SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #191 http://www.sarockdigest.com 24th February 2003 Established 27th January 1999 -------------- IN THIS ISSUE -------------- SAMA nominations announced... The Rock Concert 3 is coming in March... Musica Rocking Future Roadshow hits the road... McCully Workshop's first album is re-issued on CD (in Korea!)... new releases from The Awakening & Neo Muyanga... Kurt casts his spotlight on Piet Botha... John reviews Gommora... Carina saw Boo! at the Bassline... and all the recommended gigs are on www.SAgigs.com. ---------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK DIGEST ONLINE ---------------------------------- For a colorful and clickable HTML version of the SA Rock Digest with images, please visit http://rock.co.za where the online version of the SA Rock Digest can be found. Updated every Tuesday. --------------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK DIGEST ON THE RADIO --------------------------------------- Digest co-editor Stephen Segerman presents his SA music slot on the Bruce Millar Show on SAfm (103-106fm) on Monday evenings between 9 and 9.30pm. ------------------------------------- THE SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK ENCYCLOPEDIA ------------------------------------- From Abstract Truth to Karen Zoid, from 'Astra' to 'Zen Boulders', from 'Ag Pleez Deddy' to 'ZX Dan'... visit the South African Rock Encyclopedia at http://www.rock.co.za ----------- SAmp3.com ----------- Recent new releases on http://www.SAmp3.com include: 'Vampyre Girl' - The Awakening 'Bob's Your Uncle' - Canaan's Banana '6x9' - Caytie Marvelis 'Rock 'n Roll Model Cliche' - HappyFour Twenty 'Let Your Kingdom Come' - Koos van Zyl 'Almost Wide Open' - PetFlyz 'Babylon Calling' - Robin Auld 'Bobby Come Back' - Robin Auld 'Path You Take' - The Tim Wells Band 'Mr Gravity' - Starseed ------------ SAGIGS.com ------------ The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com. If you cannot access SAgigs.com please e-mail mailto:gigs@sarockdigest.com?subject=gigguide and we will e-mail the gig guide to you each week. ----------- ONE WORLD ----------- Selling South African Music to the World http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 ----------- CONTENTS ----------- 1.NEWS: SAMA 2003 Nominations, Just Jinger, Nukular Stompers, The Rock Concert 3, Musica Rocking Future Roadshow 2.CHARTS: Top 30 mp3s & albums 3.NEW RELEASES: mp3s & CDs: McCully Workshop, The Awakening, Neo Muyanga 4.USA FOR AFRICA: Piet Botha 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK: Gommora 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA: Springbok radio charts, birthdays, Vinyl Junkies 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS: A Readers Forum 8.LIVE MUSIC: Boo!, SA Punk live, Elton John Tribute 9.INFO: Subscriptions & contributions _____________________________________________ 1.NEWS -------- SAMA 2003 NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED The nominations for the upcoming annual South African Music Awards has been announced. Details of the event, and a full list of categories and nominations can be found at the official website of the Recording Industry Of South Africa at http://www.risa.org.za. Here are a few of those categories and the artists nominated: Best Rock Album: Battery 9 ('Sondebok'*), Cutting Jade ('Between Two Lives'*), Not My Dog ('Braai Vibes'*), Perez ('Picture Perfect'*), Van der Want/Letcher ('Bignity'). Best Adult Contemporary Album: English: Cutting Jade ('Between Two Lives'*), Ernie Smith ('Lovely Things'), Ian Henderson ('Freefall'*), Nataniël ('Dance 'til I Break'), Nibs van der Spuy ('Flower in the Rain'), Wendy Oldfield ('Holy Water'*). Best Adult Contemporary Album: Afrikaans: Coenie de Villiers ('Zen'), Herman van den Berg ('Proe die Aarde'), Jannie du Toit ('Leeuspruit'), Mimi Coertse ('Mimi'), Theuns Jordaan ('Tjailatyd') Best Pop Album: Boo! ('Shooting Star'), 101 ('The Album'), Heinz Winckler ('One Step Closer'), MIC ('Explode'). Best Single: Eminent Child ('A Beautiful View'), Heinz Winckler ('Once in a Lifetime/Soledad'), Jae ('Missing You - The Album'), Mel & Ezra ('Cabin Fever'), Sacha ('Candyman'). Best Newcomer (Artist or Group): After Touch ('The African Reaction'), Guy Buttery ('When I Grow Up'*), Jae ('Missing You - The Album'), Moses Khumalo ('Mntungwa'), Prince Kupi ('Loxion') Best Rap Album: Gommora ('Gommora'*), KayBee ('Sessions'), Skwatta Kamp ('Khut en Joyn'), Zombo ('Zombo') Full list at http://www.risa.org.za *Listen to mp3 samplers of these albums at http://www.SAmp3.com Good to see Ian Henderson's excellent 'Freefall' getting a nomination, one for the indies! And Boo!'s 'Shooting Star' is up against the albums from Pop Idol's Heinz and Popstars' 101 in the Best Pop album category ...um, right... Read Carina Laubscher's review of Boo!'s recent gig at the Bassline in Melville in the 'Live' section below. -------------------------- JUST JINGER FLY OFF TO US DEAL You can't keep a good band down, or in South Africa. After conquering the '90's SA pop market with a string of big-selling albums and plenty of great gigs, Art Matthews and Just Jinger tried their luck in the UK without any major results, before Matthews headed off to the US to look out for further opportunities. A series of events and connections saw Matthews recently assembling the band's current line-up in Los Angeles to play a showcase gig to the suits at Capitol Records. The label liked what they saw and heard and signed a deal with the band which involves Just Jinger touring eight major US cities during 2003 with an option to record one album at a later date when the band's popularity in the US has been assessed. So good luck to Art and Just Jinger as they fly off (today) to hopefully follow Seether into the hearts and ears of US fans. We won't mention that odd appearance on the Jerry Springer SA TV series a few weeks back. Just getting acclimatised probably. --------------------------------- THE ROCK CONCERT 3 IN MARCH Authentic Ideas has announced the staging of the third Rock Concert at Carnival City, presented by 5fm, on 21 March 2003. Confirmed acts to date include Tweak, Wonderboom, Cutting Jade*, Jo Day, Toxic Shame, The Finkelsteins, Soil 7T7, Caytie Marvelis*, Skwatta Kamp, One80, Barney Simon and Koula. The Rock Concerts have a unique presentation formula of two stages side by side and absolutely no change-over period between bands except for strategically positioned deejay sets. The Rock Concert offers a platform to the biggest rock bands in the country and a handful of those "tipped to top". It showcases the best sound and lighting available through Carnival City and Sound Corporation's endorsement of the event. The co-endorsement keeps the costs of ticket prices down. The event is open to all ages, and an ID-controlled beer garden is created for adults. The promoters suggest a parental advisory for language {and, if Sunways are invited back, for nudity - ed}. * Listen to mp3s of these artists at http://www.SAmp3.com ------------------------------ COOL AT SCHOOL - THE MUSICA ROCKING FUTURE ROADSHOW 2003 Musica has announced its sponsorship of the 'Musica Rocking Future Roadshow 2003'. The Roadshow is produced by the JHB-based, Three Ring Circus (MRFR), and uses original, live music to edify and counsel South African senior school learners about further studies in tertiary education institutions. The event brings together learners, teachers and colleges in a single forum, enabling learners to make informed decisions with regard to further education. The hour long, self-funded project usually takes place in the last two periods of the day and consists of a band, a professional master of ceremonies and representatives of tertiary educational institutions and colleges. Bands that have performed on the RFR include FLY, Saron Gas, Liesl Graham, Kay Vee, Tamara Dey and Nianell. The MRFR aims to show teenagers that tertiary education is fun and constantly progressing to keep pace with the changing face of business and employment opportunities. Many are unaware that courses such as sound engineering, advertising, design and styling, film and media studies, e-commerce and web design are available at various tertiary institutions. Musica's sponsorship will enable the Roadshow to visit 90 high schools during 2003 travelling to Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and PE, reaching 15 000 matrics nation-wide. For more information contact: Lara Preston (021) 530 7073 082 346 7176 __________________________________________ 2.CHARTS ----------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Album/Label) 1. [2] (1) Daytripper - Joe Public ('The Terrible Two's'/Indie) 2. [4] (2) Boneyard - Metalmorphosis ('Blistered'/Silva Moon) 3. [3] (3) Vreemdeling - Dertien (SAmp3.com/Indie) 4. [5] (4) Dinosaur - Forest Moon ('Forest Moon'/Indie) 5. [13] (5) Stoute Boude - Anton Goosen en Beeskraal (''n Vis Innie Bos'/Gallo) 6. [7] (6) Beach Girl - Natalia ('The Street Level Sessions'/Indie) 7. [9] (7) Kitty (demo) - Piet Botha (SAmp3.com/Indie) 8. [12] (8) Sweet Stellenganga - Akkedis ('Voortvlugtend'/Rhythm) 9. [1] (1) Sheriff Bush And Deputy Blair - The Nukular Stompers (SAmp3.com/Indie) 10. [6] (2) Gommora Sampler - Gommora ('Gommora'/Gallo) 11. [8] (3) A Million Miles - The Space Committee (Single/Indie) 12. [10] (2) Go F*ck Yourself (demo) - Janie Jones (SAmp3.com/Indie) 13. [17] (13) LekkerByDieSee - Diff Olie ('Die Borrelbad Insident'/Boereplaas) 14. [18] (14) Dolly Mae - Blues Broers ('Sharp Street'/Guava Records) 15. [11] (1) Psycoparalysis - Dayspring ('Never Before'/Indie) 16. [25] (16) Siamese Sampler - Siamese ('Three Piece project'/BMG) 17. [14] (2) Passion Mother - Metalmorphosis ('Blistered'/Silva Moon) 18. [22] (18) Sarie - Mike de Jager ('Blue Room'/Indie) 19. [15] (1) Kwaito - KGB ('The First Born'/Mothermix) 20. [26] (20) Time - Starseed ('Three Point One' EP/WP Records) 21. [24] (21) Hey Mr DJ - Caytie Marvelis (Indie) 22. [16] (16) Strive (To Be Happy) - Paul Abro ('Songs From The Small Settee'/Indie) 23. [-] (23) Toeka Sampler - Steve Hofmeyr ('Toeka'/EMI) 24. [19] (8) Wasted Time - Illana May ('I've Gotta Try'/Yellow Rose) 25. [29] (25) Otis - November 5 ('617'/Indie) 26. [-] (26) Broken Innocence - Alexis ('Overload'/Pt. Music) 27. [30] (30) All You Become - Starseed ('Three point One'/WP) 28. [20] (14) So Jy Skim (demo) - Kop (SAmp3.com/Indie) 29. [-] (29) This Is Jesus - Koos van Zyl ('Stay With Me'/Take Note) 30. [27] (1) Seether Sampler - Seether ('Disclaimer'/Musketeer/BMG) ----------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [2] (1) Forest Moon - Forest Moon (Forest Moon) 2. [3] (2) Three Piece Project - Siamese (Muskateer) 3. [10] (3) The Terrible Two's - Joe Public (Indie) 4. [9] (4) Getting Stronger - SteveVan (Silvertree) 5. [1] (1) Tap Into The System - Dorp (Contains Nuts) 6. [7] (6) Medicated - Chris James (Cooler) 7. [18] (7) Catfish - Albert Frost (Indie) 8. [6] (1) Gommora - Gommora (Gallo) 9. [4] (4) Afrikaans Met Attitude - Vari-ous (Hoezit) 10. [5] (2) Live At Jamesons - Cherry Faced Lurchers (RetroFresh) 11. [25] (11) Killing Time - Anika (Outbox) 12. [8] (2) Never Before - Dayspring (Indie) 13. [12] (7) The Great South African Trip - Various (African Cream) 14. [11] (2) The First Born - KGB (Mothermix) 15. [22] (15) The Listening Room - Neo Muyanga (BMG) 16. [20] (16) Room 2 Breathe - Semisane (BMG) 17. [16] (1) Three - Sunways (Sheer) 18. [13] (3) Another Time Another Place - Ken E Henson (3rd Ear) 19. [21] (19) What's In A Box? - Serving Suggestion (Indie) 20. [15] (15) Songs From The Small Settee - Paul Abro (Indie) 21. [14] (1) Swimming With The Women - Mikanic (Rhythm) 22. [19] (1) Kobus! - Kobus! (ENT) 23. [17] (2) Braai Vibes - Not My Dog (Sheer) 24. [-] (24) Into The Night We Slide - Radio Rats (RetroFresh) 25. [29] (25) Koning Van Die Hawaiise Ghitaar - Jerry Shanahan (Gallo) 26. [24] (1) Disclaimer - Seether (Musketeer/BMG) 27. [23] (3) Lank Sweat! - Sweatband (RetroFresh) 28. [-] (28) Romance And Finance - Citizen Jones (Flying Kitty) 29. [28] (1) Between Two Lives - Cutting Jade (DGR) 30. [26] (10) On Track 2002 - Various Artists (On Track) Read http://rock.co.za/legends/2000plus Listen http://www.SAmp3.com Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 _____________________________________________ 3. NEW, RECENT AND UPCOMING RELEASES ----------------------------------------- ------ MP3s ------ Some recent releases on SAmp3.com: 'Vampyre Girl' - The Awakening Previously unreleased track now available on the 'Sacrificial Etchings' retrospective CD from Intervention arts. Goth just got darker. 'Bob's Your Uncle' - Canaan's Banana In the wake of the success of the 'Sheriff Bush and Deputy Blair" mp3, another topical political satire song has arrived on our virtual doorstep. An anonymous group of Southern African musicians, calling themselves Canaan's Banana, offer their commentary on one Robert Mugabe. If you are offended by political satire then please do not download this mp3. The rest of you can please help yourselves to this mp3 which is exclusively available on SAmp3.com. '6x9' - Caytie Marvelis Gauteng band Caytie Marvelis tread (and often cross) that line between rock and dance. Enjoy the sound which the band describe as "Groove". 'Rock 'n Roll Model Cliche' - HappyFourTwenty This fun song pays tribute to various rock and roll styles, but doesn't take itself too seriously. It opens with a surf guitar riff, then straight into some Madness-type sax. There are even a few Blur-style 'yahoos' (remember 'Song 2'?) to show that this is a band having a good time. 'Let Your Kingdom Come' - Koos van Zyl A slow and epic Gospel song from Namibia's Koos van Zyl. This is what Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here' album might have sounded like if it was about God and not Syd. 'Almost Wide Open' - PetFlyz Tweak has a light brunch with Saron Gas. Emo-punk from PetFlyz latest CD 'A Motive For Breathing' out on Intervention Arts. 'Babylon Calling' - Robin Auld A fast-paced rock reggae song taken from Robin's 'Zen Surfing In The 3rd World' CD from 1993. 'Bobby Come Back' - Robin Auld The opening song from Robin's brand new CD 'Luxury'. "The title, 'Luxury', is a comment on the freedom one has when making a record without corporate influence," says 43-year old Auld of the album which was produced under his own Free Lunch label and is distributed by independent music distributor Bowline. "Another luxury was putting the whole thing together in Kommetjie which meant the engineer and I were doing surf checks on the way to the studio.... not always a good idea it has to be said." 'Path You Take' - The Tim Wells Band Tim Wells has a new album coming out shortly and as a taster here is great rock reggae track from his previous release 'Fallen Through The Cracks'. 'Mr Gravity' - Starseed Starseed are currently based in the UK and making the most of it, it seems. 'Mr Gravity' is taken from their lastest EP 'Three Point One'. The fine drumming and vocal harmonies are augmented by some sublime early INXS-type riffing. Listen to all the mp3s listed above at the biggest South African mp3 website in the world at http://www.SAmp3.com ----- CDs ----- 'McCULLY WORKSHOP INC.' - McCULLY WORKSHOP Official Korean CD re-issue January 2002 Looks like the Koreans have a taste for classic South African rock. Korean record label Beatball Records have given McCully Workshop's first album 'McCully Workshop Inc.' a re-issue package normally reserved for the likes of 30th Anniversary re-issues by David Bowie, Deep Purple or Jethro Tull, for example. There are no bonus tracks and unfortunately the CD was remastered from vinyl as the original master tapes were lost, but its the packaging that really stands out here. Firstly the cover is a mini gatefold LP style using good quality cardboard. There are pictures from Mike McCullagh's personal archive (as well as a message from him), a band biography by Digest co-editor, Brian Currin, a track-by-track analysis by Digest subscriber since Issue #1, Piet Obermeyer (who also supplied the front and back cover scans), a full discography with covers and track listings, and the complete band Family Tree taken from the SA Rock Family Trees website. This is the second SA Rock Family Tree to appear in print form (the first was in the RetroFresh Radio Rats re-issue last month)... is there a trend developing here? This is the first McCully Workshop album to be re-issued on CD. The only other McCully Workshop CD available is 'Buccaneer' which is a compilation of 1998 recordings of old hits and a few newer songs. This CD can be found online at: http://www.heyday-mo.com/cgi/asearch.pl?X=mccully+workshop http://www.cdexpress.com/php/gettrackinfo.php?arart=752456&supp=rec ...and possibly at many any other places, but it is very unlikely that you will find it in any retail outlet in South Africa! Visit Beatball Records at http://www.beatballrecords.com Read http://rock.co.za/mccully Buy 'Buccaneer' at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&id=ms001 Listen http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_l_s.html ---------------------------- NUKULAR STOMPERS 'SHADY DEALZ' ON THE WAY Following the unexpected national media attention, and mega downloads off SAmp3.com (and appearance on the David Icke website) of the Nukular Stompers' chart-topping 'Sheriff Bush And Deputy Blair' single, those Woodstock Vets and the Street Level team are currently mixing, mastering, and preparing to release their next "parodoxical" single, 'Shady Dealz'. 'Shady Dealz' will be available as a free mp3 download from http://www.SAmp3.com from Monday 3 March. So, in the meantime, here's a lyric-byte to keep you giggling until then... "Shady dealz, shady dealz, lubricating commerce, greasin' up the wheels, five convictions, six appeals this world of ours is built on shady dealz. Watergate, Whitewater, Chappaquidick, Enron four little politicians coated in teflon slick little Willy never was persuaded to confess to a little white splat on a little blue dress...." -------------------------- AUTHENTIC RELEASES We can expect a rash of new album releases in March from some of the bands currently under the Authentic Ideas publicity umbrella. Tweak's new album is called 'Dirty Sanchez And The Misfit Kids', and will be released nation-wide via BMG distribution on the 10th of March, with the first single release being 'House Party'. Wonderboom will also be releasing 'Tell Someone Who Cares', the Gauteng rockers' new album of original material and the follow up to 'Rewind', their successful SA cover versions collection from 2001. Iain McKenzie, the Zen Arcade vocalist, will be returning from New Zealand after resting his voice on doctor's orders, in time for the band's new album due to be released at the end of March (and to be followed by a national tour). Both Martin Rocka and the Sickshop and Jo Day will release new albums in March, The Martin Rocka CD will be titled 'Trailer Rash'. One80 will be releasing their new album in May. --------------------------- THE AWAKENING - 'SACRIFICIAL ETCHINGS' 'Sacrificial Etchings' is The Awakening's sixth full-length album to date, an epic selection of works from 1996-2002 that shows precisely why, despite the fluctuating fortunes of the dark alternative subculture, The Awakening has remained consistently popular both in South Africa and abroad. More than a simple 'Best Of' compilation, 'Sacrificial Etchings' is a 15-track odyssey that features one previously unreleased track, four completely new versions of classic Awakening favourites, seven tracks re-mixed to current production standards, and a complete re-mastering for every track on the collection. The CD packaging features photographs from the different phases of The Awakening's existence, including shots from the music videos, unreleased promotional photographs and shots of previous members of the band's ever-changing live line-up, digitally enhanced and catalogued into a visual interpretation of the album's aural retrospective. 'Sacrificial Etchings' starts with 'Risen', the first official album (fans will be blown away by the far heavier, new version of 'Sounds of Silence'), and moves through 'Request', 'Ethereal Menace' and 'The Fourth Seal Of Zeen' to 'The Fountain' EP, stopping just short of 2002's 'Roadside Heretics'. Track Listing: 'The Dark Romantics' (single mix), 'The Sounds of Silence' (Splintered Version '02), 'Vampyre Girl' (previously unreleased), 'Eve' (Wish Version), 'Before I Leap' (Dark Mix), 'The March' (Single Mix), 'Rain', 'Martyr', 'Maree' (Version 2), 'To Give', 'The Fountain', 'Standing' (Solitude Version '02), 'Dreams In Fire', 'Sacrificial' (Lacerated Version 2002), 'Amethyst' (Live Piano Version). Subterania Music will be hosting the only Goth - Industrial Gathering in Cape Town of the year and possibly their last Goth-Industrial event ever on Saturday, 8 March 2003. They will be bringing down The Awakening for the official CD release of 'Sacrificial Etchings 1996 - 2002' for the event. Listen http://www.SAmp3.com/artists.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=awakening ------------------------------ PLEASE WELCOME ALEXIS Although only 14, Alexis, who hails from Port Elizabeth, has already been starting to make her musical mark on the SA music scene. This young talent has the voice of an adult with a remarkable versatility, enabling her to sing a wide range of songs from R&B to pop as well as gospel. In 1999, Alexis made a gospel CD, which was very popular with Radio Kingfisher. The first single from the album, 'Miracle', stayed at number one for many weeks. A junior Miss PE winner, Alexis also appeared on 'Noot vir Noot' in September 2000. Johan van Rensburg was so impressed with her that he asked if he could show a copy of the tape to EMI. One week later, EMI contacted her and signed her up to produce her second rock-country CD, 'Flame Of Love'. Alexis is now set to release her third CD, 'Overload', comprising 10 original songs, composed by Darin Jonker and co-written by Alexis. The new album was recorded over a three-month period, mixed and mastered at Platinum Productions in Port Elizabeth, under their Pt. label. The musicians on 'Overload' include Richard Smith (musical director and arranger), Donovan Hattingh (electric guitar), Dave Daniels (anything that has strings attached to it), Ian Blake (drums), Debbie Quicke (piano), Mornay van Vuuren (acoustic guitar, saxophone, percussion and backing vocals). Listen http://www.SAmp3.com ------------------------ NEO MUYANGA - 'THE LISTENING ROOM (MUNDRA NO. 28)' (BMG) 'The Listening Room (Mudra No. 28)' is the debut, solo album from Neo Muyanga, one half of the successful Blk Sonshine duo. The project signals the arrival of an impressive musical voice, and one still reasonably difficult to pin down. The reason for this lies largely in Neo's diverse musical terrain - roots, jazz, pop, traditional, and trip-hop - a sound introduced by Blk Sonshine through an eclectic bunch of hit songs, among them 'Born In A Taxi', 'Building' and 'Crazy'. For Neo, 'The Listening Room' comes out of a particular journey this Sowetan-born musician has been pursuing over the past year: "A year ago I took the decision to move down to Cape Town," he explained "Don't get me wrong - Jo'burg is great. My family is there but I also know so many people here and the business side of being a musician ended up consuming me - I felt like I was always in the car going to sessions and that there was very little time left to do any writing and recording. Every time I went to Cape Town I always felt very inspired to write - and it's the cheesy cliché. It is so beautiful and it has really given me to space to expand creatively. Ultimately it has benefited the songwriter and the artist in me. I've been able to focus on creating new songs which is what I love." The majority of 'The Listening Room' was recorded, produced and performed by Neo in his home studio (using a Yamaha digital multi-track). The album's opening track, 'My World', has already reached the ears of many South Africans as the theme song to the hugely popular SABC 3 "emotainment" show, 'All You Need Is Love'. There's also 'Jwaneng' ("in the grass"), 'Neverenough' (featuring Flow - a friend of Neo's whom he saw on the street one day and asked to come and do some spoken vocals), the seriously funky 'Nna Hatshe', the exquisite ballad 'Nalete' (heard previously on the 'A Moment In Cape Town' collection on the Wonder label), and the drawling, trip-hop influenced 'You Say'. Blk Sonshine will remain an ongoing creative entity and the duo will still record and create, but the space for pursuing other avenues is very much there. Neo himself is also getting more involved with other musical work - for films and, in particular, for dance - and recently composed a piece for Cape Town's JazzArt Dance Theatre. During 2003, Neo will be performing with a heavyweight live band (under the name 'Neo'), including a slot on the prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival-Cape Town 2003 line-up in March. 'Neo's' line-up boasts Concorde Nkabinde (bass), Barry Van Zyl (drums), and Priyesh (instruments like the Indian flute and the harmonium). Neo Muyanga will also be making a free in-store appearance at CD Wherehouse at The Zone @ Rosebank on Saturday 1st of March at 1pm. Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=muyanga -------------- COMING SOON -------------- BRING BACK THE GOOD TIMES (AGAIN!) WITH BRIAN FINCH Brian Finch has been very busy recently recording in Namibia and his new, as yet untitled, album which features the guitar-work of Ken E Henson should be released by the end of March. This album includes a re-recording of the Finch & Henson hit from 1980, 'Oh Brother (You've Got A Long Way To Go)', an awesome cover of 'Ghost Riders In The Sky' (written in 1949 by Stan Jones) and 7 or so original Brian Finch compositions including the much-requested 'Beautiful Feeling'. Brian also has plans to re-issue his 1974 album 'Bringing Back The Good Times' on 3eM (Third Ear Music). This album featured (amongst others) Ken E Henson on guitar, Robert John "Mutt" Lange on bass, Arthur Stead on keyboards, Mick Dickman on guitar and Kevin Kruger on drums. Read http://www.rock.co.za/brianfinch Listen http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_e_k.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&id=wond116 --------------- MORE REVIEWS --------------- More reviews can be found at: Open Record http://www.openrecord.co.za Amuzine http://rock.co.za/reviews.htm ______________________________________ 4.USA FOR AFRICA ------------------ Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music PIET BOTHA Part 1: In Afrikaans Piet Botha is a rock treasure no matter which language he records in, and this Yankee listens to Piet's Afrikaans music as much as to his English songs. With the help of friends and a budding knowledge of Afrikaans, I hear Piet Botha sing to the heart of a strong people. ''n Suitcase vol Winter' has brilliant (and I do not use the word casually) rocking, moody, bluesy songs about life, war, and loved ones. It's an excellent CD (I'm running out of superlatives, but great comes to mind). And here's where to hear the powerful, chest-filling, 'Goeienag Generaal' and its inspiring guitar because it's not on 'Die Hits' as are other purely wonderful songs from this album. On 'Jan Skopgraaf', the title song sets the tone for a work at times acoustic, at times rock -- and always well-written, well-expressed Piet Botha. Here is 'Blues vir Louise', versions of which are on live compilation CDs where they are played with variations in the middle bars. And here's 'Riemtelegram' where ensemble playing and musical lines mesh precisely. There's also the aptly titled 'Die Hits', full of rock-rich favorites from 'Jan' and 'Suitcase', and other songs like 'Slagtersnek'. These may be solo CDs, but he's not alone. Friends, sidemen, and Jack Hammer personnel contribute, including a couple of musos named Valiant and Koos to rock and songwriting as fine as you've ever heard it. Furthermore, Piet's on compilations from 'Draadloos' to 'Tassenberg' to 'Houtstok' -- enough for a disc in a Piet Botha Box Set. I've used superlatives here that I usually avoid, but just imagine them spoken with a voice sure and deep with conviction to hear the sincere meaning that common superlatives often lack. Staan Saam Piet! Read http://www.pietbotha.com Listen http://www.SAmp3.com/artists.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=piet%20botha Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com _________________________________ 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK ------------------------ London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music GOMMORA - GOMMORA I've got Saddam on the TV and Gommora on the CD, all that's missing is Voice of Destruction. If you don't know who Saddam is, what planet have you been on? You may be excused for not knowing Gommora, although I would question how carefully you read the digest as their album is currently riding high on the Digest album charts. As an aside, Voice of Destruction was a group featuring the vocal talents of Francois Blom, now to be heard on the Digest Album of 2002 'Kobus!'. Gommora is a Kwaito trio hailing from Dobsonville. I must confess that this is my first ever purchase of a Kwaito album which at R59.99 at One World is good value for money. I have heard other Kwaito tracks which have varied from boringly repetitive to highly danceable. However I must admit from the first grungey guitar chords and heavy growling vocals, I realised that this is no ordinary Kwaito album. This is kwaito that rocks as hard as life in the township ghettos. Tracks like the opener 'Halla' along with 'Fear of a Dark Life' and 'Felaba' pound along giving you speakers a good workout. However, the band ensures that the dance factor is still present. This is more prevalent in the more disco soul of 'Uthando Noma Yimali' and 'Living in the Ghetto' which, despite its heavy start melts into a funky piece with a great Ricardo Ducent (he of the soulful vocal on Shaggy's 'It Wasn't Me') vocal. The album closes with the catchy 'Ukufa' that will probably appeal more to Shaggy fans than it would rock fans, but is a nice relaxing end to what is essentially quite a hard rocking and parent advisoryly lyrical album. So while Saddam is the subject of inspections, perhaps you should take this opportunity to inspect Gommora, you may be surprised at how much kwaito can rock. Well there you go, that's your lot. Listen http://www.SAmp3.com Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&id=cdgurb031 John Samson, London mailto:john@sarockdigest.com _________________________________________ 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA ------------------- SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS http://rock.co.za/charts This week [Last week] Title - Artist 30 YEARS AGO (23 February 1973) 1 [1] I Don't Wanna Play House - Barbara Ray 2 [3] Woman (Beautiful Woman) - Don Gibson 3 [2] I'd Love You To Want Me - Lobo 4 [4] Dreams Are Ten A Penny - Kincade 5 [5] Home Isn't Home Anymore - Alan Garrity 25 YEARS AGO (24 February 1978) 1 [1] Subsitute - Clout 2 [2] It's A Heartache - Bonnie Tyler 3 [3] You Light Up My Life - Debby Boone 4 [5] Mull Of Kintyre - Wings 5 [4] Free Me - Uriah Heep 20 YEARS AGO (25 February 1983) 1 [1] I Don't Wanna Dance - Eddy Grant 2 [2] Words - FR David 3 [3] Let's Go Dancing (Ooh La La La) - Kool & The Gang 4 [12] Maneater - Daryl Hall & John Oates 5 [4] Heartbreaker - Dionne Warwick 15 YEARS AGO (27 February 1988) 1 [1] (I've Had) The Time Of My Life - Jennifer Warnes & Bill Medley 2 [2] Never Gonna Give You Up - Rick Astley 3 [5] I Think We're Alone Now - Tiffany 4 [4] Always On My Mind - Pet Shop Boys 5 [3] Mony Mony - Billy Idol In the 4 charts shown above, only 1983 shows a new entry into the top 5. This came in the form of 'Maneater' by Hall & Oates. The song had topped the US charts the previous year. It was the duo's second top 20 hit although 1982's 'Private Eyes' had stalled at number 14. With the exception of Barbara, all the other number 1's were enjoying their 5th week at the top. Barbara was only in her second week of glory. Rick Astley was spending his 17th week in the top 5, 3 weeks more than the next longest runner which was FR David's 'Words'. With a bit of luck we'll see more movement next week. South African's at number 1 this week: Cry To Me - Staccatos (1969) I Don't Want To Play House - Barbara Ray (1973) Substitute - Clout (1978) South African New Entries this week: 22-Feb-74 Miss Eva Goodnight - Crocodile Harris 23-Feb-73 Two Of Us - Dealians 23-Feb-73 Candlelight - Richard Jon Smith 23-Feb-79 Takin' Me Back - Sweet Chocolate 25-Feb-72 Ek Is Verlief Op Jou - André 25-Feb-72 Everything Is Beautiful - Jody Wayne 01-Mar-74 Give Me Back My Woman - Alan Garrity --------------- VINYL JUNKIES --------------- This section (named after the much-missed shop from Fishhoek) is for collectors of vinyl, both South African and International. MABU VINYL 34 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town Albums: Various - 'Springbok Radio Silver Jubilee Show' (2LP) Stimela - 'Trouble In The Land Of Plenty' (LP) David Kramer - 'Bakgat' (LP) OST - 'King Kong' (LP) Wrex Tarr - 'You're Now In Chilapalapa Country' (LP) Singles: Falling Mirror - 'I Am The Actor' b/w 'Making Out With Grannie' (7") Void - 'My Sharona' b/w 'Magicia' (7") Dog Detachment - 'White Flag' b/w 'Monochrome Man' (7") David Nissen - 'Falling In Love' (7") Four Jacks and A Jill - 'Master Jack' b/w 'I Looked Back' (7") Cash paid for records in saleable condition. Jacques Vosloo (+27 21) 423 7635 mailto:vinyl@sarockdigest.com ------------- VIBES VINYL Stadium on Main, Claremont, Cape Town Alan Hilton (021) 683 5676 mailto:ahilton@mweb.co.za ------------ BIRTHDAYS ------------ Feb. 21 - Brian Finch (1947) Feb. 25 - George Harrison (1943, died 29 November 2001), The Beatles Feb. 26 - Johnny Cash (1932) Feb. 26 - Fats Domino (1928) Feb. 27 - Steve Harley (1951), Cockney Rebel Feb. 28 - Brian Jones (born Lewis Brian Hopkin-Jones in 1948, died 3 July 1969), Rolling Stones ______________________________________________ 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS A Readers Forum ----------------------------------- ORDER CATFISH HERE! There are still a few (10?) CD copies of 'Catfish' - the limited edition Albert Frost solo album - available for sale at R100 (plus an extra R30 for postage). Email mailto:catfish@saklank.com asap! ----------------------- ANY TALLENT SCOUTS AROUND? Hi, I was wondering if you can give me some directions how to get in touch with any SA concert promoters. I am thinking about Gary Talley and The Box Tops (http://www.garytalley.com/). Gary is a legend and it would be great to have him performing here in Cape Town. But how can I start such initiative? Who do I turn to? Hope you can give me some valuable pointers. Best regards, Gordana Bischof Cape Town 083 752 8880 mailto:gordana@mweb.co.za -------------------------- 'AMANDLA' FILM CREATES INTEREST Hi. My name is David Tennet. I have been writing bios of the musicians featured in a documentary I saw at the Sundance Film Festival called 'Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony'. It's a film that tells the story of black South African freedom music and the role it played in the battle against apartheid. I was hoping you'd have some information on the any of these musicians: Vuyisile Mini, Abdullah Ibraham, Big Voice Jack, Dolly Rathebe, Hugh Masekela, Joe Nina, Mbongeni Ngema, Sibongile Khumalo, Vusi Mahlsela, Miriam Makeba, Sophie Mgcina, The SABC Choir and Tananas. Any information you may have would be greatly appreciated. I have found some information on Amandla's website (http://www.amandla.com) and some other places, but can still use any relevant information or websites you may know of. Thanks! David Tennet mailto:davidtennet2@yahoo.com {You could try http://www.music.org.za - ed.} ---------------------------- WANT TO JOIN ENTERASYS? Please can you help to find some up and coming members for a band. My name is Steve Spangenberg (ex Free-ride, Ballyhoo and Morocko), and am currently promoting an album for a band called Enterasys. We have almost completed the album, but have recently lost the services of all the current members in the band, except the songwriter and vocalist (who in my mind is the only member that is motivated to finish the album). The financial backing is still available to finish the album as well as a proposed short tour to Europe. A drummer, bass player and guitarist make up the band right now, and anyone interested could email or call me to set up a meeting or audition. Thank you and please keep me posted. Steve mailto:Spanners@netactive.co.za ---------------------------- DRUMMER AND BASSIST (AND NEW CAPS LOCK) NEEDED BaSsiSt and dRuMmEr NEEDED!!! for a rock alternative band. Must be between the ages of 18-23, must have own transport and equipment. We are situated in the areas of Midrand and Sandton. If interested please contact: SHIRI: 083 686 2206 or... CLAUDE: 082 296 5317 --------------------------- WHERE IS THAT THEREMIN? Is there anyone who wishes to sell a Theremin (What's a Theremin? - It's the instrument used to create the musical-saw type effect on Beach Boys' 'Good Vibrations' among others such as B-Grade science fiction movies... 'Mars Attacks' is a classic example). Otherwise if someone could supply me with a circuit diagram (Some of the old electronics constructors magazines sometimes had them as projects). The other alternative is if there is someone who has one, knows how to play it and would be willing to do some session work. I'm also looking for The Believers' debut/demo album. Aletta DuToit was the lead vocalist, and the bassist (as far as I know) was Rufus. I'm not sure but I think it was only released on cassette. Please email me if you can help me in this regard. Cheers! Aidan mailto:soundfx2000@mweb.co.za ------------------------- ANCIENT CD I have an old LP version of Mike (or is it Robert?) Schroeder/Roy Bulkin's rock opera, 'The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner', with narration by the late Oliver Reed, and vocals by Bernie Millar (of Circus fame) and many others {including Crocodile Harris and Des Lindberg - ed.}, and wondered if this had ever made it onto CD? Any info will be welcome. greetings George Fazakas mailto:MUSGSF@puknet.puk.ac.za {It's Robert Schroeder and I don't believe this 1980 album has ever been released on CD - ed.} ------------------------- FREEDOM'S CHILDREN LYRICS Is there anybody out there with all the song lyrics and words narrated by one Ramsay Mackay on Freedoms Children's 'The Battle Hymn of the Broken-Hearted Horde'? Would love to get my hands (and ears) on them. Garry Shuttleworth e-mail: mailto:shuttleworthg@ldr.newsltd.com.au or mailto:storm3@iprimus.com.au {Freedom's Children website (but unfortunately no lyrics) is at: http://rock.co.za/legends/freedomschildren and we believe 'Battle Hymn' will be released later this year by RetroFresh. - ed.} ------------------------- SA VINYL DEALERS I'm from England and visiting your beautiful country for the first time on 3rd of March, staying in Cape Town and Pretoria. I'm a UK collector of second hand records and have been collecting in the UK for over 15 years mainly original 60's Beat, Freakbeat, Psych and some early Prog. I have a very big love with this kind of music. I'm coming to South Africa to visit friends but will no doubt get 60's vinyl withdrawal symptoms being so far away from home. To help me, I would be extremely grateful if you could please advise me where I can locate shops/dealers in or around Cape Town or Pretoria, selling good original 60's South African vinyl 45s/Eps/LPs of both UK and great S.African Beat/Psych groups. Also are there any music clubs I can visit playing this kind on music so I can visit to hear some wonderful 60's/early 70's sounds, from groups like Freedom's Children, Third Eye and the Staccatos, etc.. Many thanks for any help given Best wishes John Lees mailto:JLees@fairport.co.uk --------------------- TWO SHORT ITEMS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST 1) 'Can't Stop Loving You', a current European hit by Phil Collins, was first a hit for Leo Sayer in 1978/1979 with the title 'I Can't Stop Loving You (Though I Try)'. It was also a small hit on the Springbok Top 20 but went all the way to No 1 in Zimbabwe at the time. Phil has changed the lyrics slightly but has made a nice version of the song. 2) For SA DVD fans - There is a DVD compilation in the UK called '10 Years Of Later'. It features performances from the UK TV show presented by Jools Holland. One of the 30 tracks (live performances on the show) is by Ladysmith Black Mambazo doing 'The Star And The Wiseman'. One of the (so far) few SA artists on DVD if I am correct. May be of interest to some. Groete, Chris Kimberley Zimbabwe mailto:cjakimus@yahoo.com {There is a small, but growing, collection of DVDs available at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 - ed.} ---------------------- ELVIS RECORDS BACK IN DEMAND You must be inundated with mail from people who have Elvis records - well I am another one. I have a lot of Elvis 78's that I bought with hard-earned pocket money from 1956 onwards. I am moving on one day soon and wondered if anyone would be interested in them. All in good nick (except for my adolescent signature on each cover, an aid to distinguish them from my sister's collection!). They have been protected since 1971 by a newspaper in which is an advert for the Port Elizabeth Opera House show 'Butterflies are Free' starring Bruce Millar! Entrance fee from 50c; - those were the days! If you can put me on to an interested party I would be very pleased. Regards Peter Anema mailto:Anema@intekom.co.za -------------------------- BUT WILL IT PLAY IN ZIM? Hey, I saw that you sometimes sell South African items.... maybe you can help me... I'm looking for a copy of Metallica's Black album on 12" vinyl from Zimbabwe actually... It has an inverted snake on the cover and is really cool looking.... I will pay a lot of money for the record, $275.00 in fact... please let me know if you can find me one.. it's Vertigo cat no. STARL5856... here's a photo: http://www.angelfire.com/mn/metcollectors/blackzim12.html thanks a lot, Jared mailto:pflyers74@yahoo.com ---------------------- YESTERDAY'S GOLD I am looking for the CD's 'Yesterday's Gold Volume 1-3' and I believe there is a Vol 4 that will be out in March. Does anyone have these CD's or know about them as I have not seen it? I am also willing to help with questions about the Springbok Hits series. I am also looking for 'Over And Over Again' by Daniel Boone on mp3. Kobus mailto:jgb1900@freemail.absa.co.za {The CD series you are looking for is called 'Yesterday's Best'. They were compiled by that guru among SA compilers, Malcolm Lombard, and they feature a selection of South African and International pop songs from the 60's and 70's. Alan Garrity, Bruce Millar, Connie Francis, Crocodile Harris ('Miss Eva Goodnight'), The Staccatos, Maria, Jessica Jones, Roy Bulkin, Jonathan Butler, The Mike Curb Congregation ('Burning Bridges') and Peter Maffay ('You') are just some of the artists featured. See track listings and buy all 3 (not sure about a Volume 4) at: http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=yesterday's - ed.} -------------------- GOT A QUESTION? Please email any musical questions to mailto:soundsolutions@sarockdigest.com This section sponsored by: SOUND SOLUTIONS http://rock.co.za/soundsolutions Sound Solutions is a private music library in Cape Town that offers: 1) Music Searches - Sourcing and recommending songs and music soundtracks for television, film, and radio productions and commercials 2) Music Licensing - Assisting in obtaining the publishing and recording rights for music to be used as soundtracks for TV commercials, movie soundtracks and other productions. Contact: Stephen Segerman - (021) 461-9541 mailto:sugar@rock.co.za ----------------------- THE SA ROCK DIGEST PUBLICITY PACKAGES The SA Rock Digest Publicity Packages are the simple way to gain both initial and long-term exposure through our various online and offline resources. For more info please visit http://www.SAmp3.com/faq.html, or to arrange a meeting (in Cape Town) to discuss the SA Rock Digest Publicity Packages further, please contact Stephen Segerman at mailto:sugar@sarockdigest.com or call 021 461 9541. ______________________________________________ 8.LIVE MUSIC --------------- RECOMMENDED GIGS See http://www.sagigs.com If you cannot access SAgigs.com then e-mail mailto:gigs@sarockdigest.com?subject=gigguide and we will e-mail the gig guide to you each week. --------------- This section is sponsored by: SMOKE SIGNALS http://rock.co.za/smokesignals A fully integrated publicity and events service, specialising in the music and theatre world. Band and concert promotion, press releases, media interviews and 'short hand hyping'. Contact: Brian Weinronk ph: (021) 4619152 mailto:brianwein@kingsley.co.za ---------- GIG GUIDE ---------- The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can now be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com. If you cannot access SAgigs.com then please e-mail mailto:gigs@sarockdigest.com?subject=gigguide and we will e-mail the gig guide to you each week. Please send all gig info to mailto:sugar@sagigs.com in a plain text e-mail. -------- EVENTS -------- KAREN ZOID IN CAPE TOWN It's been almost a year since the Mountains Of Music concert at the Mercury which saw Karen Zoid playing her only recent gig in Cape Town, preferring to perform in outer lying Cape areas. But she's back in the City Bowl with an appearance lined up for Friday 28 Feb at Mercury Live. Apart from being one of the most entertaining performers in the country, Karen is also one of the most prolific. With her edgy and sometimes hard-hitting Afrikaans/English lyrics, and a 'no compromise' delivery, she always succeeds in producing standout performances. Tonight sees her teaming up with N8ive, a new band out of Johannesburg, led by ex Lithium front man Dave Owens. Although little is known about this outfit down here, the industry is abuzz over the new venture with many up-country critics hailing them as the next big thing. Friday 28 Feb at Mercury Live. Couvert R30; doors at 9pm. Read http://www.karenzoid.co.za Listen http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_t_z.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&id=cdemcd5938 ---------- REVIEWS ---------- BOO! At the BASSLINE! - in Melville! Cool pineapples! BOO!'s back in town - only for two gigs in the Bassline. Chris Chameleon and those manic monkis, Princess Leonie and Ampie Omo, are kicking some major monki butt. Most of the time they're gallivanting around Europe (rumours are rife that in Belgium they're national heroes) - and they horsed around in the States. According to TNT Magazine, the dudes had quite a blast over yonder. So. Anxiously we await their appearance. The place is packed to the ceiling - mostly with 20-somethings. In front of the stage a single electric fan tries in vain to stir up some cool air. Some chilled dudes get on the stage - four of them, calling themselves Mamba Washamba. They throw some laid-back tunes with drums, bass and guitars - on lead vocals a tiny thing resembling a lucky packet guitar with little painted flowers is played until it surrenders out of tune. The muso apologises: "Sorry people. Cheap guitar." Some tuning, and on they go. I remember lyrics like "Ag I'll just cut and paste and delete..." and (good one) "This is your wake-up call, I wanna see you naked." Local original tunes, not too shabby. In the sound cage the magic soundman works buttons and controls with a flashlight - and here come the strange people. Huh?? Chris is wearing clothes? I rub my eyes. Yes, there he is - hair gel-free, no make-up, clad in cool white guru outfit. Ampie Omo and Princess Leonie take aim. And that deceptive angelic face called Chris slips into the funky rictus and the neck without muscles. His eyes roll, the head becomes alive. He's Elvis, he's the Joker. He pouts like Marilyn. Symphonic pop explodes around us. Ampie shakes his white tresses and gives the trumpet hell. I hear "Pprrrnnnrrr-poinnnkk-bliiinggggg-boinnggg-koiiii-koii-kooooooooo" and Chris yanks the guitar aside with "Wot if lov is a king and the king That i nid 2 krown is me?" WHOOOAAA!! Yells and boos all around. His fingers do a dizzy bom-bomm-bompitty-bom on the bass strings, and he grins. All the time. Princess Leonie seems to have grown about eight arms. His forearms and wrists have grown into the drumsticks and lazily, but freaking fast, he pummels our ears with sharp, tight, white-hot, insane beats. This he can do in his sleep. The right leg is busy with its own mission. Faster, harder, never missing an iota of the beat. This dude's better than ever. Ampie lifts the arms and yells: "Duz she lyk me? Yes I think I saw her c u twys!" Everyone yells back. And 'Avrocado Pair' dissolves in red flashes and white smoke trailing behind Chris' back. He pulls off the shirt. Hot-hot-hot in Bassline. And he rubs the guitar, sporting that sly little innocent smile. I hear words like "hither" and "auspicious", "zenith" and "fluid unity" - they're in their niche. Clever lyrics, painted with a unique and playful, zesty vibe. We get all the good stuff. Everything. 'Champion' and 'Wishboan', while we all go: "And if I fownd luv, wy am I so hung up ... tar-ra-taaaaa! Tar-ra-taaaaa!" The trumpet goes nuts with 'Hozanna' and 'Krusti' is bloody stunning. They do a lot of new songs. Ampie's triangle sounds freaky and surreal. And Chris tells us the CD's almost done. On their way to the Netherlands for the final mastering, then America again ("... because they luurrve our wuurk..." and then back home. "Because we laaik you ous, man!") BOO!'s going places. AGAIN. Unstoppable and craftier than ever. "I'm so happi 2 b myself! I wood rather b noboddi els! Prowd 2 b myself!" Carina Laubscher Read http://rock.co.za/legends/90s/boo_index.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=boo ---------------------- SA PUNK - GIG REVIEW ---------------------- BOOGALOOS SKATE PARK & HARVEST HAVOC FESTIVAL President High School, Cape Town - 15 Feb 2003 By HughInTheZoo - a very active member of the Cape Town Punk Scene and guest trumpeter for Zero Tolerance. Two gigs in one day for Zero Tolerance! We arrived at Boogaloos at 11 in the morning, but for some reason the sound equipment and drums only arrived many hours later, so we did get to watch some pretty hectic skating by the Viking team and some of the locals. But when Zero Tolerance finally started, the sound was not that great and the trumpet mic was not on (quite a let down, considering that I was playing trumpet on a couple of songs). After performing, we had to immediately mission out to President High School in Parow for the Harvest Havoc Festival and so missed the rest of the bands at Boogaloos. But this was a Festival worth rushing to. On arrival we were handed VIP cards to wear round our necks (to claim our free Steers meal later!) and we looked very important and, dare I say it, punk. Then we saw the sound rig... Wow! It was hectic - 4 speakers on either side of the stage area about three times my height, twice as wide (many thanks to Francois and Wynand for the sweet, sweet sound). We headed upstairs to the "band room" and, as we were busting out with my hakkie sack, the lighting rig was set up and that was pretty hectic too (although they didn't use them when we played). Then a flat-bed truck cruised in and parked behind the speakers - this was to be our stage! Thus, everything was ready. They just went through the mandatory, annoyingly tedious sound check, but finally it got under way. Twisted Oliver, the opening band, didn't get much of a response from the crowd, but they still sounded pretty sweet. Then Zero Tolerance got up and the crowd got going a bit, but a lot of people still seemed a little nervous. I think the most popular song was 'The Jazz Song', with Peter's ripping solo. We got lank "Well done!" and "Congratulations!" and "Damn, you're sexy!" comments afterwards - pretty amping for our first show. After our fourth or fifth song people started to go off, and later with the powerful drumming and vocals of 'My Shade' (a cross between Aftertaste and Slipknot) and the passionate yet vicious sounds of 'Not Guilty'. Most of the night was then taken up by hardcore bands (Impropriety, New World Inside) and eating our free Steers. We left to the insane sounds of Neshamah (now with two vocalists) ripping up the stage, with many old people shaking their heads at the awfulness of it all. One last question remains (and anyone who went to the Silent Screams table, will probably remember this): Is wearing a tie really punk? [HitZ] ------------------------------- ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE TO ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE SHOW Don Bryce donned his Brycest sunglasses&. Selborne Primary School hall, a venue more accustomed to brass bands and string orchestras, resounded to the music of Reggie Dwight, aka Sir Elton John, aka Dr Elton John on Saturday night. In an ambitious undertaking which paid dividends, Rod Brown on lead vocals and piano, with full live backing, had a capacity audience enthralled for a memorable evening of Elton's greatest hits. Sound mixing was by Len Cloete, and overhead visuals produced by Lindsay Rennie added to the atmosphere. After supper, narrator Howard Bradshaw gave a brief account of how the Elton John and Bernie Taupin partnership had come into being. Then an appropriately bespectacled Rod Brown took up his place at the piano and played as his opening number the little known but touching 'Skyline Pigeon'. The rest of the band filed on stage, and by the time we got to the concert-hallish 'Honky Cat', everyone was rockin'. We said goodbye to Daniel, then the pace was picked up with 'Teacher I Need You'. Before going down the 'Yellow Brick Road' with its treacherous vocal potholes, which Rod negotiated safely, we heard the lovely 'Candle in the Wind' and a truly brilliant version of the dramatic 'Funeral for a Friend' with 'Love Lies Bleeding'. These songs with their tricky timing needed meticulous bass and drumming teamwork, but veterans Darryl Parrish and Doug Baker sailed through with flags flying. Rod did justice to Selborne's Steinway Grand with big, sombre chords, and my neck hairs were still standing by the time interval came. 'I'm Still Standing' featured nice lead guitar work by Leon le Roux, and as Howard pointed out, the song kind of mirrors Elton's life, as he survived bereavement, slander, unemployment and all kinds of other hardships, but see what he achieved! The show ended with songs from the 'Lion King', the movie that filled cinemas and had people running to the record shops. If the performers thought that 'Circle of Life' was going to be their last number for the evening, they were mistaken. As the last chord died away, the entire audience went into standing ovation mode. The encore, 'Crocodile Rock', had everyone dancing around the tables, if not on them. They were still crying for more when the band retired "not out". (Don Bryce) ___________________________________________ 9.INFO -------- ------ LINKS ------ Links to artists, gig guides, resources, record labels, recording studios, music trivia and more at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/links --------------- SUBSCRIPTIONS --------------- To subscribe - please send an e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=NewSubscriber Address changes - please send an e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=AddressChange To unsubscribe - please send a blank e-mail to: mailto:unsubscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=unsubscribe BACK ISSUES http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives Online and keyword searchable PRESS RELEASES & CONTRIBUTIONS Please submit all press releases, contributions, reviews, requests, searches and comments to mailto:sugar@sarockdigest.com EDITORS Brian Currin Stephen Segerman mailto:editors@sarockdigest.com CONTRIBUTORS Don Bryce Carina Laubscher Tertius Louw Daniel Neville Shiloh Noone John Samson Kurt Shoemaker Proofed by Ronx SA Rock Digest Computer Systems maintained by Karl Hansen. Karl is highly recommended for home and office PC repairs in Cape Town. mailto:karma@iafrica.com <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>