SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #212 http://www.sarockdigest.com 3 August 2003 Established 27th January 1999 ---------------- EDITOR'S NOTE ---------------- If you miss any issues of the Digest, then you can still read each week's edition online at http://rock.co.za (updated Tuesdays). You can also find all the previous editions of the Digest archived at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives The deadline for Digest submissions and SA gig info is Friday 12 noon. If you would like to contact us, please do not reply to this newsletter! Rather send an email to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=Digest Thanks! Ed. -------------- IN THIS ISSUE -------------- FuziGish touring Oz with Frenzal Rhomb ... Voelvry Doccie on TV... Splashy Fen 2004... The Karen Zoid Band is looking for a drummer ... Putamayo's 'African Groove' ... James Stewart on 'Clone High' ... Simply Red return to SA ... Steve Fataar launches the Velvet Underground in Stellenbosch ... Ystervark and 42 Play... July releases from One World ... 'Song Vir Katryn' ... Wildebeest ... Superfine live ... Cape Town Band battle hots up ... Readers' letters to Sound Solutions ... Charts ... Recommended Live Events ... with a full list of those concerts and all the details at http://www.SAgigs.com ------------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK DIGEST ONLINE ------------------------------------- For a full-colour 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 ----------------------------------------- http://www.rock.co.za From Abstract Truth to Karen Zoid, from 'Astra' to 'Zen Boulders', from 'Ag Pleez Daddy' to 'ZX Dan'... visit the South African Rock Encyclopedia at http://www.rock.co.za ------------ SAGIGS.com ------------ http://www.SAgigs.com The SA Rock Digest list of Recommended Gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com ----------------------------- ONE WORLD ONLINE CD STORE ----------------------------- Selling South African Music to the World http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 ----------- CONTENTS ----------- 1.NEWS: FuziGish in Oz, Simply Red in SA, Steve Fataar in Stellenbosch. 2.CHARTS: Top 30 SA mp3s & albums 3.NEW RELEASES: SA mp3s & CDs: July releases from One World 4.USA FOR AFRICA: Valiant Swart - 'Song Vir Katryn' 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK: Wildebeest - 'Bushrock 1' 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA: Springbok Radio charts, birthdays, Vinyl Junkies 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS: A Readers' Forum 8.LIVE MUSIC: Events round-up, Superfine, Battle of the Bands 9.INFO: Subscriptions & contributions _____________________________________________ 1.NEWS -------- FUZIGISH TOURING AUSTRALIA WITH FRENZAL RHOMB Following their very successful 'Unwanted Travellers' joint SA tour (and the subsequent 'Unwanted Travellers' live CD release), Australian punk band Frenzal Rhomb have returned the compliment and invited FuziGish to take a musical trip around Australia with them for the rest of August. Our top SA Ska-punk band readily agreed, and the tour is up and running. Frenzal Rhomb, currently one of Oz's hottest punk outfits, decided to go back on the road, with their special guests from South Africa, to draw attention to their new single, 'Russell Crowe's Band', from the punk rock hit album of the year, 'Sans Souci'. Russell Crowe's band is also on the road at this time, in other parts of the country, promoting a new single called 'Swallow My Gift'! Those Frenzal Rhomb/FuziGish dates are at http://www.sagigs.com -------------- SIMPLY RED RETURN TO SA FOR 'HOME' TOUR Big Concerts International has announced the upcoming arrival of pop group Simply Red for a four-concert tour of SA. Mick Hucknall, who brought Simply Red to SA in June 1999 for their first tour, will front his group in Cape Town on the 13th (in association with Kfm 94.5); in Port Elizabeth on the 15th (in association with AlgoaFM); in Durban on the 18th (in association with East Coast Radio); and in Johannesburg on the 20th of September 2003 (in association with 94.7 Highveld Stereo). On the 1999 SA tour, Simply Red played to over 60,000 fans and received public and media acclaim for the concerts. This tour will be called the 'Home' tour and the group will be showcasing several tracks off their latest album, 'Home', as well as performing their string of hits off the 'Best Of Simply Red', including 'Fairground', 'Stars', 'Holding Back The Years', 'Money's Too Tight to Mention' and 'Thrill Me'. Simply Red introduced themselves to the world in 1985 with the hit single, 'Money's Too Tight (To Mention)', taken from their debut album, 'Picture Book', which also featured the US number one, 'Holding Back The Years'. 'Picture Book' was followed by a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums: 'Men And Women' (1987), 'A New Flame' (1989), 'Stars' (1991), 'Life' (1995), 'Blue' (1998) and 'Love And The Russian Winter' (1999). Their new album, 'Home', is already approaching world-wide sales of one million, and is very much a back to basics Simply Red album, revisiting their R&B-tinged roots with a gloriously modern twist. Highlights include the hit, 'Fake', 'Sunrise', and the affecting title track, 'Home'. The album also contains versions of 'Money In My Pocket', 'You Make Me Feel Brand New', and the Bob Dylan classic, 'Positively 4th Street'. Tour Dates: Saturday 13th September - Bellville Velodrome, Cape Town Monday 15th September - The Vodacom UPE Indoor Sports Centre, Port Elizabeth Wednesday 18th September - Westridge Park Stadium, Durban Saturday 20th September - Dome @ Northgate, Johannesburg Tickets at Computicket - www.computicket.com Computicket Call Centre - 083 915 8000 For more information on upcoming shows www.bigconcerts.co.za -------------- VOELVRY DOCUMENTARY ON TV KykNet is about to screen a documentary on the famous Voëlvry Tour that took place in the late-80's. The documentary will consist of live footage of the various artists who performed on the Voëlvry tour, such as the late Johannes Kerkorrel, the late Bernoldus Niemand (aka James Phillips), and the hale and hearty Koos Kombuis. The documentary on the Voëlvry Tour will be flighted on KykNet (Channel 35 on DSTV) on the 5th of August at 20:00 and will be repeated on the following dates: Wednesday 6 August @ 15:00 Thursday 7 August @ 10:00 Friday 8 August @ 22:30 Saturday 9 August @ 15:30 Sunday 10 August @ 9:30 Sheer Sound recently released the live album called 'Voëlvry - Die Toer' and also re-released the first Voëlvry album, simply called 'Voëlvry': BUY both titles are available at: http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=voelvry LISTEN download Voëlvry mp3 samplers from http://www.SAmp3.com/sheer.html -------------- SPLASHY FEN 2004 MUSIC FESTIVAL "The Ultimate Outdoor Experience" - Thursday 8 April to Monday 12 April After the success of this year's festival and much deliberation, the organisers have decided to move next year's festival to the Easter weekend. The reason for this is that the Worker's Day holiday on 1 May falls on a Saturday. So, here are the dates for you to diarise in the meantime. And it's only nine months to go to Splashy Fen 2004! www.splashyfen.co.za -------------- STEVE FATAAR AND GUESTS LAUNCH THE VELVET UNDERGROUND This past weekend, Steve Fataar, a member of the legendary SA group, The Flames, travelled from his Durban hometown for the launching of the Velvet Underground, a new music venue situated in Stellenbosch. Joining him on stage were some special guests, including Nici Bremer (a singer and songstress on electric piano), Rhys Johnstone (the original singer in Durban's Scooters Union), and Tim Parr. The concert was also the first time in ages that Steve got to collaborate with his daughter, Tara, who is busy producing her first original album in the nestle of Table Mountain with Third Eye Productions. A few decades ago The Flames were four young coloured boys (three brothers and one good friend), who went beyond the social perimeters of shade, age and talent and were allowed into "white" venues to perform. Their success became cause for youngest member, Ricky Fataar (then only 9 years old) to leave school to be a full time singer and drummer in the group. But the South African borders soon proved too tight for the time, and Steve Fataar, Brother Fataar, Ricky Fataar, and Blondie Chaplin set sail for England and America. At the English docks the soulful rockers weren't allowed off the ship because they didn't have work permits, but eventually (after two weeks) they somehow managed to touch down. The story is fast, Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys heard and signed them to his label (Brother Records), and had them touring as part of his band (Ed's note - three of the Beach Boys were brothers, three of the Flames are brothers, and both bands were signed to Brother Records!). Blondie Chaplin stayed in the States, and is now busy touring with the Rolling Stones. Ricky Fataar also stayed on, and is at present touring with Bonnie Raitt, and is also a producer (having worked with the likes of Neil Finn of Crowded House as well as Phoebe Snow) and secretly (or not so secretly) happens to be one of the Rutles! Steve Fataar's sentiment eventually called him back to SA, where he's subsequently had four children - each following and creating their own new line of music. An accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist, Steve Fataar has just returned from a trip to Australia where he met up and partied with old Flame, Blondie Chaplin, and the Rolling Stones on the Australian leg of their 'Forty Licks' Tour. Fataar has also been acclaimed a "Living Treasure", by the Mayor of Durban! The Velvet Underground is in Bird Rd, Stellenbosch - opp. the Dros, and hosts a dance floor, a sitting area with a small indoor fireplace, and two bars. With an opening act like that it bodes well for future bills! The Flames http://www.the-flames.com -------------- ZOID DRUMMER WANTED!!! Hard Rocking, Head Stomping, Rhythm Harassing, Fun Loving, God Fearing, Clean Living drummer required....! The Karen Zoid Band's long time drummer, Bradley Cooper, has decided to leave the band to pursue a career in the army. Auditions for this position will be held in August and if need be end September. The band's bassist, Llewellyn John, will be in charge of scheduling auditions and answering all related queries before the day of the audition. Don and Karen will be present at all of the auditions. Please send a detailed C.V to mailto:carolinejohn@telkomsa.net or call Llewellyn at 083 597 1570. It will count in your favour if: · You're in your twenties · You have previous band experience · You enjoy travelling · You can sing [although this is not a prerequisite] · You're hard working · You're a non-smoker · You're single or in a relationship that allows you to be away from home for extended periods of time · You live in the Gauteng area or will move here · You are into our music · You have reasonable gear (los die bokvel bongo by die huis) You need not apply if: · You are a substance abuser, the band has a zero tolerance policy! · You have a problem with authority (this ship has one captain) · You do not own a car · You are lazy or have a negative attitude · You have a criminal record that prohibits you from leaving South African borders Please note: This is a full-time position in a company, we do not want a dep. We need commitment. Thanks Karen Zoid http://www.karenzoid.co.za ----------------------------------- ---------- 2.CHARTS ---------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com 1. [2] (1) Fallen - Velve (Single/Indie) 2. [4] (2) Ugly - Springcan ('Wicked Demos'/WickedRock) 3. [7] (3) Hillary - Mitsoo (Indie) 4. [1] (1) Madiba 1990 - Bright Blue (SAmp3.com/Bright Productions) 5. [10] (5) Make It Your System - Lazarus ('Parallax View'/Indie) 6. [5] (5) Race Past The Sun - Dolly Rockers ('Glory Glory'/Indie) 7. [6] (6) War - 12th Avenue (Demo/Indie) 8. [16] (8) Geek - Jakkie Louw en Daai Band ('Klein Karoo Cowboy'/Afrimusik) 9. [3] (3) Let's Get Naked - Evolver (Demo/Indie) 10. [8] (3) Paralyzer - Ghetto Muffin ('Paralyzer'/Milestone) 11. [15] (1) Donkey Rattle - Felix Laband ('4/4 Down The Stairs'/African Dope) 12. [14] (12) Die Mamba - Piet Botha ('Die Mamba'/Rhythm Records) 13. [5] (1) The Banded - The Narrow ('Selfconscious'/Intervention) 14. [11] (5) Bleed - Loogaroo ('Loogaroo'/Indie) 15. [22] (15) Affliction - Scarlet Host ('Do It Yourself Volume 1' EP/Indie) 16. [12] (2) Incision - Pyramid Tongue ('Wicked Demos'/WickedRock) 17. [24] (17) Fallacy - Not My Dog (Wolmer) 18. [13] (13) Sold Out - Sons Of Trout (Demo/Indie) 19. [23] (19) House (mix) Of The Rising Sun - Hot RS ('I Get So Excited'/EMI) 20. [18] (1) Get Some - Soil 7t7 ('Soil 7t7' & 'Wicked Rock'/Indie) 21. [RE] (10) Springbok Sampler - Springbok Nude Girls (Sony) 22. [17] (2) Drop 'n Roll - Track 4 (Demo/Indie) 23. [-] (23) Summer Sun - Zen Arcade ('Release'/Indie) 24. [28] (28) Save Your Love For Me - Grant Nuss ('Diversity'/Indie) 25. [20] (3) Geraamtes - Ekstra Dik ('Uit Ons Koppe Uit'/Indie) 26. [-] (26) Milk Cow Blues - Delta Blue ('Inbluesstation/Merchant Records) 27. [21] (16) Girl - Myburgh ('Burnt Bachelor'/Indie) 28. [25] (27) Lungile Tabalaza - Roger Lucey ('21 Years Down The Road'/3eM) 29. [-] (29) Makweru - Tananas ('Splashy Fen'/3eM) 30. [29] (5) Mellow Drama Sampler - Phringe ('Mellow Drama'/USM) -------------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [4] (1) Chasing The Sun - Karen Zoid (EMI) 2. [1] (1) TNTLC - BOO! (BMG) 3. [9] (3) Homegrown Vol 2 - Various (EMI) 4. [3] (3) Paralyzer - Ghetto Muffin (Milestone) 5. [15] (5) No Warning - Jo Day (Legend) 6. [2] (2) Healing Destination - Mac McKenzie and The Goema Captains Of Cape Town (Afribeat) 7. [16] (7) Release - Zen Arcade (Indie) 8. [5] (1) Die Mamba - Piet Botha (Rhythm) 9. [6] (6) Amandla! - OST (BMGSA) 10. [7] (2) Ceremony - Cofield Mundi (Fresh) 11. [8] (1) Mellow Drama - Phringe (USM) 12. [10] (1) Wrapped In Stone - Watershed (EMI) 13. [14] (13) Roger Lucey - 21 Years Down The Road (3eM) 14. [11] (3) Uit Ons Koppe Uit - Ekstra Dik (Indie) 15. [21] (15) Kicking and Screaming - Toxic Shame (Legend) 16. [25] (25) Rocking Against The System Vol 2 - Various (RetroFresh) 17. [19] (17) The Present Is Passed (The Best Of) - No Friends of Harry (RetroFresh) 18. [12] (4) Confessions In Dub - Jerome Arthur (Forest Moon) 19. [18] (2) Soil 7t7 - Soil 7t7 (Indie) 20. [13] (13) Mamani - Joy Denalane (SonyMusic) 21. [27] (21) The First Lady And The Boys - Tamara Dey (Gallo) 22. [17] (8) Nag Van Die Nerf - Adam Tas (Wildebeest) 23. [22] (2) Selfconscious - The Narrow (Intervention Arts) 24. [-] (24) Back Seat Driver - Tait (Fresh) 25. [23] (2) Dirty Sanchez And The Misfit Kidz - Tweak (BMG) 26. [-] (26) Inbluesstation - Delta Blue (Merchant) 27. [26] (3) Teaching Afrikaans As A Foreign language - Buckfever Underground (Indie) 28. [20] (3) Blues To The Bone - Kaal (Indie) 29. [-] (29) Klein Karoo Cowboy - Jakkie Louw (Afrimusik) 30. [28] (1) Song Vir Katryn - Valiant Swart (Rhythm) READ http://www.rock.co.za/files/sarock_legends_2000.html LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 _____________________________________________ 3. NEW, RECENT AND UPCOMING RELEASES ----------------------------------------- ------ MP3s ------ We now feature readers' MP3 reviews in this section. If you feel the urge to tell us, in less then 50 words, why you like any MP3 currently hosted at SAmp3.com. Then please email us at: mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=mp3reviews and all worthy contributions will be published. -------------- NEW MP3's: JAMES STEWART - 'THE MEANING OF GOODBYE' [STREET LEVEL] http://www.SAmp3.com http://www.jamesonline.co.za James Stewart has released 'The Meaning Of Goodbye' as a free mp3 download, the third from his new batch of solo tracks to follow 'Shine' and 'A Man Like Me'. 'The Meaning Of Goodbye' has been getting a torrent of US interest following its inclusion on the soundtrack of the cool, new animated MTV series, 'Clone High', tipped to follow in the successful footsteps of shows like 'Beavis & Butt-head', 'South Park' and 'The Simpsons'. Clone High was created by animation duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who also voice some of the characters. The series' basic story is that 16 years ago a secret government lab sampled the DNA of many of history's most notable figures and created infant clones of them. Now in their teens, the clones attend high school together in a planned community called Exclamation USA, where they face the typical trials and tribulations of the 'Dawson's Creek' set - as viewed through a funhouse mirror that's been ground up in a garburator and glued back together with Hubba Bubba. (Huh? - Ed) The main (cloned) stars are teenage versions of John F. Kennedy, Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Joan Of Arc and Cleopatra, voiced respectively by Miller, Mad TV's Michael McDonald, Groundling comic Will Forte, Mad TV's Nicole Sullivan and Drew Carey's Christa Miller. Guest voices include Jack Black, Scrubs' Sarah Chalke, Andy Dick (as Van Gogh and Edison), Joe Flaherty, Tom Green, Marilyn Manson, John Stamos and Michael J. Fox. The series uses a wide assortment of cool, contemporary music on its soundtrack, including James Stewart's 'The Meaning Of Goodbye', which appears at the conclusion of the "Litter Kills: Litterally" episode. Download 'The Meaning Of Goodbye' and get all James Stewart info at http://www.jamesonline.co.za -------------- DAVID MARKS - 'MASTER JACK' [3rd Ear Music] Last week Kurt Shoemaker mentioned the very well-known song 'Master Jack' by Four Jacks And A Jill. Well here we have the 1997 recording by composer David Marks himself. David wrote this song on the Helena Goldmine in 1964 and this newer almost prog-rock version also features Jennifer Ferguson on vocals and the backing vocals are provided by none other than "Jill" aka Glenys Lynne. DOWNLOAD http://www.SAmp3.com BUY 'The Hidden Years' by David Marks http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=CDNIC003 -------------- Email your MP3 reviews (or lists) to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=mp3reviews Download South African mp3's from http://www.SAmp3.com South African Music: Loud 'n Proud ----- CDs ----- 'AFRICAN GROOVE' - VARIOUS [PUTAMAYO] 'African Groove' is one of the newer releases from the US Putamayo label, alongside their other recent World Music compilations like 'Euro Lounge', 'Global Soul', 'Asian Groove', 'Arabic Groove', and 'Conga To Cuba'. 'African Groove' is of special interest because it features the SA group African Rhythm Travellers, and SA trumpeter Ndumiso, alongside 11 other artists from the continent. There's Issa Bagayogo from Mali, Julien Jacob from Benin, Hardstone from Kenya and Madeka from the Ivory Coast, amongst others on the CD. The African Rhythm Travellers began in Johannesburg in 2001 as a collaboration between the members of the Cape Town group, Colorfields, and reggae group, The Branch. The result is a blend of funk, kwaito, house and dub as clearly illustrated on the song, 'Khululuma', the group's classy contribution to this 'African Groove' collection. African Rhythm Travellers are Ben Amato (keyboards, guitar, sax, flute), Eric Michot (bass), Ash Read (drums), Lennox Olivier (percussion), Danial "Dials" Gous (guitar), Judah (vocals), and Kirsten Olivier (keyboards). More info on Putamayo, and their wondrous and innovative range of World Music compilations, with striking covers and info and photo-packed cardboard sleeves. See www.putamayo.com LISTEN download 'Write Your Name' by the Branch at http://www.SAmp3.com/rhythm.html -------------- JULY RELEASES FROM ONE WORLD http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 Selling South African Music To The World POP & ROCK: Zen Arcade - 'Release' - Intelligent and diverse second album from one of SA's finest rock bands. Includes the sensational first single, 'Summer Sun'. http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_t_z.html Various Artists - 'Rocking Against The System 2' - Second SA Rock History instalment from the RetroFresh catalogue. This time it's the Nineties with early material from the Springbok Nude Girls, Wonderboom, Sugardrive, Squeal, Just Jinger, alongside rare tracks from B-World, Anti Gravity and Noa Noa. The album is subtitled 'Democracy Rocks'! Delta Blue - 'Inbluesstation' - Stellenbosch blues group serves up a mix of old standards and original gems like 'Milk Cow Blues'. http://www.SAmp3.com/artists.html Tamara Dey - 'The First Lady And The Boys' - First full album from Gauteng's kwaito-dance queen, with a host of top producers adding their skills Various Artists - 'Homegrown Vol 2' - Second batch of SA pop-rock's finest moments from the past 4 years or so. Swerve - 'Take It Up!!' (CD Single) - Ex-Big Brother contestant's theme to the current 'Big Brother Africa' series. Cofield Mundi - 'Ceremony' - New SA pop-rock Diva's debut offering. Celtic Rumours - 'Slow Rain - The Complete Celtic Rumours' - Durban's New Romantic warrior's of the '80's get their full RetroFresh spotlight, with their biggest hit, 'Slow Rain'. Tait - 'Back Seat Driver' - Just released! Debut album from Cape Town's newest rock sensations. Includes current smash, 'In My Arms', and '(I Think I Can) Relate'. http://www.tait.co.za Jimmy 12 Inch - '5 Star' - One of SA's best live bands finally captured on CD. The Finkelstiens - 'The Dawning Of A New Era' - PE punksters' first album with current hit, 'QQ Me'. Four Jacks & A Jill - 'Heart And Soul Of' (2CD) - Double CD of all their hits - 55 tracks in all - At a bargain price of R114.99 SOUNDTRACKS 'Mpharanyana' - Original Soundtrack Recording From TV Series - Archived material featuring the Legends of SA Township Pop 'Alie Barber' - Alie Barber OST - KykNet TV series, about a barber, with music by Taliep Petersen. Download the theme from 'Alie Barber' at http://www.SAmp3.com/songs.html DVD: Brenda & The Big Dudes - 'Best Of' DVD - All Brenda's finest songs, including the hit, 'Weekend Special'. Finally available on DVD Joyous Celebration -'Live In Cape Town' DVD - 25 top songs performed live by this hugely popular Gospel collective. VIDEO: Joyous Celebration - 'Live In Cape Town' VHS - On Video as well! Mthunzi Namba - 'Send Your Glory' Live In Durban VHS - The front man from Joyous Celebration in his solo outing. INTERNATIONAL: Various Artists - 'Drop The Debt' - An important new compilation CD! In each country where 'Drop the Debt' is being released, there is a partnering organisation involved in debt cancellation. In South Africa, the partner is Jubilee SA, who will collect a percentage of the royalty payments from CD sales, as a contribution to their efforts at debt relief in South Africa. The CD features artists from Southern Africa - Oliver Mtukudzi, Steve Dyer, Jabu Khanyile, Louis Mhlanga, Shaluza Max, Suthukazi Arosi, alongside some artists from further north on the continent including Cesaria Evora, Meiway, Sally Nyolo, Lokua Kanza, and Chico Cesar. Various Artists - 'So Why?' - A strong compilation featuring Jabu Khanyile & Bayete, Lucky Dube, and Youssou N'dour. JAZZ: Don Laka - 'Paradise' - The fifth album from the prolific producer, featuring Louis Mhlanga Concord - 'The Time, The Season' - Excellent album, with a fresh approach from the acclaimed SA bassist, Concord Nkabinde, who has performed and recorded with the industry's best (Johnny Clegg, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, and even international artists like Roy Ayres and Colin "Black" Vearncombe). Errol Dyers And Friends - 'Best Of' - Includes a track with the Sheer All Stars Mandla Masuku - 'Keep On Moving' - Older album that was previously unavailable on CD. Various Artists - 'African Jazz Tales' - Diverse jazz album featuring Joe Nina, Themba Mkhize, Tananas, and other big names. Tribe - 'Our Language' - As good as anticipated debut album from Cape Town's cult jazz quartet. Thobela (Geoff Mapaya) - 'Mmiroa' -Geoff's first album, previously unavailable on CD NEW AGE: Ananda Vardhana Dasa - 'What's Life Without Love' - Something different and uplifting - a 3-song "mantra pop" release from Cape Town TRADITIONAL: Tu Nokwe - 'Inyakanyaka ' - Traditional Zulu music featuring Victor Masondo, Bheki Khoza, and Louis Mhlanga. Abaqondisi Brothers - 'The Spirit Of Healing' - Some positive message music featuring the African Jazz Pioneers. World Flavours (Performed by K'Zula) - 'Impressions Of Africa' - A world music meets Africa for the initiate or first time visitor. TOWNSHIP POP: Brenda Fassie - 'The Remix Collection' - Brand new album of Brenda Fassie tracks remixed by some of the top names like Ashley Beedle, 4 Hero, Norman Jay, A Man Called Adam, Bent, and Howie B. Mpharanyana -'Best Of' - Another previously unavailable recording, now on CD. Mpharanyana feat. The Cannibals - 'Best Of' - More from this legend's musical archives. Esta M - 'N'ta Sala Na Mani' - A diverse album from the artist who had a huge hit with 'Loss Matheka' Penny Penny & Joe Sirimani - 'Ndiwe Ndiwe' - The biggest names in Tsonga music, together on one album Chimora - 'Abafazi Ababili' Chimora - 'Intandane' - Classic albums and songs from the Bubblegum era. Freeway - 'Majita'' - Old school township pop, with a disco feel, from way back when. KWAITO: Spikiri - 'The King Don Father Remixes' - Third album from the gang previously known as Trompies! Jamela - 'Nyaka Nyaka' - Debut album with some very catchy songs from this cool, new singer. HOUSE: Afro House Maniacs - 'The Manic Party' - On the same tip as the huge hit album from Rude Boy Paul's 'Azanian '. Dance/Electronica: Various Artists - 'Cape Town 2Am Vol 2 - Approaching Dawn' - Next in the totally chilled Cape Town collection with contributions from Max Normal, Kaolin, Aftertouch, and Anti Hero INSTRUMENTAL: The Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble - 'Tshwaranang/Unite' - 'Buskaid' was founded by British viola player, Rosemary Naldem, who then established the Buskaid Soweto String Project. The school offers specialised tuition to 60 youngsters between 10 and 23 years old. Sponsored by De Beers & Nedbank. COMEDY: Various Artists - 'Biltong & Potroast' (2CD) - Double CD of some SA hardcore humour from the '80's. A stag version of the far tamer radio show. Previously only available on old bootleg cassettes. Features Mel Miller, Cyril Green and Cy Sacks and the rest of the gang. AFRIKAANS: Karen Zoid - 'Chasing The Sun' - Second album from SA's rock queen, and a worthy and equally strong and diverse follow-up to 'Poles Apart'. Jakkie Louw En Daai Band - 'Klein Karoo Cowboy ' - Contains the tracks - 'Terugkeer', 'Ossewa', and 'Suikerbossie Blues'. GOSPEL: Revelations - 'House Hymns Chapter 1' - Gospel tracks with a house remix feel by Jabu Nkabinde and DJ's At Work (Vinni Da Vinci and Christos.) CHOIR: Tygerberg Children's Choir - 'Eternity' - The Cape-based young choir group's sweet and devotional material. KIDDIES: Tygerberg Children's Choir - 'Laai Jou Liefde Op My Lorrie!' - Some Children's songs by the Choir. -------------- ONE WORLD http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 Selling South African Music To The World --------------- MORE REVIEWS --------------- More reviews can be found at: Open Record http://www.openrecord.co.za Amuzine http://rock.co.za/reviews.htm -------------- NEW SA BAND SPOTLIGHT: 42 PLAY AND YSTERVARK 42 PLAY This new Gauteng band have been described as "South Africa's answer to the likes of Matchbox 20 and Coldplay, with twisted dashes of Funk, inspired by the late Earth, Wind and Fire", and are emerging as one of Johannesburg's most original new talents. Fronted by Domenico Benigno (vocals, keyboards and acoustic guitar), 42 PLAY was formed originally as a cover act playing in the main show lounge of the Olympia Countess, a cruise ship sailing from Durban. From playing Frank Sinatra and James Brown covers, to modern contemporary material, 42 PLAY developed a diverse style of music, with elements of swing, funk and jazz incorporated into their rock melodies, all with thought-provoking lyrics. Along with Dom (Domenico), 42 PLAY consists of Daniel Faulkner on bass, Brendon Myers on drums, and Burhmann Steenkamp on guitar. All of these musicians have studied contemporary music. More recently 42 Play combined forces with magazine editor Tim Cohen (What's On), who is now the band's booking and marketing agent. Since getting back on dry land, 42 PLAY have won the Emerging Sounds 'Battle Of The Bands' against the highly-rated Pyramid Tongue, and recorded their debut single, 'Cruel World'. 42 Play perform in and around Jo'burg at venues like Sting, Roxy's, Tempo's, The Songwriters Club, and more recently with a resident slot at 'Drinks' every Friday and Saturday. Worth checking out! -------------- YSTERVARK Pieter, Hardy, Max and Riaan are Ystervark, a vibrant four-man band currently creating quite a name for themselves in the Free State and further afield, including in Kwazulu-Natal. The band recently completed the recording of a seven-track demo CD which will be released shortly, to be followed by a full album. Their demo CD consists of a fusion between rock ballads such as 'Face', 'Let Me Know', more funkier tracks like 'Living It Up' and 'Nathan', and some slightly more hardcore rock in 'Can't Break Me', 'Secret Places', and 'Memories'. Ystervark released their debut two-track demo CD in November 2001, and received airplay on 5FM and RSFM. They have appeared at numerous established events and festivals such as Rustlers 2001, Granaat I, II and III (2001, 2002, 2003), "Op die Eiland", Riversands Rustlers Festival, and were the first band from the Free State to ever perform at Splashy Fen Main Marquee in 2003! Ystervark has also appeared with Perez, Wonderboom, Henry Ate, Anton Goosen, WickHead, Finkelstiens, Tweak, and Tree63, and have performed at venues such as Burn, Die Mystic Boer, and Buccaneers. They are also due to play at Rhodes, the Wavehouse, and the OppiKoppi, Klein Karoo, and Flux Festivals in the near future. The band's full line-up is Pieter Ploos van Amstel (vocalist), Hardy le Roux (guitarist), Max Theron (bass), Riaan Diedericks (drums). The band's style incorporates English modern rock and funk sounds, with influences from Incubus, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Lenny Kravitz, and the band have been described as "enlivening, brilliant, and unique", proving to the rest of South Africa that the Free State is much more than just "mielie pap, boerewors and khaki shorts". Email: mailto:ploosl@doh.ofs.gov.za ______________________________________ 4.USA FOR AFRICA ------------------- Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music. VALIANT SWART - 'SONG VIR KATRYN' [Rhythm Records, SWART 007] It must be fun to be Valiant Swart these days. In photos, he looks happy, but he always has. These days, playing big venues and starring in a TV show, the infectious grin must be even bigger. On his latest CD, 'Song Vir Katryn', Valiant the rocker and songwriter is occasionally also the moody singer. We dance starting with the rollicking opening track 'Dans Met My Baby!', or some baby dances, and our locum rock 'n' roller entertains with many friends, including Barry van Zyl on drums, fellow 'Katryn' star Mel Botes, Albert du Plessis, and Simon Orange and Schalk Joubert of his usual band. Among favourites are: the happy 'Jakarandastrate', the moody 'Ek Wens Hy Was Hier', the jaunty 'Lekker Verby', the enigmatic 'Jy Is Opium', the roadworthy 'Die Sewe Af', and 'Die Son Sak In Danville'. In 'Dad Se Vastrap', one mystic boer recalls some musical roots. Valiant Swart's songwriting often reflects a travelling spirit. He listens to the song on the wind in 'Jakarandastrate', travels the city and country in the very nice 'Lekker Verby', and visits the solar system in 'Jy is Opium'. His lyrics are as intriguing to read as to hear. A few songs have a soundtrack feel, mostly the instrumentals, as if for part of the television program, but they flow well; there's not a bad track on the CD. So perk up with a happy guy and music that makes you feel good without being chirpy --goodtimes stuff--plenty of sharp electric guitar and drums here. 'Song vir Katryn' is a worthy CD from an A#1 Afrikaans talent, the peregrinatin' guitar man Valiant Swart. http://rock.co.za/legends/90s/valiant_swart_index.html http://www.rhythmrecords.co.za/valiant_swart.html http://www.samp3.com/artists_l_s.html http://www.valiant.co.za 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 WILDEBEEST - 'BUSHROCK 1' With a group name like Wildebeest one may be tempted to classify this album as being Gnu-Metal. However it's not metal so that's not the best label for it. The label the CD release it did turn up on was strangely enough Wildebeest Records. With song titles like 'The Horseman', 'Pofadder' and 'Hottentotsgot', one can hardly be surprised that the remastering from vinyl was done by Lani van der Walt of Not My Dog fame, adding to the menagerie of sound (but never sounding like The Animals). So how then would one describe Wildebeest's music? Well, looking at the musician credits, top of the list is Colin Pratley who plays 'African Drums', so you know what kind of rhythms to expect. Next up is Dave Tarr on violin. He provides a decidedly Irish sound to these African rhythms. Despite this combination, don't expect the Afro Celt Sound System as Boet Faber adds a mean rock guitar, a certain JP Botha (known to most of us as Piet Botha), thunders away on the bass while Karlien van Niekerk adds some dramatic vocals to this Afro-celt, rock (bordering on prog) folk sound. It's not too surprising to find covers of Freedom's Children's 'Tribal Fence' and 'The Kid He Came From Nazareth' here as Pratley was once a Children. 'The Kid...' appears here under the name 'Russian and Chips' as the song is given a decidedly Cossack rhythm to it, and followers of Piet Botha will be familiar with this arrangement as he has played it live on a number of occasions. The album was recorded live at Upstairs in Sunnyside, Pretoria in 1981, and I must admit that the rawness of the album takes a little getting used to. There seems to have been no studio technology here to smooth away rough edges, but that lends an authenticity and excitement to the album. Listening to this certainly is the next best thing to actually being there. You can feel the frantic sweaty energy engulfing the small smoke-filled room as you shout back 'Pofadder!' in response to the band's cry, or nod your head along with the audience as Pratley launches into a brilliant drum solo (not quite as long as that on 'Galactic Vibes'). Just don't get too carried away and try and order a beer from your mom, you're likely to get a klap. Voted the local album of the year by Tom Jasiukowicz in the Rand Daily Mail when it was first released, this re-release is well worth owning. These guys could probably make George W. Bushrock. READ http://www.pietbotha.com LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com/artists.html BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&id=wild022 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 (03 August 1973) 1 [3] Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree - Dawn & Tony Orlando 2 [1] Kentucky Blues - Lauren Copley 3 [4] That's Why I Love You - Richard Jon Smith 4 [7] And I Loved Her So - Perry Como 5 [2] Never, Never, Never - Shirley Bassey 25 YEARS AGO (04 August 1978) 1 [1] Rivers Of Babylon - Boney M 2 [2] So You Win Again - Copperfield 3 [6] Wuthering Heights - Kate Bush 4 [3] Heidi - Peter Lotis 5 [5] Love Is In The Air - John Paul Young 20 YEARS AGO (05 August 1983) 1 [1] Buffalo Soldier - Bob Marley 2 [6] Flashdance - Irene Cara 3 [7] Every Breath You Take - The Police 4 [2] Drop The Pilot - Joan Armatrading 5 [3] I Eat Cannibals - Toto Ceolo 15 YEARS AGO (04 August 1988) 1 [1] I Should Be So Lucky - Kylie Minogue 2 [2] Love Changes Everything - Climie Fisher 3 [4] Get Outta My Dreams - Billy Ocean 4 [3] Dreaming - OMD 5 [7] Rise To The Occasion - Climie Fisher ------------- CHART CHAT ------------- Lauren Copley had enjoyed a 4-week run at the top in 1973, but this was brought to an end as Dawn & Tony Orlando edged her out. 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon' had spent 6 weeks floating around the top 5 before making it to the top. Perry Como re-joined the top 5 after spending a week at 2 a few weeks back, then dropping out. Both new entries into the top 20 that week were called 'Shambala'. B.W. Stevenson and Three Dog Night were the artists. 1978 saw Kate Bush (no relation to George W.) charting with her take on Emily Bronte's novel 'Wuthering Heights'. Bush had been discovered by Pink Floyd's Dave Gilmour and signed to EMI at the tender age of 16, however it was 4 years later that she was finally unleashed on the world to great effect. The song rocketed to the top of the UK charts while 'The Kick Inside', her debut album, reached number 3 there. 'The Kick Inside' also featured the keyboard talents of Duncan Mackay, who now lives in Cape Town. Bob Marley retained pole position in 1983. Strangely this was to be his only top 20 hit in SA. He however faced very strong competition from the hugely popular theme tune from the movie, 'Flashdance', which had made number 1 in the US and 2 in the UK, as well as from 'Every Breath you Take', which had topped both the US and UK charts. The question was could Bob hold out against such competition, and if not, who would he yield the title to? 1988 saw the Kylie vs Climie war with the Aussie lass clinging to the top spot for a 6th week. Climie was solid at 2 with 'Love Changes Everything', but reinforcements were on the way in the form of 'Rise To The Occasion'. The latter was available in a quieter pop ballad version as well as a more up-tempo dance version. South Africans at number 1 this week: Paradise Road - Joy (1980) South African New Entries this week: 02-Aug-68 Groen En Goud - Bats 06-Aug-76 Rock Me To Sleep - Mike Eager 06-Aug-76 When I'm Dead And Gone - Bruce Millar 06-Aug-76 Woogie Boogie - Platform 6 07-Aug-82 Slipin' Out The Back Way - Dale Stephens 08-Aug-75 Rock 'N Roll Singer - Copperfield 08-Aug-75 A Picture Of Patches - Jody Wayne 08-Aug-81 Hak Hom Blokkies - David Kramer 10-Aug-73 Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet - Maria John Samson --------------- VINYL JUNKIES --------------- This section is for collectors of vinyl, both South African and International. MABU VINYL 34 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town Falling Mirror - 'Making Out With Granny' (12") Factory - 'Industrial Rock' (LP) Peter Lotis - 'Honey' (LP) The Helicopters - 'What Affair' (12") Anton Goosen - 'Jors Troelie' (LP) Jonathan Butler - 'Crossroads' (LP) Brenda Fassie - 'Black President' (LP) David Kramer - 'Baboondogs' (LP) Cash paid for records in saleable condition. Jacques Vosloo (+27 21) 423 7635 mailto:vinyl@sarockdigest.com -------------- VIBES VINYL Stadium-on-Main, Main Road, Claremont This week's specials: Bats - 'Turn You On' (LP) Canamii - 'Concept' (LP) Tiny Cox - 'In-to-Nation' (LP) Morris Goldberg - 'Jazz in Transit' Live at the Baxter Theatre, (2LP) V/A - 'Flying Circus' La Freak du Sud Rock Nouveau (LP) We pay top prices for top quality. Want Lists Welcome! Call us at: 021-683 5676 mailto:claus@vibesvinyl.com Visit our website at http://www.vibesvinyl.com ----------- BIRTHDAYS ----------- 5 Iain Mckenzie (Zen Arcade) 7 Rupert Mellor (McCully Workshop) 8 Vicki Sampson 8 Karen Zoid (1978) 10 Neill Solomon (The Uptown Rhythm Dogs, The Passengers) 15 Debbi Lonmon (Little Sister) 16 Lionel Bastos 19 Lorne Shields (1948) 20 Gwynneth Ashley Robin (born Gwynneth Joubert 1960, died May 1976) 24 John Ireland (born John Griffith, 1954) 28 Johnny Gibson (1947) 29 Steve Hofmeyr (1964) If you have info on any South African artists' dates of birth, please Send them to mailto:brian@rock.co.za?subject=birthdays ______________________________________________ 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS --------------------- A Readers' Forum featuring a selection of the email requests, questions, searches, and other pieces of random info we receive each week at the Digest. Sometimes we can assist, other times we look to you, our collectively well-informed readers to contact these writers and help out as well. Thanks! -------------- RONNIE ZONKED UNMASKED Ed. - We had a big response to the request for the whereabouts of SA folkie Ronnie Domp from Paul Rae in Digest #210. Thanks to all of you who sent us contact details. Ronnie Domp is currently in Perth, and, according to African Dope supremo, Roach, is "still cooking as a bluesman/entertainer of note. He was in CT earlier this year and played a few gigs at his old stomping ground at the River Club with old mates Tim Parr and co". Ronnie's email address is available from mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=ronniedomp Roach explained that they still speak to Ronnie Domp as they have a track of his on the 'African Dope Vol 1' compilation. That track is the hidden track called 'Breakfast In Bed' - credited in the liner notes to the mysterious "Ronnie Zonked". So now we know who it is who sings "well I wake up every morning and I roll my breakfast in bed..." Listen to 'Breakfast In Bed' at http://www.SAmp3.com/africandope.html -------------- RITCHIE OF "IAN AND RITCHIE" On last week's Digest, Mabu Vinyl advertised an album for sale by Ian and Ritchie. Digest co-editor Stephen Segerman mentioned this on his slot on Monday evening's Bruce Millar Show on SAFM, and asked who the "Ritchie" was alongside Ian Lawrence. Bruce Millar told him it was Ritchie Morris, and this week Bruce received an email from Ritchie, which we will reprint in part: Hi Bruce, My wife and I were listening to your programme, as usual last night and I just had to say thank you for remembering my name! The old memory is still working then? We now live on a cherry farm near Ficksburg in the Eastern Free State. I am still in touch with Ian! On the music front I am still keeping my hand in. We are situated next door to Rustlers Valley so I get to play over there at festival time, but the long hotel gigs are a thing of the past, I am glad to say. Dave Marks is re-releasing a song called 'Zimbabwe' which was produced by Mutt Lange back in the seventies, on a compilation CD, should be interesting! The original version was NOT PLAYED by the then SABC so maybe this time it will get some air. Regards! Ritchie Morris mailto:rifim@hotmail.com -------------- CRY TO US! Hello, As an ex-Staccatos member - lead singer 'Cry to Me', etc - from way back I was looking for a possible email address for our one-time producer Billy Forrest. If you can help it would be nice. Great info and site -what memories! Thanks Steve. mailto:stevel@jvc.co.uk The Staccatos http://rock.co.za/legends/60s/staccatos_index.htm -------------- MAD ABOUT THE MUTHERS I've been watching live music in South Africa for the last 20 years, and I can proudly say SA has a number of world class muso's hanging about. Dan Patlansky & the Mississippi Muthers are a great example of the term of world class muso's. Dan Patlansky in my opinion is the finest blues guitar player I've ever seen anywhere in the world, and its great to know he's a home grown South African. Dan and the Muthers have one of the most amazingly powerful live acts I've ever seen. So if you haven't caught these guys live yet, you're in for something out of this world. Jerry Kipler mailto:jerrykipler@yahoo.com Listen to The Mississippi Muthers at http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_l_s.html -------------- STEVE HOFMEYR REPLIES Just a short note from Steve to reply to Robert, the Frontman of Murdock (who wrote to us last week), about a recurring theme in the Afrikaans rock debate... Hi, Working OUTSIDE the rock scene since 1992, successful concert attendance (or meeting other artists) has somehow become a blasé given. But knowing, buying and interacting with it (and sneaking into Just Jinger, Georgia and The Awakening shows as often as I can), I have found artists of the rock genre use the "lack of marketing" line too often as an excuse for three things: their apathy and laziness under the banner of rockkewl, and their unrealistic take on the size of their respective markets, always confounded when they need to compare theirs to the US or UK markets. Everybody wants to be Aerosmith and expects to fill up Wembley with their forthcoming release, but feels that 75 people inside Roxy is also cracking it bigtime... I agree with Robert when he says: "I find that the marketing strategies that SA bands/artists managements use (if any!) is poor and ineffective". He also seems in touch with the real world when he, very unartist-like, reasons that marketing yourself is not "selling out". I have for many years believed and practised a strong commercial orientation towards my music career. In fact, my "art" moment comes and goes very briefly when I compose. The muse leaves behind a line or two, and the rest is up to me. I have to date composed 12 CD's and even add original songs to my cover or tribute CD's (my pension)! The veritable rest, from repertoire order, CD sleeves, merchandise management, videos, interviews, fan club, website, tour schedules, audiovisuals, lodging, bus maintenance, opening acts, and music, is what my actual career is about. I disagree when artists start believing that they are special, prophets in charge of the beacons of society and its mutable moralities, and that the public therefore owes us their attention and entertainment budgets. Poets have had this chip on their shoulders since pre-BC, when all we really amount to is good ol' fashioned entertainment, gambling with the unforgiving muse no more than any counter attendant does with her boss and for no better a wage. In the Afrikaans rock market, many an ambitious wannabe has been disillusioned, thinking that owning a garage qualifies you for a band, and playing in a band, qualifies you for national adulation. I wish I can send someone all the rock demo's I get weekly, with flowery replies of optimism and good wishes, but five or six rag concerts and three or four art festivals a year, do not make a career and can not do your CD any favours. Neither 300 shows in 30-seaters. If I was a SA rock band, serious about commercial success, I'd get the hell out! But the industry will be no more forgiving abroad than it is here. For most of us there is but one route left, optimising on what we know we can realistically own: an inkling of the local market. Steve Hofmeyr http://www.stevehofmeyer.co.za LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com/samplers.html Ed - Steve's lastest CD 'Toeka' has sold 80 000 copies so far, so I guess he knows what he's talking about! -------------- LEKGOA IS LEKKER! I heard a song by Lekgoa when I was in Zambia in 2001. The title of the song is 'Basetsane'. I would like to buy it - please help me get this song Thanks, Linda mailto:nyama991@hotmail.com ED. - The song Basetsana is on the CD called 'Basetsana' by Lekgoa. It was his first CD and his second is called 'Ngamla Yoba' (not the one you want). You can buy Bastsana at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 or email mailto:info@oneworld.co.za for more info. -------------- AAAH NOSTALGIA! Hey howsit man - Been living in Florida USA last 2 years, grew up in Fish Hoek in Cape Town. 1978 was the most exciting time of my life aged 16, totally switched onto rock with live bands at "off the road", between Kommetjie and Fish Hoek. Used to see bands like Safari Suits, Housewifes Choice, Wild Youth, Private File, National Wake, Rude Dementals et al. Very first band I ever saw was Fred Smith, but my all time favorite was Lancaster band - incredible album. Ummm, have a lot to say, guess I'll leave it for a later stage. Thanks for your website and rocklists. Later, Duncan mailto:dfleming@meadowburke.com -------------- WHERE'S JULIAN? Hi Ed, What has happened to Julian Laxton since his place "Julians" in Blackheath Jhb closed at the end of June this year? Has anyone kept in touch with the man and know his whereabouts, what he's up to, etc.? Would be keen to get in touch with the man. Moonshine mailto:Vernonl@za.ibm.com -------------- ANY PIERRE STUFF OUT THERE? Hi, I'm looking for the music of Pierre De Charmoy, albums, MP3s downloads or any other wave files. If you have any relevant information, would you be so kind as to forward the site address to me. Thank you so kindly Delene mailto:delenedewet@telkomsa.ne -------------- HERE'S JOHNNY! Howzit! Are Lesley and Ray Dowling still married? Chow, Johnny from Boksburg -------------- SONG'S NAME PLEASE (1)? In the seventies a SA group had a song - and the first few lines went like this: "Happy birthday my darling, and many many more, the gift I have for you, is a promise to be true ... ' Could you help me - tell me the artist or song title. The lyrics would help. Regards Suresh mailto:sureshm@iprimus.com.au -------------- SONG'S NAME PLEASE (2)? The song that goes "near a tree by a river there's a hole in the ground". Who sings it and what is it called? I've been searching for hours! Riki mailto:riki@ananzi.co.za -------------- SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC QUOTA COALITION Support this SA musicians' initiative, looking to greatly increase the amounts of SA music played on the nation's radio stations. Join the movement, sign up, or read more at http://www.samqc.org.za -------------- GOT A QUESTION? Please email any musical questions to mailto:soundsolutions@sarockdigest.com -------------- GET YOURSELF A NEW REDIRECTABLE EMAIL ADDRESS Are you tired of complicated hotmail or yahoo email addresses, or is your corporate address very uncool? Or is your favourite nickname already taken? For only R150 per year we will supply you an email address such as "yourchoiceofname@rock.co.za" which will redirect to your current address. Choose from the list below: sarockdigest.com rock.co.za samp3.com saklank.com sagigs.com sugarman.org vagabond.za.net Email: mailto:CanIgetAnewEmailAddressPlease@rock.co.za for details. -------------- This section is sponsored by: SOUND SOLUTIONS Sound Solutions is a private music library in Cape Town that offers music searches, and the sourcing and recommending of songs and music soundtracks for television, film, and radio productions and commercials. Contact: Stephen Segerman - (021) 461-9541 mailto:sugar@rock.co.za ______________________________________________ 8.LIVE MUSIC --------------- ------------------- UPCOMING EVENTS ------------------- Watch out for: SIMPLY RED RETURN TO SA FOR 'HOME' TOUR - Big Concerts International have announced the upcoming arrival of pop group Simply Red for a four-concert tour of SA - Cape Town on the 13th, Port Elizabeth on the 15th, Durban on the 18th, Johannesburg on the 20th of September 2003. AFRICAN DOPE 'OVERDOPE 2003' SA TOUR - a month of weekly simultaneous events in 6 cities, from 12 July - 17 August, featuring: Krushed & Sorted, The Real Estate Agents, The Kalahari Surfers, Honey B, A Blunted Stuntman, Markus Wormstorm, DJ Trouble, and Low. BED ON BRICKS - a new addition to the SA music scene featuring super Sons of Trout vocalist Mike Hardy, ballsy bassist Schalk van der Merwe, tighter-than-tight drummer Tim Rankin and Dave "The Bunny" van de Linden on lead guitar - at the Mercury Live in Cape Town on Friday 8 August 2003 THE CAPE TIMES 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS' - Bands that made Cape Town rock, and the fans scream, in the sixties and early seventies will battle for recognition again, in a series of five shows at Dockside with the first of four preliminary rounds on July 27 and the finals on August 31. FUZIGISH TOURING AUSTRALIA WITH FRENZAL RHOMB - Following their very successful 'Unwanted Travellers' joint SA tour, Frenzal Rhomb have returned the compliment and invited FuziGish to take a musical trip around Australia with them for the rest of August. The top SA Ska-punk band readily agreed, and the tour is up and running. OPPIKOPPI 'HOND UIT 'N BOX' FESTIVAL 8-10 August, OppiKoppi farm, Northam. 54 Ways to win stuff. (or: Where to get free beer and influence people)!!! VALIANT SWART - 'Die Bosch Konsert' - Jinx en Katryn eersdaags in Stellenbosch. Valiant en sy orkes is die gunstelinge om 8 Augustus 2003 in die Paul Roos Sentrum, Stellenbosch. JOE SAMPLE - The Jazz maestro and member of the legendary quartet, The Crusaders, is heading to South Africa this August for two performances, as part of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival series on the 28th of August at the Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg, and on the 30th at the Cape Town International Convention Centre SEPULTURA - WitchdoctorRecords.com, deliverers of The Haunted and Entombed to SA stages, will be bringing Sepultura to South Africa in September. SIX OF NINE - Cape Town band, previously known as Dayspring, heading off in August on the Solarpop X-Tour around the Cape. Details below. WOODSTOCK 5 - The 2003 version begins on Thursday 25th and runs until Sunday 28th September at its new home at Roodeplaat Dam, just north of Pretoria. Confirmed bands include Tweak, Wonderboom, Mean Mr Mustard, Pink Noise, Cutting Jade, The Narrow, Zen Arcade, Jo Day, Soil 7t7, El Camino, and Thirteen. Details of all these events at http://www.sagigs.com -------------- SEPULTURA Witchdoctorrecords.com are bringing out Brazil's premier band, Sepultura, in September. They will be doing a national tour of rare and intimate performances. No cost will be spared in bringing out the full performance spectacular that defines Sepultura. The four SA Shows are: 3rd September - Bat Hall - Durban (500 tickets) 5th September - Mega Music Warehouse - Johannesburg (700 tickets) 6th September - Mega Music Warehouse - Johannesburg (700 tickets) 10th September - Parow Civic Centre - Cape Town (800 tickets) Doors will open at 8pm with the main act commencing at 10pm. Support acts are still to be confirmed. These shows will be all ages with bar facilities for legal patrons (ID on request). Tickets will be limited for these events so as to retain the intimacy of the shows and will be available through Computicket at R185. Tickets will also be available on the night IF there are any left. Tickets now on sale -------- SA PUNK -------- By Daniel Neville This week's top gigs: CAPE TOWN - CLAREMONT CIVIC CENTRE Fri August 8 (R20:7pm) Solarpop X-Tour *Neshamah *5 Star Society *Serving Suggestion *Six Of Nine CAPE TOWN - THE WHAMMY BAR Sat August 9 (R10:9pm) The Whammybar *My Shade *SideArm 66 *Ghost. CAPE TOWN - SOMERSET WEST TOWN HALL Sat August 9 (R20:7pm) Solarpop X-Tour *Neshamah *5 Star Society *Not Guilty *Six Of Nine PRETORIA - THE NILE CROCODILE Sat August 9 (R15: 8pm) Too poor to go to Oppikoppi? * Pet Flyz * Dee Dee For President Watch out for: UNDER-18 (NO BOOZE BUT GREAT BANDS) GIGS! JHB: Thursday 7 August - St Andrew's in Bedfordview Under 18's Party Live on stage: The Finkelstiens Prime Circle Marlowe CAPE TOWN Saturday 16 August - Mercury Live - 2-6pm Mercury Matinee!! 4 Live Bands: Rudimentals Zero Tolerance Janie Jones 4th band still to be announced... See http://www.SAgigs.com for details and other SA Punk gigs -------------- LIVE: ------ SUPERFINE Independent Armchair Theatre, Observatory, Cape Town Watching Superfine perform at the Armchair Theatre last Friday made me thrilled to see them recommended by Mercury's Sean Wienand in last week's Digest. This was not the first time I had witnessed the Superfine magic - indeed two and a half years ago I was under its spell as a judge in the Untamed Sounds competition - but this evening left me impressed, just like all those months ago. Only, more so. Superfine has taken a potentially winning formula and made it a realised one. Adopting a slightly heavier, more rock-oriented sound, and stripping down from a four-piece to a three-piece (the former guitarist is now the sound-engineer), Superfine is an example of all that is good with South African music. Honest, hardworking, incorporating influences from abroad but with a firm grounding in South Africana. I am so excited by Superfine that I want to make an urgent plea to the Masters of the Music Universe. Please let this band be swept up by attention from all corners of the continent. Let their finely written songs be heard on radio stations across our land and their hit-worthy singles fill the top positions on all the charts. Let their catchy, but not too 'poppy', melodies be whistled on the lips of all true music fans. Please, oh please let their stage presence, as sincere and authentic as their tunes, be witnessed at concerts the world over. Let the CD they are currently working on, due for release sometime mid-October, be received with the critical acclaim it will no doubt deserve. Please, don't make a girl beg! Nadia Neophytou -------------- CAPE TOWN 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS' IN FULL SWING The Sunday night just past (Aug 3) saw Round Two in the Cape Town 2003 Battle of the Bands Revival at Dockside, with hundreds of supporters roaring their approval of the Big Sounds of the Sixties provided by Cosmic Prism, Mustang, Sons of Sellassie, and Nu Trend (who play as Special Edition these days). Round One the previous Sunday saw Bone Idol, The Idiots, The Triangles and The Hippies in action, with The Idiots scoring highest points. This coming Sunday (August 10) it's Savage Eye, Threads, Alpha Set, Shelac Proof and Jam Rockers, and for the last preliminary on August 17 the line-up is Drifters, Gayan, Metallic Sunn, Paddy Foot Blues Band, and Auroras. Outstanding musical and vocal ability is coming through in the series, giving a hard time to judges Mynie Grové, Stavro Michel, Jerry Barnard, Derek Marks, Al Etto and Peter Sorrell, who are awarding points for appearance, presentation, repertoire, musical ability and crowd response. The groups are getting all of the latter, make no mistake, with Derek Gordon cracking the gags, and breaking into song himself on occasion, in between acts. Well done Dockside & others for getting all this together. Roll on the Final on August 31 featuring the five bands with highest points promises to be the Big Event of Winter 2003. ---------- GIG GUIDE ---------- The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com Please send all gig info to mailto:sugar@sagigs.com?subject=gigs in a plain text e-mail by Friday 12noon. ___________________________________________ 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 e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=NewSubscriber Address changes - please send an e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=SubscriberAddressChange To unsubscribe - please send a blank e-mail to: mailto:unsubscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=Unsubscribe ------------ BACK ISSUES ------------- http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives Online and keyword searchable ----------------------------------- PRESS RELEASES & CONTRIBUTIONS ----------------------------------- Please submit all press releases, contributions, reviews, gig & festival dates, requests, searches and comments to mailto:sugar@sarockdigest.com?subject=SARockDigest -------- EDITORS -------- Brian Currin & Stephen Segerman mailto:editors@sarockdigest.com?subject=SARockDigest --------------- CONTRIBUTORS --------------- John Samson Kurt Shoemaker Carina Laubscher Don Bryce Tertius Louw Daniel Neville Wicked Mike Gabi Muller Proofed by Ronx A SUGAR MUSIC PRODUCTION http://www.sugarmusic.co.za <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>