'Squeal' just about the coolest name for a
rock band?
P.S. Did you notice that not once did I use the words "anthem" or
"anthemic"? Many of Squeal's songs are that, but maybe hard rock, by
definition, should be anthemic?
Squeal on the net:
http://www.squeal.co.za
Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas
mailto:kbshoe@hotmail.com
This and any other SA CD is available from One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
____________________________________
6.SPOTLIGHT ON BLK SONSHINE
----------------------------
Seriously mellow world music duo, Blk Sonshine will perform at the 9th
annual Arts Alive International Festival in Johannesburg from 1 - 30
September 2000. Botswana-born Masauko Chipembere and Soweto-born Neo
Muyanga are Blk Sonshine - two exile brothers who have returned with
their acoustic guitars, soaring voices and powerful lyrical conscience.
They met over an open mic at Jahnito's in Yeoville in 1996, but although they released their debut album Blk Sonshine in the states two years ago, they really only started to impact on the local scene last year when they performed at Womad, Oppikoppi and opened for Mary J. Blige.
Described as one of the most exciting and talked about local groups to
emerge in the past decade, Blk Sonshine have a sound that blends
melodic, percussive acoustic guitars with hip-hop, jazz, folk, soul and
traditional African rhythms. The result is emotional music that owes no
allegiance to one genre but rather embraces all. Blk Sonshine use only
authentic material, their poetry is accessible and they believe in an
element of spontaneous creativity. In their own words: "they finger
paint master pieces."
"Two voices, two guitars, one exquisite sound that defies definition.
It's sophisticated but equally fresh - there's nothing tired about these two. Chipembere and Muyanga's extraordinary vocals work in harmony like stone and silk. Their songs slide from Salif Keita to Tracy Chapman to Jamiroquai... A jambalaya of African jazz, pop hop and blues," says Michelle Constant.
Blk Sonshine perform on a double bill with Susana Baca at Mega Music
Warehouse on 8 and 9 September 2000. Tickets cost R70, book at
Computicket or purchase at the door.
Discography:
Blk Sonshine (1999)
This and any other SA CD is available from One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
______________________________________________
7.FORUM
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STRING DRIVEN THING
Born in the fair city of Glasgow, 1968, came the three part harmony of Chris Adams (six string guitar), John Mannion (twelve string guitar) and Pauline Adams (tambourine and congas). Strongly influenced by The Byrds and Bob Dylan they frequented the pubs of Glasgow until Tony Stratton-Smith signed them to the Charisma label. In 1972 Pauline and Tony teamed up with violinist Grahame Smith and Colin Wilson on bass. Strange at it would seem, there was no drummer. Graham Smith was recruited from the Scottish national orchestra and became the dominant factor through out the band's entirety. At that particular point Graham Smith was session violinist for Van Der Graaf Generator / Steve Hackett and later to co-found Ascend in 1978.
By 1973 Chris and Pauline Adams called it a day and in stepped Colin Fairley (ex-Beggar's Opera) as the band's first drummer while Alun Roberts came in on guitar with Kimberley Beacon as vocalist. String Driven Thing's debut concert at Inverness alongside Atomic Rooster, Taste and If, built up a loyal following in 1969 but the heavier line-up would add progressive breath and place String Driven Thing as one of the most underrated and imaginative bands to emerge in the seventies. Charisma released the seven single 'Circus' in 1972 which was named single of the year by the New York Times. Ironically String Driven Thing had knocked fellow Charisma stable mate, Genesis off the stage during a concert with the New York Philharmonic.
Later to appear on the BBC's "Old Grey Whistle Test", the future looked bright and performing alongside the Pink Fairies and Edgar Broughton Band, they became more innovative and musically assertive. Unfortunately this proved financially disastrous for record sales and although the power of their live performances had a major impact on the progressive world, attention turned to the sales assured Genesis who were now Charisma's major cash cow. The singles released on Concord and Charisma failed to capture the mass market and the band folded in 1976.
An elusive single called 'Starving in the Tropics' was released by Charisma two years after the album Keep Yer And On It. This particular track received considerable airplay throughout the continent, but by this stage String Driven Thing was no more.
Recommended:
String Driven Thing (1972)
Keep Yer And On It
The Machine That Cried
Shiloh Noone
Blues and Variation,
Fine Music Radio,
101.3 FM,
Wednesday 10 pm
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SUNWAYS/ BOYFRIENDZ LIVE
Boyfriendz formed in late 1998 and comprise Neville Shirinda, Jerry Nkuna, Solly Shibambu and Noah Ngongoma. The Mamelodi-based choral group soon met and became students of their idol, musician and poet Vusi Mahlasela. As students of Mahlasela, Boyfriendz were introduced to guitarist, Zimbabwean-born Louis Mhlanga. The group have performed with Vusi and Louis, collaborated with Jack Hammer and also worked with Zimbabwean-born Jimi Indi and percussionist Mabe Thobejene. Boyfriendz also shared the stage with Sunways, Matthew van der Want and others at the opening of Pretoria venue, Up the Creek.
The idea of a collaboration came about when Sunways were approached to
perform a slot at this year's Festival of Living Treasures. Boyfriendz had been introduced to Sunways debut EP and also saw the band performing a late night set at the Up the Creek opening. The idea of a combination of Sunways' songs and Boyfriendz' harmonies around the KZN festival has led to epic Mamelodi rehearsals and this collaboration can also be seen at two special club performances in Johannesburg and Pretoria before the two groups take the show to Shongweni.
6 Sept - The Bassline (Melville)
14 Sept - Up The Creek (Hatfield)
23 Sept - Festival of Living Treasure (Shongweni)
Sunways
mailto:sunways@mweb.co.za
--------------
GREETINGS FROM USA
Here is the latest update from USA Radio:
KRVM, Oregon (http://www.krvm.com):
I’ve been taking a little break from my Women In Music show, but the last show did include tracks by Egyptian Nursery, Naked, QZoo and Gloria Bosman.
KWVA, Eugene, Oregon (http://kwva.rebelpilot.com):
It's been a great couple of weeks on KWVA radio for SA music! I’ll just list the artists played, it’ll be easier! (Some have received more than one airing.)
Famous Curtain Trick - House Party (Universal), Egyptian Nursery - God’s Window (Fresh Music), Naked - I Wonder; Naked; Falling (Fresh Music), RSL (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) - Elungelo (Fresh Music), Errol Dyer - Koukouwa (Sheer Sound), Dragg - One (Fresh Music), Sibongile Khumalo - Untold Story (Putumayo), Sheer All Stars - Langery (Sheer Sound), Paul Hanmer - Meeting of Women (Sheer Sound), Bheki Khosa - Ngoshanaphi (Sheer Sound), Heshu Beshu - Luvuoyo (Sheer Sound), Zim Ngoawana - Vsizi Emnqamlesweni (Sheer Sound), African Jazz Pioneers - Orlando (Gallo), Kwela Tebza - Tom Hark (Gallo), Kutu - Maditshewana (Gallo), Jabu Khanyile - Hope (Gallo), Phuzekhemisi no Nothembi - Mntaka Dadewethu (Gallo), Blk Sonshine - Crazy (Fresh Music), Tony Cox - Anthole (Sheer Sound), Ga’inja - Flight (Fresh Music), Herman Tladi - Noyana (Fresh Music), Tananas - Kanimambu (Sony), Katinka - Cement (Tic Tic Bang), Qzoo - Beautifull; Butterfly People; Let The Light In (QZoo)
The shows the music was played on included Africa Digest (news and music from Africa); Planet Soup (traditional music - international); Electronic Relaxation (techno; jazz); Texas Chainsaw Acoustic Hour plus one (acoustic and other stuff). Thanks to the bands and record companies for sending us stuff to play.
On CMJ - the College Music Journal, which charts the top 10 artists played in each genre in campus radio stations across America, the following made it onto the World Music charts: Kutu, Kwela Tebza, Jabu Khanyile and Phuzekhimisi no Nothembi.
One more special mention:
I have also played not only 'Siyaya Bafana Bafana' from the Jeremy Mansfield CD, 'Raw', on the Africa Digest show, on Bafana-related stories, but also the Intro (Classical music followed by a very healthy belch). This was in conjunction with a story I did about Jeremy helping the penguin rescue, and was introduced as "This is how South Africa’s latest hero starts his radio show".
If anyone is interested in keeping the SA Invasion going, my details are:
Leigh Barrett
1641 Wilson Street
Eugene, OR 97402
USA
E-mail: mailto:wimusic@hotmail.com
--------------
GEORG VOROS
My name is Georg Voros and I am a drummer with connections to many of the bands/ artists on the SA Rock Legends website <http://rock.co.za/legends>. I was the original drummer with éVoid (when we started the three piece in PE Holiday Inn). I left the band due to, shall we say, differences. I still see Erik and Lucien now and again. I also played with Neill Solomon in what was known as Bazaar. This was the forerunner for The Passengers. I also played with Steve Linnegar's Snakeshed. Auditioned with Baxtop at the Hyde Park Hotel (but declined to play with them as I was into prog rock at the time - I was a huge ELP fan). I also played with Carte Blanche but declined to join the band as I personally didn't like the material.
Also turned down Mango Groove (not prog rock). Additionally and briefly, other people I worked with included René Veldsman (before she became Arnell), Wizard, Pierre De Charmoy (but don't tell anybody), Mara Louw, Neville Nash, Sterling & Tellinger. I've been in the UK for 12 years (will return to SA for good one day). I was the drummer for Wozani here with George van Dyk (Hotline) and Graham Clifford (Zia). I'm surprised that there is no mention of the band Wozani on the site as George and Graham returned to SA and from what I heard had a fair amount of success with the single 'Dancing in the Moonlight'
My website is http://www.georgvoros.com. It has info on SA bands and also a photo gallery with some SA pics which you might enjoy.
Did you ever know a journalist called Mike Waddacor. He was a a good friend around the time I was with Neill - circa 1982/3. I'd love to make contact with him again if you know of his whereabouts.
Regards
Georg Voros
mailto:georg@georgvoros.com
---------------
HOT RS IN RUSSIA
My name is Artem, I live in Moscow and I've been a big fan of disco music through all my life. Back in late 70s and early 80s the Hot R.S. band was popular in Russia and all young people including me enjoyed listening to it. Then I served in the army for a few years, and when I got back I found out that disco was no more popular, my tapes got lost, and Hot R.S. disappeared on the wide music market. At first it didn't bother me too much, because I thought that I'd manage to find it any time, should I put a big enough effort into the search.
Later, when I turned 30, I became so much nostalgic of the days of my youth and Hot R.S. as part of it, that I couldn't wait any more. The "Delta Queen" tune would come to my mind every now and then. So I started looking for Hot R.S. closely, visiting all possible places selling CDs and audio tapes, but all in vain. The salesmen were just shaking their heads in surprise.
Then I happened to live in the U.S. for a couple of years, but even there nobody seemed to have heard of it! Now, thank God, I have Internet. I found your site through the Yahoo search engine, and this is the first time I got on the track of my favorite band in many years.
Dear sir, would you be so kind as to tell me how and where I can buy the Hot R.S. records, especially those from 'The House of the Rising Sun' album. Maybe there's some site connected with the band that sells mpegs?
Artem Dobrovolsky
mailto:dalheg@yahoo.com
HOT RS on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/hotrs_index.html
---------------
HAWK IN SWEDEN
Back in 1973, when I was 18, Jo'burg Hawk visited my school in Uddevalla on the Swedish west coast. I was amazed by their performance, and bought the record right away. The record still is in prime condition, and I play it every now and then. I still think it is a great record, nearly up to 'Close to the edge'-level [The progrock classic by Yes - ed].
Kjell Vågfelt
mailto:kjell.vagfelt@swipnet.se
Hawk on the net:
http://rock.co.za/legends/hawk
___________________________________________________
8.REQUESTS
-------------
LOOKING FOR INFO ON SA MUSIC INDUSTRY
I am looking for information about the music industry in SA and have found your zine which provides interesting background reading.
Can you suggest further sources of information on the state of the music industry in SA? We need to find out about volumes of sales, popularity of various types of music, attitudes to foreign competition, foreign interest in SA music, etc. Is there any industry association, for instance that keeps statistical data?
I should be most grateful for any suggestions you may have.
Regards
Judy Mangold
Information Centre
KPMG Johannesburg
Phone: +27 11 647 7278
Fax: +27 11 484 0519
Cell: +27 83 309 4989
E-mail: mailto:judy.mangold@kpmg.co.za
------------
RODRIGUEZ ALBUMS FOR SALE
I have 'At his best' as well as 'Cold Fact'. Both are virtually in mint condition as I've maybe played them 3 or 4 times between the both of them. They are distributed by Festival records in New Zealand. 'At his best' 1977 Interfusion, and 'Cold Fact' 1978 Blue Goose music. Would you think they may be of value to anyone?
Cliff
mailto:cliffsmulti@one.net.au
Rodriguez on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/rodriguez.html
---------------
MASTER JACK
'Master Jack' was a favorite of mine. I recently got an RCA 45 of it. I believe there was three editons of the song, each a little different. Are there any Four Jacks and a Jill CD's or tapes around? Any GOOD collections of South African music worth buying? My favorite tunes are from the 60's - British invasion and the American counter punch.
Jim Moran
Chicago, Illinois
mailto:jimmoran@mcs.net
Four Jacks And A Jill on the net:
http://rock.co.za/fourjacksandajill
{Ed: I can recommend the 'Best Of SA Pop' series of CDs as a great starting point -- just ask Kurt Shoemaker. Looks like SA music is taking over the USA, one Yank at a time.}
All SA CDs are available online from One World <http://www.oneworld.co.za>
---------------
THE A-CADS AND THE DEALIANS
I'm looking for info and CD's available from the A-Cads and The Dealians. Please let me know if you can help.
Neil Pienaar
mailto:audiovid@mweb.co.za
The A-Cads on the net:
http://rock.co.za/legends/acads
______________________________________________
9.ON THE NET
---------------
JULIAN'S BISTRO AND THEATRE
http://www.at.artslink.co.za/~julian_laxton
Website for Julian Laxton's new live music venue in Johannesburg.
---------------
AFRICA'S GATEWAY
http://lightning.prohosting.com/~africa99/index.shtml
South Africa's Number One Hip Hop Site (it says here...)
______________________________________________
10.WHATS ON
--------------
SA MUSIC WEEK 2000
(August 28 to September 2)
http://www.samw.co.za
--------------
THE HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB
Wednesday 30 Aug:
August Sky (4-piece band - rock/alternative)
Roger Kuhns (guitarist/singer)
Tuesday's Child (4-piece band)
Contact:
Rob: 7891021
mailto:harbourmusic@kalkbay.co.za
--------------
THE HIGH STREET THEATRE, DURBANVILLE, CAPE TOWN
http://www.highstreet.co.za/theatre.html
30-31 August, 1-2 September - Johannes Kerkorrel
Bookings through Computicket
<http://www.computicket.com>
--------------
SONJA HERHOLDT - RECONSTRUCTING ALICE
http://www.sonjaherholdt.co.za
23 Augustus - 2 September
Jargonelle's Brixton Johannesburg
Vir besprekings skakel (011) 837 3770
6-9 September
Sterrewag Teater Bloemfontein
Vir besprekings skakel (051) 448 9150
16 September
Kroonstad Teater
Vir besprekings skakel (011) 787 1984
--------------
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.rock.co.za/littlesister
2 September, Satellite Friendly, Cnr Eleventh & Charl Cilliers Street, Boksburg
23 September, Glenn Marais, Cnr Veld & Dann St, Glen Marais, Kempton Park
24 September, East Rand Traders Center
25 September, Summerfield, Cnr Braun & Jim Fouche Streets, Verwoerdpark, Alberton
27 September, Kimberley Show
30 September, Richards Bay
7 October, Cotlands Gala Night and draw for Harley Davidson motorbike
14 October, Upington "Raisin Festival"
----------------
NOT MY DOG
7 Sep - Evolution, Pretoria
9 Sep 23:00 - Opgerok Technikon, Pretoria
22 Sep - The Nile Crocodile, Glenwood Rd, Pretoria
30 Sep - Boogie Nights, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria
5 Oct - Tuks Joolplaas, Pretoria
--------------
FRUIT FLY NAVIGATORS
16 September - Rockafella's (Port Shepstone)
24 September - Woodstock (Heidelberg)
30 September - Zappa's (Pietermaritzburg) with Sideshow
01 October - The Jam (Margate)
02 October - Durban Folk Club (Unplugged)
14 October - The Bat Cafe' (Durban) with Jane Doe
Management: Dave Campbell
Tel : 031-3048958
Cell: 082-8998729
Fax : 031-3360812
Management: mailto:daveca@fedsure.co.za
Fan Mail: mailto:fruitflynavigators@mweb.co.za
---------------
HALCYON
1 Sept - Landscape Prayers & Halcyon - RED EYE (Durban)
13 Sept - Rivets Hotel (Durban)
23 Sept - Woodstock Festival
30 Sept - Burn with Sunways
5 Nov - The Jam (Margate)
Contact Details:
Clayton Mongomery
083 447 0663
mailto:clmonty@mweb.co.za
----------------
SUNWAYS
COLOUR ME IN TOUR 2000
wed 30 AUG MYSTIC BOER (Bloem)
fri 1 SEPT KIMBERLY
sat 2 SEPT ABELARDE SANCTION (Jhb) SA MUSIC WEEK
wed 6 SEPT BASSLINE (Melville, Jhb)
with choral group Boyfriendz from Mamelodi
fri 8 SEPT BUGSY'S (Randburg, Jhb)
sat 9 SEPT BOOGIE NIGHTS (Pretoria)
thurs 14 SEPT UP THE CREEK (Pretoria) with choral group
Boyfriendz from Mamelodi
fri 22 SEPT WOODSTOCK (Heidelberg)
sat 23 SEPT FESTIVAL OF LIVING TREASURES (Shongweni) with choral group Boyfriendz from Mamelodi
sun 24 SEPT FOLK CLUB (Margate)
mon 25 SEPT TUSK INN (Durban)
wed 27 SEPT RIVETS (Durban)
sat 30 SEPT BURN (Durban)
----------------
AUTHENTIC BAND GIGS
Tuesday 29 August
Watershed and 57 - Roxy Rhythm Bar, Main Rd, Melville
Wednesday 30 August
Tweak, Watershed - RAU Spring Day, RAU
Thursday 31 August
Ethel My Love - The Doors, Edenvale
Friday 1 September
Sugardrive - Rhythm and Brew, Farramere Centre, Benoni
Saturday 2 September
Sugardrive - Boogie Nights, Lynwood Rd, Pretoria
Friday 8 September
Ethel My Love - Nile Crocodile, 60 Glenwood Rd, off Lynwood Rd, Pretoria
AUTHENTIC IDEAS:011-646-6467
EMAIL: mailto:authentic@authentic.co.za
---------------
WOODSTOCK SA
This year's SA version of Woodstock will take place at the Heidelberg Kloof - Gauteng from 22nd to 25th of September. Bands can submit demos to: P.O.Box 91657, Auckland Park, 2006. There will be four stages/arenas. Contact mailto:woodstock@authentic.co.za
____________________________________________
11.LINKS AND ADVERTS
-----------------------
ARTISTS:
SA ROCK LEGENDS
http://rock.co.za/legends
SA MUSICIANS ON THE NET FROM A TO Z
http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/Rembrandt/SAArtists.html
VETSEUN
http://www.afrikaner.co.za/tronk10/defmuz.htm
Piet Botha, Koos Kombuis, Valiant Swart, Battery 9, etc
ROBIN AULD
http://www.robinauld.co.za
BERNARD BINNS
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za
PIET BOTHA & JACK HAMMER
http://rock.co.za/legends/pietbotha
JOHNNY CLEGG
http://www.johnnyclegg.com
KOOS KOMBUIS
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
JULIAN LAXTON
http://www.at.artslink.co.za/~julian_laxton
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.rock.co.za/littlesister
KEVIN MASON
http://www.geocities.com/mad_mason
OFF THE EDGE
http://rock.co.za/offtheedge
ASHTON NYTE
http://www.ashtonnyte.com
PLASTIC OCEAN
http://www.plasticocean.co.za
SPRINGBOK NUDE GIRLS
http://www.nudegirls.co.za
VALIANT SWART
http://www.valiant.co.za
TITUS
http://www.crosswinds.net/~glassmoon/titus/index.html
GEORG VOROS
http://www.georgvoros.com
ARCHIVES:
THE LEGENDS OF SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK
Where SA rock legends still live
http://rock.co.za/legends
SOUTH AFRICA'S ROCK FILES
The online archive for the History of South African Rock
http://rock.co.za/sarock
OZNET MUSIC CHARTS
Archive of Australian, UK & US #1 Hit Singles from 1956 to 2000
http://www.q-net.net.au/~methinks/oz_net_music_chart.html
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://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
Rob Anderson (021) 7891021
mailto:anderson@botzoo.uct.ac.za
Nadia Scaillet (021) 4489834
mailto:noid@netactive.co.za
HIGH STREET THEATRE
Durbanville, Cape Town
http://www.highstreet.co.za/theatre.html
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
Second-hand vinyl and CDs
http://www.outlawrecords.co.za
RENEGADE MUSIC
Strand concourse Cape Town
(021) 4185436
N1 City Goodwood
(021) 5952436
VIBES MUSIC
N1 City, Cape Town
(021) 5953220
mailto:vibes@fast.co.za
RECORD COMPANIES, LABELS & STUDIOS:
BEATROOT MUSIC
http://www.beatrootmusic.co.za/beatrootmusic.htm
BMG
http://www.click2music.co.za/
CAVEMAN PRODUCTIONS
The cave for Kevin "Caveman" Shirley
http://www.cavemanproductions.com
FRESH MUSIC
http://www.fresh.co.za
GALLO MUSIC
http://www.gallo.co.za/
INDIE MUSIC EXPLOSION
indie.co.za
MELT2000
http://www.melt2000.com
MIGHTY MUSIC PRODUCTIONS
http://www.mightymusic.co.za/
MOUNTAIN RECORDS
http://www.mountain-africa.com
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
Off Centre * Tic Tic Bang * Season To Taste * Shrapnel
mailto:tictic@iafrica.com
mailto:tasty@iafrica.com
RADIUM WRECKORDS
Suite 207
Postnet
Private Bag X10
Flamwood
2572
Klerksdorp
mailto:jhandley@aghs.co.za
RIESTER INTERNATIONAL RECORDS
http://www.riester-records.co.za/
SHEER SOUND
http://www.sheer.co.za
STREET LEVEL RECORDS
http://www.streetlevel.co.za/
SUNSET STUDIOS
Stellenbosch
http://www.freeyellow.com/members2/sunsetsound/index.html
TEQUILA MUSIC
http://www.tequila.co.za
TL MASTERING
Digital Mastering, Editing and Remastering
http://www.tl-mastering.com
mailto:prozak@iafrica.com
082 701 5096
RESOURCES:
BACKSTAGE
backstage.co.za/
INDIEZONE
http://www.indiezone.co.za
PEDRO THE MUSIC MAN
Music teacher
http://users.iafrica.com/m/mu/musicman
SHOW VILLAGE
sound - lights - dance
http://www.showvillage.co.za
MAGAZINES:
AMUZINE
African Music Magazine
http://rock.co.za
SLY
http://www.sly.co.za/
STAGE
http://www.stage.co.za
TOP FORTY
http://topforty.worldonline.co.za
RADIO:
DINOSAUR DAYS
The radio show, the CDs, the website
http://www.dinosaurdays.co.za
CAPITAL RADIO 604
http://www.Capital604.com
SAFM (104-107KHz)
Sugar, the Digest co-editor, chats to Bruce Millar every Wednesday at 10.30am
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
SEX, DRUGS AND BOEREMUSIEK
Koos Kombuis
http://www.oneworld.co.za
TIGHTLINES
Robin Auld
http://www.robinauld.co.za
TRIVIA:
CLIMB UP ON MY MUSIC
A site dedicated to Rodriguez, the Sugar Man
http://www.rock.co.za/files/rodriguez.html
SPACE HYMNS
Ramases
http://rock.co.za/ramases
VAGABOND'S WORLD
Rock Trivia
http://rock.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 MP3s
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
MP3.COM
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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12.BACK ISSUES
---------------
BACK ISSUES
http://rock.co.za/sarockdigest
Online and keyword searchable
__________________________________________
13.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://rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:sarock@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.
________________________________________
14.SUBSCRIPTIONS
----------------
Send an e-mail to mailto:sarock@new.co.za with any words or phrases that vaguely indicate acceptance or... visit http://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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