SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #219 http://www.sarockdigest.com Established 27th January 1999 29th September 2003 ---------------------- IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE ---------------------- The big spring SA music festival weekend is over - Woodstock 5 in Gauteng, Awesome Africa in Durban, and nothing much in Cape Town. So Robin Auld is taking time off from his SA Music Quota Coalition activities (and surfing) to play a few gigs in New York in October with his old CT choms Anton Fig and Keith Lentin, dates and details below ... Nadia Neophytou wrote a powerful article about the SAMQC for a recent Mail & Guardian, and we've reprinted it in full below. Benjy Mudie's RetroFresh reissue label has just released its 25th album - Tribe After Tribe's 'Power' - a wonderful and valuable achievement and archive! See the full list below ... Semisane have regrouped following the split from both BMG SA and vocalist Tikara, and new material and gigs are on the way featuring the band's new vocalist, Holly Rose ... Ronan Keating is coming to SA for two dates in December (one at Kirstenbosch). OppiKoppi 2004 will take place at Pretoria Show Grounds in November - the reasons and details are below ... There's a new jazz club called Bejazzed in The Zone (JHB) and we have all the details about the 5th annual Vodacom Jazz Indaba which is happening on Sunday 2nd November at Moretele Park. New albums this week from Grant Nuss ('Diversity'), Serving Suggestion ('Try Whistling This'), Tsepo Tshola and Sankomota (a greatest hits collection), and Pop Idol finalist Brandon October ('Temptation') ... EMI has released 'Who Left The Boks Out', a collection of motivational rugby songs for the upcoming RWC 2003. But if you'd prefer to sleep through the tournament, then look out for an album of African lullabies by 'The Thula Project'. We've got a recommended list of some of the top SA Blues songs currently available as mp3's at SAmp3.com ... This week tAIT's 'Back Seat Driver' is again at #1 on the Top SA Album Charts, and Bed On Bricks' zany 'Humanarium' makes it to the top spot on the mp3 charts for the first time, well deserved! John Samson shines a light on some hidden tracks on SA albums, Kurt Shoemaker gives us his SA music wish list, and LAD has filed a pre-Woodstock 5 report from Jo'Burg ... We also hear about the Undercover Blues Band, and have a review of the recent Cape Town concerts by Not The Midnight Mass Q-Lyn ... There's lots of letters to Sound Solutions, including one from Rory Blackwell, and Don Bryce closes off with a final word about learning music as a kid. And a Shana Tova, and well over the Fast, to all our Jewish readers! ---------------- EDITOR'S NOTE ---------------- If you miss any issues of the Digest, then you can still read each week's Edition, in full colour, 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. ------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------- 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 ------------ 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: Robin Auld, RetroFresh 25th, Semisane, Ronan Keating, OppiKoppi 2003, Bejazzed 2.CHARTS: Top 30 SA mp3s & albums 3.NEW RELEASES: SA mp3s & CDs: SA Blues MP3's, Brendan October, 'Who Left The Boks Out?', The Thula Project, Orange, Grant Nuss. 4.USA FOR AFRICA: SA Music Wishes 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK: Hidden Tracks 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA: Springbok Radio charts, birthdays, Vinyl Junkies 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS: A Readers' Forum 8.LIVE MUSIC: Events round-up, SA Punk, Undercover Blues Band, NTMM Q-Lyn, East London Calling 9.INFO: Subscriptions & contributions _____________________________________________ 1.NEWS ---------- ROBIN AULD LIVE IN NEW YORK Robin Auld, South Africa's finest surfer-folkie pop-rocker, is taking a well-earned break from his SA Music Quota Coalition crusade, and will be playing several gigs in New York City during October. Auld's first gig is on Wednesday 1 October at the C-Note on Avenue C at 9th. Auld will be playing with Keith Lentin on bass and Anton Fig on drums, starting at 9pm on Wed 1st. Keith Lentin and Anton Fig are both ex-Capetonians who have been in New York since the seventies. Keith has worked with Blondie Chaplin, Link Wray and Keith Richards among others, and Anton has played with many big names, as well as being the drummer in the house band on the David Letterman Show. Both musicians also recently appeared on Steve Louw and Big Sky's 'Beyond The Blue' CD. Fellow Boks Mike Rennie (Sons Of Trout) and Dan Heymann (Bright Blue) are also in line for possible guest slots. Further band gigs are at Kenny's Castaways, on Bleecker St at Sullivan (Thurs 16th and Thurs 30th October at 10pm). Acoustic gigs will be happening at the Village Lantern on Bleecker at Sullivan, Sundays through October from 10pm, with guests and Phil Cimino on percussion. -------------- RETROFRESH RELEASE THEIR 25TH ALBUM! Over the past three years, Benjy Mudie has been steadily giving new life and broad exposure to many classic South African pop and rock albums and artists from the '60's, '70's, '80's, and '90's on his RetroFresh reissue label. This month the RetroFresh label is releasing the 25th title in this essential catalogue, and congrats to them on this important milestone. By now you should own them all, so in case you have missed a few, here is the complete list of those previous 25 releases, year by year: 2000: Via Afrika - 'Via Afrika' éVoid - 'éVoid' 2001: Otis Waygood Blues Band - 'Otis Waygood Blues Band' Lesley Rae Dowling - 'Conspirare - The Very Best of Rae Dowling' Hawk - 'African Day' The Dynamics - 'The Dynamics' Falling Mirror - 'Johnny Calls The Chemist' Circus - 'In The Arena' Dog Detachment - 'Best Kept Secrets' éVoid - 'Here Comes The Rot' Suck - 'Time To Suck' 2002: Peach - 'On Loan For Evolution' Various Artists - 'Rocking Against The System' Freedom's Children - 'Galactic Vibes' Falling Mirror - 'Zen Boulders/The Storming Of The Loft' (2 For 1) Ellamental - 'Uncomplicated Dreams' The Helicopters - 'The Best Of The Helicopters' The Cherry Faced Lurchers - 'Live At Jamesons' Sweatband - 'Lank Sweat!' 2003: Radio Rats - 'Into The Night We Slide' No Friends Of Harry - 'The Present Has Passed - The Best Of' Otis Waygood - 'Simply' Various Artists - 'Rocking Against The System 2' Celtic Rumours - 'Slow Rain - The Complete Celtic Rumours' And now availalable: Tribe After Tribe - 'Power' http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=FRESHCD140 RETROFRESH http://www.freshmusic.co.za/retrofresh.htm -------------- SEMISANE ARE BACK WITH A NEW VOCALIST South Africa's premier pop/rock band, Semisane, winners of the 2002 SAMA Award for the 'Life' (Platinum) single from 'Big Brother 1', return in late 2003 with new material, and accompanied by their new lead singer, Holly Rose. The band recently parted company with record company BMG, and former vocalist Tikara, when their second album, 'Room 2 Breathe', failed to achieve the same success as their big-selling debut album, 'A Life Less Strange' Holly Rose, the replacement 19-year-old UK singer, arrives fresh and loaded with enough sass to equal the soon-to-be released brand new single, set to hit radio in late October. A band spokesman said: “Vocally, Holly exudes a confidence that belies her age. Her stage presence and attitude, a veritable feast that complements a band solid in reputation and hit singles”. A nationwide tour is planned for November/December where fans will get their formal introduction to Holly Rose and to the band's new material. Release date for the single, as well as the tour itinerary, will be available in the coming weeks. Confirmed gigs: Saturday 25 October - Bluewater Bay Festival, Port Elizabeth Thursday 30 October - Doodles, Parklands, Cape Town Thursday 11 December - Sanlam Cycle Expo, Velodrome, Bellville, Cape Town Friday 19 December, AL's, Knysna Saturday 20 December - Flashbacks, Plettenberg Bay -------------- RONAN KEATING IN SA Big Concerts International, Jacaranda 94.2 and KFM 94.5 are very proud to announce that Ronan Keating will be performing in Sun City for New Year's Eve, 31 December and in Cape Town's picturesque Kirstenbosch Gardens on the 2nd of January 2004. The former Boyzone front man, who has just won a Song Writing Award at the BMI European Awards for his song 'Long Goodbye', and been nominated as 'Favourite International Act' at this year's National awards, will be wowing audiences on his 2nd tour of SA. His previous concerts in the UK and Ireland sold out on the first day of going on sale. Keating boasts worldwide sales of over 16 million albums and countless awards, and has just released his third solo album - 'Turn It On'. Tour itinerary: Wednesday 31st December -The Sun City Superbowl Friday 2nd January - Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town Booking at Computicket -------------- OPPIKOPPI 2003 MOVES TO THE PRETORIA SHOW GROUNDS "The tunes they are a-changing" With the move to Fountains Valley in Pretoria two years ago, OppiKoppi took bold steps in creating a more progressive and dance-orientated festival catering for a younger, more open-minded and cross-cultural city audience. This city edition is quickly developing a character all its own, shying away from the wilder antics of its sister festival held in August in the Bushveld. Now that the dust has settled after August's fest, the OK crew can continue to build this new trend with the Pretoria leg being moved later, to the end of November (28-30). This falls in perfect time for an end of the year celebration that falls in the week that varsities and schools break up for the December holidays. The chief obstacle at this time of year is of course, the weather and the probability of rain. Coupled with the fact that it is a more urban festival, it was decided that the stages should be indoors, and the Pretoria show grounds was chosen as the venue to host OppiKoppi, given the first-rate infrastructure and large halls that are available at the venue. The venue is situated in the centre of town, and boasts several huge rooms, ranging in size from 8000 capacity down to a few hundred. The infrastructure includes restaurants, bars and existing food stalls, toilets, fencing and security and plenty of camping space and secure parking areas. In addition, a small theatre, arenas and even a sports stadium are at hand, should the need arise to host an inter-provincial soccer tournament at the festival. During the Pretoria show, the venue comfortably handles up to 45,000 people per day with ease, so any overcrowding that happens will be a nice problem to have in the future. The carnival type atmosphere of the show grounds lends itself perfectly to this kind of event, and a number of outdoor activities and performances are planned. The near perfect scenario that faces the organisers allows them the freedom to get as creative as possible without worrying about snags like an afternoon thunderstorm that could so easily make or break the proceedings. For those fans who still feel the need to camp, there will be a large camping area at the venue. Of course this also solves the problem of driving home late at night after a great party. With the involvement this year of YFM and 5FM, OppiKoppi is one step closer to creating a truly multi-cultural and crossover music event. This year's festival will have the traditional main stage arena (indoors, 8 000 capacity), catering for visiting international bands as well as big name local acts. The dance stage is hosted by 206 Live, who celebrate eight years in the industry with a huge bash at the festival. (Indoors, capacity 5000). This stage runs practically 24 hours during the festival, and includes the best of our local DJ's, hip hop and dance bands as well as their visiting international counterparts. Proudly sponsored by Levi's. The Skelm Stage will be hosted by SL magazine. An extremely popular introduction to last year's festival, this stage hosts an eclectic array of acts, from movies to comedy, whacky theatre, performance art and the not-so-mediocre bands and other maladroit forms of entertainment. In short, anything goes. The small theatre at the show grounds is a true gem, and seats about 300. Here you will find unplugged acoustic sets by some of our favourite artists, theatre performances, a smidgen of jazz acts and also dance groups. A beautiful and intimate way to get out of the festivities and relax for a while. Lastly we have the Red Bull Rare Beats arena, highlighting the bedroom DJ's and producers that make their own electronic music which is not necessarily dance floor material. This stage will have its own beer garden and eatery, kind of like a musical tavern of sorts. Expect some weird and broken beats. Nice. In the walkways between the halls and stages there will be an assortment of impromptu entertainers and mime artists, monsters inc's and other weird and wonderful entertainers decked out in full regalia for your visual and aural pleasure. Other countries that will be represented at this year's festival include Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Malawi, Belgium, The Netherlands, Norway, Cape Town, France and the United Kingdom. The line-up is under construction and promises to be one of the most musically appealing ever. Enquiries: OppiKoppi Tel/fax: 012 460 7431 E-mail: info@oppikoppi.co.za Website: www.oppikoppi.co.za -------------- BEJAZZED OPENS IN THE ZONE September sees the opening of Bejazzed, an exciting new premier jazz venue, situated in the heart of Rosebank, Johannesburg at popular entertainment venue, The Zone. Serving as a bistro/coffee bar during the day and a restaurant with a fusion of Asian, Cajun and African styles in the evening, patrons are promised state of the art sound and lighting with the very best local and international Jazz artists. With its moody blue appearance, and comfortable seating for 150 patrons, the venue is poised to be popular with music enthusiasts from Johannesburg and further afield. The club promotes itself as a family venue, admitting all ages for an entrance fee of R50, although alcohol will be served only to patrons who are of age. Bejazzed is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with live entertainment 6 nights per week [closed on Monday]. Bejazzed have also launched 'The Bejazzed Journal' at major stores around South Africa. As South Africa's only magazine exclusively devoted to jazz, readers can expect detailed monthly features, letters column, a gig guide [national], CD releases, exciting competitions and more; compiled by noted and respected writers. Launched for sale in mid-July to an excellent reception from the public, the magazine sells for R19,95 See a list of Bejazzed gigs for Sept/Oct at http://www.sagigs.com Further information is available at bejazzed.co.za For venue and patron bookings, please contact Rowena at 011 880 1990 or mailto:rowena@bejazzed.co.za -------------- THE 5th ANNUAL VODACOM JAZZ INDABA 2003 Over the last five years the Vodacom Jazz Indaba has become one of Gauteng's premier Jazz events. The fifth anniversary will once again be hosted on Sunday 2nd November at Moretele Park following the success of the event at this venue. The Vodacom Jazz Indaba has continued to grow in stature and numbers, and has played host to Southern Africa's biggest names in Jazz. This year is no different, with over 10 bands appearing at this one-day event. A fun day of chicken-braaing and tunes in the sun at the pristine Moretele Park is something no jazz lover can afford to miss. Confirmed artists include: Ringo Madlingozi, Vusi Mahlasela, Tsepo Tshola, Don Laka, Sipho Gumede, Winston Mankunku and Bongo Maffin, who will perform for the first time at this year's event. More artists will be confirmed in the next week or two, so watch this space. Gates open at 11am, and the show starts at 12pm sharp. Tickets will be available at Computicket shortly. Prices will be R75-00 at Computicket, excluding Computicket fees, and R100-00 at the gate. For a map and more info go to www.oppikoppi.co.za Phone 012-460 7431, e-mail mailto:info@oppikoppi.co.za. ---------------------------------- 2.CHARTS ---------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com 1. [2] (1) Humanarium - Bed On Bricks (Indie) 2. [3] (2) The Meaning Of Goodbye - James Stewart (Street Level) 3. [4] (3) Cosmo Girl - The Fallen (Indie) 4. [5] (4) Milk Cow Blues - Delta Blue ('Inbluesstation'/Merchant Records) 5. [6] (5) Jaded Mind - Morning Haze (Indie) 6. [1] (1) Summer Sun - Zen Arcade ('Release'/Indie) 7. [8] (7) Master Jack - David Marks ('The Hidden Years'/3eM) 8. [13] (8) Let Me Know - Ystervark ('Living It Up'/Indie) 9. [7] (2) Springbok Sampler - Springbok Nude Girls (Sony) 10. [15] (10) 4X4 - Steve Hofmeyr ('Toeka'/EMI) 11. [14] (11) Crystal Clear - Seven Day Story (Indie) 12. [10] (10) Fabulous Day (Kwaito Mix) - Redd-Angel (Sexy Records) 13. [23] (13) James Brown (I Ain't) - Martin Rocka ('Martin Rocka & The Sick Shop'/Gosatango) 14. [9] (1) Make It Your System - Lazarus ('Parallax View'/Indie) 15. [12] (2) Fallacy - Not My Dog (Wolmer) 16. [21] (16) Plan My Attack - Soulja (Indie) 17. [16] (8) House (mix) Of The Rising Sun - Hot RS ('I Get So Excited'/EMI) 18. [17] (1) Madiba 1990 - Bright Blue (SAmp3.com/Bright Productions) 19. [26] (19) Sugar Man - Rodriguez ('Cold Fact'/PT Music) 20. [11] (3) Affliction - Scarlet Host ('Do It Yourself Volume 1' EP/Indie) 21. [19] (1) Fallen - Velve (Single/Street Level) 22. [25] (22) Alie Barber Theme - Alie Barber ('Alie Barber' TV Soundtrack/Thrive!) 23. [-] (23) Castles (Remix) - Freshlyground ('Jika Jika'/Freeground) 24. [18] (14) Makweru - Tananas ('Splashy Fen'/3eM) 25. [-] (25) Lilly Dance - De-Javu (Single/Bowline) 26. [30] (26) Sign Language - The Famous Roaches ('Splashy Fen'/3eM) 27. [-] (27) Rich Folks Hoax - Amanda Strydom ('Verspreide Donderbuie/ Scattered Thunder'/JNS) 28. [-} (28) Things 2 Consider - Skwirmish ('The EP'/Indie) 29. [-] (29) Only If It Rains - Off The Edge ('Site Under Construction'/Indie) 30. [20] (2) Geek - Jakkie Louw en Daai Band ('Klein Karoo Cowboy'/Afrimusik) -------------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [1] (1) Back Seat Driver - Tait (Fresh) 2. [2] (2) Inbluesstation - Delta Blue (Merchant) 3. [4] (3) Sui - Benguela (Open Record) 4. [5] (4) Drop The Debt - Various (Sheer) 5. [10] (5) Johnny Clegg - A South African Story - Live (Value) 6. [9] (6) The Remix Collection - Brenda Fassie (EMI) 7. [3] (1) Release - Zen Arcade (Indie) 8. [11] (8) Slow Rain (The Complete Celtic Rumours) - Celtic Rumours (RetroFresh) 9. [8] (2) Rocking Against The System Vol 2 - Various (RetroFresh) 10. [6] (4) Klein Karoo Cowboy - Jakkie Louw (Afrimusik) 11. [7] (1) No Warning - Jo Day (Legend) 12. [16] (12) Another Universe - Arno Carstens (Epic) 13 [12] (1) Chasing The Sun - Karen Zoid (EMI) 14. [15] (14) Our World - Soweto String Quartet (BMG) 15. [18] (15) Sagtevlei - Alex Van Heerden and Derek Gripper (Open Record) 16. [13] (4) Kicking and Screaming - Toxic Shame (Legend) 17. [14] (1) TNTLC - Boo! (BMG) 18. [26] (18) Jika Jika - freshlyground (Freeground) 19. [17] (2) Homegrown Vol 2 - Various (EMI) 20. [19] (7) The Present Is Passed (The Best Of) - No Friends of Harry (RetroFresh) 21. [20] (2) Healing Destination - Mac McKenzie and The Goema Captains Of Cape Town (Afribeat) 22. [22] (1) Die Mamba - Piet Botha (Rhythm) 23. [24] (23) Rough Cuts - Janie Jones (Sugar Music) 24. [21] (9) The First Lady And The Boys - Tamara Dey (Gallo) 25. [23] (9) Roger Lucey - 21 Years Down The Road (3eM) 26. [30] (26) Rock The Bedsprings - Old Mol (Legend) 27. [-] (27) Diversity - Grant Nuss (Indie) 28. [25] (1) Wrapped In Stone - Watershed (EMI) 29. [28] (2) Soil 7t7 - Soil 7t7 (Indie) 30. [-] (30) Greatest Hits - Tsepo Tshola And Sankamota (CCP) 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 ------ All the mp3s listed here are available to download at http://www.SAmp3.com - the biggest South African mp3 website in the world. -------------- WE GOT THE BLUES FOR YOU (A short list of recommended SA Blues tracks available at http://www.SAmp3.com) 'Troublesome' - Delta Blue There is no blues like a slow blues... except maybe a fast boogie, and this song is both. Composed by Delta Blue, this is possibly one of the best original blues songs I have heard in a long time, and the competition is really tough (see the list below for example). Taken off Delta Blue's superb new CD, 'Inbluesstation'. 'Meisie van die Ooste' - Alta Joubert Delta Blue's Gerald Clarke plays mouth organ on this cool Afrikaans boogie by Alta Joubert off her new 'Warrelwinde' CD. 'I Have The Blues' - Kaal Stunning slow blues from Kaal. Taken off their aptly titled 'Blues To The Bone' CD. 'This Is Jesus' - Koos van Zyl "Why should the devil have all the good music?" sang Cliff Richard way back when. Namibian Koos van Zyl takes the blues to the cross, instead of the crossroads on this track off his 'Stay With Me' CD. Great guitar from Wouter de Bruyn who can also be heard on Brian Finch's latest CD, 'Never Look Back'. 'Lovestruck' - Jesse Jordan feat. John Mair One of the late John Mair's last guitar solos, laid down for this Jesse Jordan song off 'Flipside'. 'I'm A Man' - Swamp Funk Quartet The Usual suspects with Ted Baumann give a Deep Purple tinge to the blues. 'Moan In Blues' - Akkedis and Friends The Dennis Brothers from Stellenbosch, with Blues Broer Albert Frost on guitar, Valiant Swart on bass and Springbok Nude Girl Francious Kruger on drums, sounds like a super group to me! 'Senior Citizen Boogie' - Too Old To Rock "You're never too old to rock and roll if you're too young to die". Funky instrumental blues from this Stateside duo. 'Pay Pay Blues' - Rupert Mellor Bouncy, light-hearted song about being in debt (a standard blues situation) from ex-McCully Workshop piano man. Everybody gets the blues sometime. 'Oh Why' - Mike de Jager Technical instrumental blues rock from this UK-based guitarman. 'The Mississippi Muthers Blues' - The Mississippi Muthers Dan Patlansky and his Muthers have been making a name for themselves with their 'Standing At The Station' CD. Here's a superb example of what they do so well. 'Suikerbossie Blues' - Jakkie Louw Traditional folk song like you've never heard it before! "Suikerbossie ek gaan jou vry". Originally composed by Josef Marais and first recorded in 1942. 'Misvuurtjie' - Laurinda Hofmeyer Is this blues? I'm not really sure, but it doesn't seem to sound out-of-place at all in this good company. Love that Ray Manzarek-style piano solo. And also highly recommended: Blues Broers, Boulevard Blues Band, Piet Botha & Ronnie Zonked. This list is not exhaustive. Just browse around; there are plenty more blues songs on http://www.SAmp3.com. Trying using the onboard Google search engine and search for "blues". (BC) TASSENBERG ALL*STARS Next week we'll showcase a selection of tracks from all the Tassenberg All-Star CD's including the brand new 'Tassenberg All Stars Volume 4' which was launched last Thursday evening at the High Street Theatre by Trippy Grape. ----------------- SEARCH FOR MP3's Use the SAmp3.com onboard search engine, powered by Google, to search for mp3s on http://www.SAmp3.com. ----- CDs ----- 'WHO LEFT THE BOKS OUT'? The 2003 Rugby World Cup begins in three weeks in Australia, and it is time, as SA rugby fans, to forget about the Tri Nations and other recent disasters (like the Cricket WC), be careful not to step on the big ugly bump under the carpet, and focus on the task at hand, which is supporting our Bokke all the way in the upcoming tournament. Recent form is always a big, but not defining, pointer to the results of World Cup tournaments, but all the teams start fresh, with no previous results being relevant, so anything can happen, and we seriously hope it does! To get everyone in the correct spirit, EMI has released the first musical compilation of RWC2003 songs. It is called 'Who Left The Boks Out' (heh heh) and it has that stompy new SA RWC theme tune by Johnny Clegg called 'Amajongosi' (it means "young oxen" or something), and the Claire Johnstone and Jeff Maluleke duet called 'Together As One (Khanye Khanye)' that many people have been asking us about. Of more interest to us is the inclusion of a new Karen Zoid song called 'Give Those Boys A Kiss'. If that's not enough to tempt you, then consider this - among these 19 tracks are ones by Leon Schuster, Steve Hofmeyr, Dozi, Kevin Kay, Sunette, and Pieter Smith. And 'Who Left The Boks Out' has a RWC2003 match chart in the booklet so you can follow the progress of the Bokke while listening to these rousing tunes! -------------- BRANDON OCTOBER TO RELEASE 'TEMPTATION" Brandon October, the vocalist who stole the hearts of thousands of Idols viewers in 2002, is set to release his debut solo album, 'Temptation', in early October. The first single off 'Temptation', is the album title track, 'Temptation', which is due on radio soon, giving the first clue as to the direction of the album. 'Temptation' was produced by Rich Aronson of the Human Music and Sound Design Initiative - a global conglomeration of producers, songwriters, musicians and engineers - at his state-of-the-art studio in Johannesburg. Aronson is best known for his work with Atlantic Starr, Phillip Bailey, George Benson, Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross. Aronson (an American) is using his network of contacts to ensure Brandon's first release has just the right ingredients to make it a standout domestically and able to measure up against quality projects on a global scale. The mixing engineer is Steve Shepherd who is best known for his work with multi-platinum recording artist Kenny G; guitarist Grant Geissman is a world class musician and composer who has recorded with such artists as Brian Wilson, Quincy Jones; and all mastering work is being undertaken by Doug Sax who was nominated for a 2002 Grammy in the Album Of The Year category for his work on the Dixie Chicks' "Home" album. And that is just for starters. It's a fine team and together with Brandon's recording company, BMG Africa, a repertoire of internationally penned songs has been chosen, reflecting the pop sound (with just enough soul) that suits Brandon's vocals. Since he shot to fame on Idols in 2002, this Cape Town-raised young man has been burning a trail on the live circuit - performing everywhere from schools to high-profile corporate events and many other platforms. This young dynamo has also just landed himself a presenting role on Kyknet, which is set to be broadcast from the 2nd October 2003. One of the highlights of 2002 for Brandon was the opening ceremony of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, where he sang the Summit's theme song to delegates and millions of television viewers across the globe. Amongst his other accomplishments was performing at the Klein Karoo Festival's Big Band Pops Evening, sharing the stage with esteemed South African personalities such as Amanda Strydom, Gloria Bosman, Coenie De Villiers, Koos Kombuis, Nataniel, and Sarah Theron. The singer was also the guest performer at the Miss Namibia Pageant 2003 in Windhoek, broadcast internationally. -------------- SERVING SUGGESTION RELEASE 'TRY WHISTLING THIS' In the last few months, Cape Town-based Serving Suggestion have seriously been turning up the heat. With an independently released EP already under their belt, they have slowly been building up a strong fan base with their tight performances and energetic live shows. Now they are about to release their first full-length album, 'Try Whistling This', which showcases the mixture of modern rock and melodic punk that Serving Suggestion has become known for. Produced and mixed by Anton Van Schalkwyk (Rustiband, Cruel April, Niche) and recorded and mastered by Paris Lucas (The Benjamin Gate, Superfine, The Finkelstiens), the new album brings with it a slightly more mature sound than their previous effort. 'Try Whistling This' will be having a double launch - the first was last week at the Mercury Lounge alongside Skwirmish's 'The EP', and the second will be at The Newsong Festival in Hartenbos on Monday 29 September 2003. LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_l_s.html -------------- GRANT NUSS - 'DIVERSITY' Grant Nuss has officially released his debut album, 'Diversity'. The album has 10 tracks, all written by Nuss, and features himself on guitar and vocals alongside the talents of top Cape Town musicians like Tom Fox (guitar and production), Nelson Barbosa (bass), James Stewart (backing vocals), Richard Black (guitar), Peter Cohen (drums), and Rupert Mellor (keyboards). 'Diversity' was recorded at Street Level Studios in Cape Town and at Paris Studios in Fish Hoek. It includes the three songs that appeared on Nuss' debut EP, which are 'Now That I Found Your Love', 'You', and 'Save Your Love For Me'. Other tracks on 'Diversity' are: 'Stay With Me', 'Time To Change', 'Cape Town', 'Forever Together', Little Angel', 'Hold On', and 'Before You Break My Heart'. 'Diversity' is distributed through Bowline. -------------- TSEPO TSHOLA AND SANKOMOTA - 'GREATEST HITS' [CCP] Sankomota are the Lesotho group who set the eighties on fire with their unique brand of Afro Beat-style music that still rocks, right into 2003. Now CCP has just released a greatest hits album that brings together the best of Sankomota and Tsepo Tshola, the group's gravel-voiced singer, who scored huge solo hits with songs like 'Bonang Sefapanong', 'Akubutle', and 'Ho Likile'. You'll also find all Sankomota's classic tracks on this 16-track album including 'Papa', 'Stop The War', and 'Bakubeletsa'. -------------- 'THE THULA PROJECT' An album of South African Lullabies 'The Thula Project' is a 14-track CD with a range of traditional and contemporary South African lullabies. These are performed by a range of SA artists including Gloria Bosman, Sun Glen, Faith Kekana, Loyiso, Martin Machapa, Lucia Mthiyana, Neo Muyanga, Bham Ntabeni, Wendy Oldfield, Cindi Sampson, Nana Seo, Jessica Sherman, Priya Singh, Brother Clement Sitole and Aveline Twala. An accompanying 32-page booklet includes lyrics and English translations, artists' comments and photographs by Johannes Dreyer. 'The Thula Project' is co-produced by independent media production company, Human Truth, and composer and sound designer, Philip Miller. The Thula Project is part founded by the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC), and the South African - Norwegian Education and Music Programme (MMINO). -------------- THE ZAZONE.COM SA BAND SPOTLIGHT -------------------------------------- http://www.zaZone.com LAD, the dedicated webmaster of zaZone.com, throws his regular spotlight on one of the many SA bands currently affiliated to his SA music site. Last week he was up in Gauteng for Woodstock 5, which finished on Sunday. He filed this report in advance of the Festival and has promised a full report soon: A PRE-WOODSTOCK ROUND-UP Phew, what a week, but we're in Johannesburg now and have listened to four bands already: Jo Day, The Fallen (both at band practice), and Oratorio and Morning Haze (at the Horror Cafe, Newtown). If we were still in Cape Town we'd have driven around the peninsula a few times already, but up here in Gauteng we've not crossed over our route twice... Judging from Jo Day's band practice the band's performance at Woodstock is going to be a killer performance which should definitely not be missed! By the time you read this the Woodstock gig, and Jo's performance will be history. If you missed being one of the first people to get your hands on her new CD, 'The Truth', then rush over to One World http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=jo%20day and get yourself a copy! The Fallen are working on getting their performance tighter and are also working on some new material which sounded great. The live versions of 'Cosmo Girl', 'Runaway', and 'On Your Own' really rocked. Listen to 'Cosmo Girl' at http://www.SAmp3.com/songs.html Oratorio is a four-piece band whose gig started great, with some nice sounds, but their sound got heavier toward the end of their gig and they ended off by remaking AHA's 80's classic 'Take On Me', it was, to say the least, a very interesting version! Morning Haze, another of my fave bands, rocked the Horror Cafe with a really tight stage performance. They have a great stage presence and belted out some fantastic tracks. I was really impressed with Will's impromptu solo performance after the lead guitarist broke a string and had to replace it. The band is working on a new CD, which should be out by the end of October. Listen to 'Jaded Mind' at http://www.SAmp3.com/songs_e_k.html We're now preparing to go to Woodstock, where we're staying in a chalet and will be documenting some of the going's on - watch this space. Incidentally, I've heard several people in shopping centres all talking about going to Woodstock, or knowing of someone who's going to Woodstock. Bands, please feel free to visit zaZone.com and sign up; fans, feel free to visit zaZone.com, find out where bands are playing and support SA music! Sponsored by zaZone.com Promoting SA Music... http://www.zazone.com -------------- Email your MP3 reviews to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=mp3reviews Download South African mp3's from http://www.SAmp3.com South African Music: Loud 'n Proud -------------- 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 ______________________________________ 4.USA FOR AFRICA ------------------- Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music. SA ROCK WISHES I discovered SA rock by seeking Four Jacks and a Jill's Greatest Hits. Then I followed an SA Rock Digest editor's advice and bought 'The Best of SA Pop Volume 2' (a double CD still reasonably priced and still great--using "great" only in a superlatively laudatory way). So I bought some CDs, traded a few tapes, and watched my world of interest in one country grow. My enthusiasm for SA rock continues unabashedly undiminished. Via the Internet I have made good friends of people I've not yet met, and have found many new favorite songs. But even though Retro Fresh is fulfilling some wishes, I have a few others.... First, how about a double live set from Springbok Nude Girls? That's lacking from their ouvre (aside from a new CD, a US release, and a US tour with Seether opening): two CDs worth of a live SNG experience, like Jack Hammer's upcoming live two-disc release. Another CD from Squeal would be fun, and the songs are out there. Two years ago David Birch and Squeal released an Internet EP and announced plans to release several more EPs this way, so the songs would benefit by a CD release--as my listening pleasure would benefit. To close where I came in, how about a box set of Four Jacks and a Jill? Something modest such as 'The Complete Four Jacks and a Jill' containing every song they ever made, including Glenys Lynne's solo work, plus The Zombies' album made before they teamed up with Jill and became Jacks. I need more of this melody-driven music sung by the sweetest voice I know. But even if these three wishes don't come true, I continue to enthuse over the fine rock I discover with every new One World order and with the help of my friends (most recently: No Friends of Harry, Otis Waygood, Karen Zoid, McCully Workshop, HOT RS, Arno Carstens, Celtic Rumours, and Roger Lucey). Thanks, y'all! 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: HIDDEN TRACKS I have often wondered what the point of the hidden track is on CDs. This phenomenon started by Nirvana on 'Nevermind' {I'm sure there'll be a debate about that one, John - ed.} is usually reserved for stuff that wasn't good enough for the album, or it's just the artists messing around in the studio. Rarely are hidden tracks worth listening to, however, there are some exceptions. Here is a bit of insight into which tracks are worth leaving the CD on for. Koos Kombuis is probably the master of hidden tracks. His 'Ver Van Die Ou Kalahari' has no less than 4 hidden tracks, 'Die Mooiste Love Songs' has 2 while 'Blameer Dit Op Apartheid' and 'Madiba Bay' have one a piece. Of these, 'Die Kakhuis is Vol' on 'Blameer…' is possibly the best. Done to the tune of Pink Floyd's 'Comfortably Numb', it tells the plight of someone waiting to use the toilet, but there appears to be a hung over person occupying the cubicle. Also worth a mention is the 4th hidden track on 'Ver Van…' which is an a capella Afrikaansed version of 'The Sound of Music's' 'My Favourite Things'. Anton Goosen's 'Bushrock' and ''n Vis In Die Bos' both feature hidden tracks, the latter sounds as though the engineer left the tape running while Goosen was busy rehearsing which is quite fun to hear, but if you're looking for a whole song, 'Bushrock' features a nice earthy blues one that has a slight eastern sound to it. Those of you looking for a different side of Just Jinger should leave 'Strange World' playing after the last track fades. 'I'm Overjoyed' is a bouncy sing-a-long featuring a musical hall type piano and Art sounding positively upbeat and having fun. Scabby Annie offer a 3 minute thrashy punk epic after the last notes of 'Superhero 2000' have died away. 'Blow My Nose' features all the things that make for good punk. Off key singing, simple grinding guitar keys, pounding drums, anthemic chorus and disturbing lyrics. The latter not being for those offended by bodily functions. Others worth mentioning are a beautiful guitar-driven piece on Edi Nederlander's 'Dreamland', 'Vassit Op Die Vlaktes' on Billygoat's 'Drawl' which was given a new lease on life on SAM's 'Bring Vir Elvis Terug', and an alternate version of the harmonica-laden blues number 'Big Six Blues' on Piet Botha's 'Death of a Gypsy'. My favourite though has to be Ronnie Zonked's 'Breakfast In Bed' which appeared on the 'African Dope Volume 1' compilation which even made number 5 on the Digest's singles charts. This 'woke up in the morning' blues tune with its growling vocals is a must for blues lovers. Mention should also go to Sonja Herholdt who kindly let us know there was a hidden track on 'Reconstructing Alice' by listing track 13 as '(Not Listed) Hidden Track'. The last word on the subject should go to Boo! who start their hidden track on 'Seventies, Eighties, Nineties, Naughties' with some saying 'Hey, you left the CD on'. John Samson, London mailto:john@sarockdigest.com {One of my favourites is that Primal Scream meets Moby style track at the end of Squeal's 'Civilized?' CD from 1999. - ed.} _________________________________________ 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA -------------------- SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS http://rock.co.za/charts This week [Last week] Title - Artist 30 YEARS AGO (21 September 1973) 1 [1] Take Me To The Mardi Gras - Paul Simon 2 [2] Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet - Maria 3 [5] Baby Blue - George Baker Selection 4 [3] One And One Is One - Medicine Head 5 [4] Ashes Of Love - Dickey Lee 25 YEARS AGO (22 September 1978) 1 [1] Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty 2 [3] You're The One That I Want - John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John 3 [2] Thank You For The Music - Abba 4 [4] Rivers Of Babylon - Boney M 5 [6] You're My Best Friend - Don Williams 20 YEARS AGO (23 September 1983) 1 [1] Baby Jane - Rod Stewart 2 [2] Buffalo Soldier - Bob Marley 3 [3] Every Breath You Take - The Police 4 [4] Flashdance - Irene Cara 5 [8] Candy Girl - New Edition 15 YEARS AGO (22 September 1988) 1 [1] Perfect - Fairground Attraction 2 [3] Simply Irresistible - Robert Palmer 3 [2] Underneath The Radar - Underworld 4 [4] Rise To The Occasion - Climie Fisher 5 [10] Wap Bam Boogie - Matt Bianco http://rock.co.za/charts ------------- CHART CHAT ------------- Paul Simon spent a second week at number 1 in 1973 with Maria clinging to the number 2 spot. The George Baker Selection was making a play for the crown as well. Meanwhile at the bottom of the top 20 that week, a classic rock tune was debuting at number 20. Deep Purple's 'Smoke On The Water' was the only new entry in the top 20 that week. 'Baker Street' was enjoying a third week at number 1 and was doing well to ward off the Greasers. Country and Western stalwart, Don Williams, had his 2nd top 5 hit with his 3rd top 20 hit. Texan-born Williams actually only had 1 song ('I Believe In You') make the main US charts. He had a multitude of songs make the US Country Charts, 15 going to number 1 there. Interestingly his 2 top 5 SA hits were his only UK chart entries. In 1983 the world was introduced to Bobby Brown who was later to have a string of hits in the US. However as part of New Edition, he had to be content with scraping a number 46 position in the US with 'Candy Girl'. One time husband to Whitney Houston, South Africans spotted the talent earlier than the US and propelled the song into the top 5. It seems fitting that as the sad news of Robert Palmer's death filters through, our charts show him sitting at number 2 15 years ago in South Africa. This was to be his highest charting song. Matt Bianco had evolved out of the group Blue Rondo A La Turka and saw their only charting song in SA move into the top 5 in 1988. ROBERT PALMER'S SA CHART SUCCESS (Format: Date of entry - Song (Weeks) Highest Position 25 Apr 1981 Johnny And Mary (8) 5 20 Jun 1986 Addicted To Love (12) 4 13 Aug 1988 Simply Irresistible (22) 2 JOHNNY CASH'S SA CHART SUCCESS 3 Oct 1969 A Boy Named Sue (4) 13 South Africans at number 1 this week: Paradise Road - Joy (1980) Hak Hom Blokkies - David Kramer (1981) Woodpecker From Space - Café Society (1985) South African New Entries this week: 22-Sep-72 A Shoulder To Cry On - Denise Freeman 22-Sep-78 You've Got All Of Me - Clout 24-Sep-71 Time After Time - Judy Page 24-Sep-71 Can We Get To That - Peter Vee 25-Sep-70 Ain't Love A Funny Thing - Sam Evans 26-Sep-75 Don't Play It No More - Don Stanton 26-Sep-75 My Klein Wit Duifie - Tameletjie 28-Sep-79 Hot Summer Night - Night John Samson --------------- VINYL JUNKIES --------------- This section is for collectors of South African and International vinyl. -------------- MABU VINYL Please Note!!! Cape Town's finest vinyl store has moved and is NO LONGER at its new premises at Mermaid Building; Buiten Str (between Long and Loop Strs). Due to unforeseen circumstances, the shop has had to move again. We will have details of the new address as soon as we get them. Please contact: Jacques Vosloo - 082 534 6006 mailto:vinyl@sarockdigest.com -------------- VIBES VINYL Stadium-on-Main, Main Road, Claremont This week's specials: Deep Purple - ' Mark I & II ' (2LP) - Unique to S.A. pressing Frankie Laine - ' Frankie Laine in South Africa' (LP) Johnny Mathis - ' You light up my life ' (LP) - Zimbabwean pressing Rod McKuen - ' Concert Collection, 1. Live in South Africa, 1975.' (2LP) Ivan Rebroff - ' Sing vir ons ' (LP) - Unique to S.A. pressing The Troggs - ' Very best of ' (2LP) - Unique to S.A. pressing 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 ----------- September: 29 - Marq Vas October: 5 - Ronnie Robot (Rabbitt, 1954) 8 - Jenni Lonmon (Little Sister) 13 - Lionel Petersen (1947) 14 - Alan Garrity (1947) 21 - Manfred Mann (born Michael Liebowitz, 1940) 22 - Mike Eager (1953) 24 - Peter Hanmer (Off The Edge, 1959) 30 - Brian Davidson (Freedom's Children, 1948, died 4 December 2002) 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 please contact these writers and help out as well. Thanks if you do! -------------- BLACKMORE'S NIGHT Hi I am a life-long Blackmore fan and am close to Jerry Bloom in the UK who does the MBTP magazine. We would like to find out if any interest exists in SA on Blackmore, to see if people would like to subscribe to the mag. I have been to most Blackmore's Night German shows since the start, as well as the last Rainbow and Purple shows up till '93. All in all I have seen Blackmore about 30 times!! ... can't get enough! I am trying to assess if there could be an SA interest in Ritchie Blackmore, I am close to the UK fan mag and would like to test if we could attract any possible Blackmore fans, I do have flyers and copies of the mags. Hope you'll find this of interest Alan Turner Mailto:aturner@paarlgravure.co.za THE SOUTH AFRICAN DEEP PURPLE FANSITE http://rock.co.za/deeppurple -------------- NEW SURFER MUSO STAR SENDING SPAM? We normally delete spam mail on sight, but we were delighted to get this one below from Jack Johnson, our new favourite US folkie, whose two albums to date - 'Brushfire Fairytales' and 'On And On' - have begun to attract a SA interest to match that from overseas.... Hi, I know you want to refinance your home so here is the website you wanted where lenders compete for your business. Thanks, Jack Johnson Ed. Hey Jack! Don't give up your music job! -------------- WHAT EXACTLY DOES "IMAGINARY" MEAN?? Good morning, On the site - http://www.rock.co.za/files/idiots_index.htm - there is mention of an "Imaginary Battle of the Bands" Compilation CD. Is it actually available to order??? Would love to have it. Please let me know Karen Ed. - "Imaginary" in this case, means just that... it is a figment of Tertius Louw's imagination (the creator of the webpage), and is unfortunately not available in any format and probably never will be... sorry! -------------- DOG MUSIC Hi, I am looking for Dog Detachment, 'The Last Laugh'. Is it still available and if so, where? I have searched but to no avail. Thank you... Peter de Villiers Mailto:devilineden@yahoo.co.uk ED. - You can still find 'Last Laugh' on vinyl, try the two SA vinyl stores Vibes Vinyl and Mabu Vinyl and you should find a copy. Otherwise, we suggest the recent Dog Detachment compilation reissue on RetroFresh which has most of the Dog Detachment material. Available online at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=detachment -------------- OUI! SA MUSIC IS (HOW YOU SAY?) TRAY BEEN 'Ullo, I'm new, from France, and I just discover Big Voice Jack, Busi Mhlongo, and others, someone has bringed me from a journey in your country. Enjoy life :) pierrO Mailto:ragondin@wanadoo.fr Ed. Is this what they call a French Letter? -------------- WEEPING! (This email was received at the Bright Blue website at http://rock.co.za/brightblue ) Subject: Thank u! country: South Africa age: 17-30 Hi, I'm a 21-year-old history student who has only experienced Apartheid through my studies and the accounts of people old enough to have experienced the horror and brutality of that period in our country's history. I first heard 'Weeping' a few years ago, and I can honestly say that no prose or oral account I've ever come across has conveyed the pain, injustice and ultimate irony of Apartheid as effectively as your song does. Thank you for helping me to truly understand something that I was fortunately spared the experience of. It is a legacy that will forever be an ugly part of the history of this beautiful country and is not something that any South African should forget. Thanks to a great song like 'Weeping', we can all share the pain and say "Never Again" to such injustice! Once again, thank you! Nafisa Sheik Mailto:nafs2k@yahoo.com Peter Cohen (drummer for Bright Blue) replied - Dear Nafisa Thanks so much for your touching note... I am totally delighted that 'Weeping'... such a pretty song, has been able to make something so ugly, so clear to you. I suppose those of us who were there at the time should realise how hard it is for younger people to see the horrors of apartheid as clearly as we do. If anyone asks you about it, you can just tell them to listen to 'Weeping', hopefully it will have the same effect on them as it does on you. Peace and Love Peter Cohen Bright Blue -------------- FRANKLIN AND BELLJAR Hi Guys, Really appreciate all the great info on SA music - be it artists, recordings, venues etc. There are a great new number of SA acts that are fast becoming a force to be reckoned with but are never mentioned - have you heard of Franklin? Have you heard of Belljar? Let's start with Franklin (ex Allegory) - the band consists of ex-members of Ginger, Beeskraal and obviously Allegory. They are signed to Bryan (one of the vocalists with Westlife) who happened to see a talent that locally no one could see. By the way this is no boy band, but serious Rock! He flew them to Ireland to record their demos a couple of times. The last E-mail I received they were opening for none other than Metallica and Linkin Park in Ireland. My question is "Why has no-one picked this up?" I know they are the type of guys that don't make too much noise but deserve a lot of respect for what they are doing. Watch out for Franklin! Belljar are still very much in SA but slowly making great in-roads. A very good band with great songs and an attitude that demands respect - a very pro band. The only thing about the band that people will know is the voice of the singer/composer/ guitarist, who is also the original vocalist in the now famous Vodacom Ad ('Seize The Moment'). I believe he has written much better songs. For those lucky enough to have seen this band so far realise this is no flash in the pan-they are going to go very far. The new line-up is still in its infancy and when the time is right everyone will know them. Ask Barney Simon -he saw them at one of their best gigs in JHB. So do yourselves a favour - Watch out for Belljar. aggi Mailto:bushcallmng@telkomsa.net Ed. You heard the man! Watch out for Franklin and Belljar! -------------- RORY BLACKWELL Hi, I am trying to buy as many as I can of the records I recorded in South Africa back in the 60's. I lost all my recordings in a fire on my return to the UK. I made three LP's and lots of singles, including two that made the LM and Springbok Radio Top 20's - 'Thank you very much' and 'Have a drink on me'. I do hope you can help me, I am at present playing drums with Status Quo. Thank you... Yours in music... Rory Blackwell Mailto:roryblackwell@aol.com -------------- FRESH CORRECTION Hi there, Just to let you know that the recent freshlyground launch was held at Studio One, and not “the Studio” as mentioned in your Digest last week. Freshlyground played to a crowd of over 700 strong, which is impressive considering they have only been going 18 months! It was well worth seeing them again. Thanks, Karina -------------- AND TIME, GOES BY, SO SLOWLY.... Hi, An interesting thought that “...'Unchained Melody' was written in 1917” (see Digest #218). I have read a lot about the composer Alex North, who was born December 4, 1910, and nowhere does it suggest he was a child prodigy. If it is true, I would love to know where the info came from so I can verify it with my own eyes. However, it is normally accepted that he composed the tune around 1954/5 for the film 'Unchained'. Best wishes Mike Fowler Mailto:mikefowler@mac.com Ed. - Can anyone add some info to this 'Unchained' debate? -------------- WHERE'S MARK? Hi, I wonder if anyone can help me please. I'm huge fan of SA music and whilst still living in South Africa used to follow around a mental case - that I can only describe as South Africa's Ozzy Osbourne - that being the lead singer from Metamorphosis, Mark Vas. What happened to him......? Please, please can you help!!!! Thanks Lolla Shapiro Ed. - Marq Vas is alive and well and living in London. He does a live slot (on the phone from London) on the Barney Simon show on Sunday evenings on 5FM. Marq Vas can be contacted at mailto:marqvas@yahoo.co.uk -------------- PHRINGE BENEFITS! Hi, I bought 'Mellow Drama' {the debut album from SA band Phringe - ed.} from One World in July 2003. The purchase process was painless and I received my CD in just over two weeks. Not bad considering I live in Seattle, Washington. Soon after opening the package, I was grooving to 'Park Bench', my favourite track. The vocals and guitar on this track are exemplary and really set the tone for the rest of this gritty and fresh album. 'Sundowners' is a beautiful piece of guitar work and segues wonderfully into the haunting lyrics of 'Halo'. The sultry sounds of 'Need' and infectious groove of 'New Heart' add further weight to this impressive piece of work. I could go on but I would just wind up naming the rest of the tracks... All in all this has been a great purchase that has provided me with hours of listening pleasure. Regards! T. Kincer, Seattle, WA, USA READ http://rock.co.za/legends/2000plus/phringe_mellow_drama.html LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com/samplers.html BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=phringe -------------- GO TO PARLIAMENT AND ASK ANY POLITICIAN! Hi, Where in the Cape Town area can I buy Gravy Train CDs? Thanks mars Mailto:ars@imaginet.co.za Ed. - Try Alan at Vibes Vinyl Phone: 021 683 5676 or mailto:claus@vibesvinyl.com -------------- GOT ANY GOOD NEWS? Hi there, I'm looking for 'Give me the good news' (by Crocodile Harris) on mp3. Is it available, and if so, where can I find it? regards, w "t3con" Mailto:t3con@kanonberg.co.za -------------- WONDERING ABOUT AMERSHAM Hey there! I was reading the new SA Rock Digest and I came across this little piece in it - "Underground's 'TAFL' gets yet another glowing review in the 'Varsity' magazine ... Amersham is also the name of a stop on John Samson's tube ride home, so he is jolted into reviewing that band's album, 'Wearing Thin'"... And I was wondering if you mean Amersham in England. Because I go to school in Amersham and I would just like to know. Thanks, Prathna (UK) Mailto:prathnasingh@yahoo.com Ed. - Hi Prathna, Yes, it is the Amersham in London, near where our London correspondent, John Samson, lives. That's where the SA band Amersham took their name from. But the "Underground" in the band's name Buckfever Underground is not linked to the London tube system. -------------- IT'S JOHNNY Howzit, Just how fussy is Brenda? Johnny from Boksburg -------------- GOT A QUESTION? Please email any musical questions to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=soundsolutions ----------------------------- THE DIGEST CLASSIFIED ADS ----------------------------- To advertise in this section please email: mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=classifieds -------------- VAGABOND MUSIC & WEB http://www.vagabond.za.net Get your band or business online. We design from scratch or take over the maintenance when your hotshot designer gets bored with updating. Clients include: www.freshmusic.co.za , www.rhythmrecords.co.za , www.eiservices.co.za , www.pietbotha.com , www.gregsgolftours.co.za , www.25hourstudio.com , www.jamesonline.co.za (James Stewart), www.4suregolftours.com and www.tait.co.za Contact Brian on 0825678779 or use the form at http://www.vagabond.za.net/contact --------------- SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC QUOTA COALITION The following article on the SAMQC by Nadia Neophytou appeared in an edited form in a recent edition of the Mail & Guardian. Here is the full piece: “There's been too much Missy Eliot and way too little Lebo Mathosa on my poor eardrums,” types Thando Mkhize. A columnist for yeahbo.net, Mkhize is one of over twelve hundred people that have added their signatures to an online petition to increase South African music on radio. Called the South African Music Quota Coalition (SAMCQ), the group aims to gather as many signatures as possible, both online and off, to lobby the government for an increase in the current quota, which is set to change next week. The quota on South African music first came into action in 1997, as legislated by the Independent Broadcasting Authority, the predecessor to today's Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). As with other countries that have asserted their independence in the face of American imperialism, South Africa introduced music regulations to develop and protect a national identity, and also to encourage an economically productive local music industry. After a public enquiry into South African music content, the Authority established a quota figure of 20% for music radio stations, which would be reviewed after three years. The review process is now up and, after consultation, ICASA has decided to increase the quota figure to 25% for commercial stations and 40% for public and community stations. These revised quotas officially come into play on August 22. But the SAMQC is not satisfied with the new figures and is pushing for 50% all round. It argues that to achieve the goals of development and to protect our local music, a higher quota needs to be implemented and, more importantly, enforced. Founding member, stalwart singer-songwriter Robin Auld is one of the people who took part in the review process leading up to the quota revision and found the outcome inadequate. Auld created the coalition to assemble like-minded individuals who are discontented with the amount of local music played on radio and the effect this is having on the industry as a whole. Don Laka, Henry Ate's Karma-Ann Swanepoel and Guy Buttery are just a few of the musicians who have joined, along with representatives from record companies and productions houses, as well as concerned radio-listening citizens. Back in 1995, a group called the South African Music Content Alliance made a similar call for a 50% quota. Michael Markovitz, advisor to the chairperson of ICASA, says the timing was not right then for the quota to jump from the 5 percent that was being played to 50%. He believes the increase to 25% on commercial stations now is adequate and in good progress, considering that a decade ago stations like 5FM were playing a fifth of that. The process is a gradual one, he says, adding, “This quota is not a ceiling figure.” Indeed, it is to be reviewed again in 2007. The SAMQC believes this is too long to wait. It wants the higher quota to be implemented now so the benefits will already be underway three years down the line. Auld is hoping the increased quota will do for South Africa what it did for Australia's cultural production. “The Australian quota came in high but once the country had accepted that it wasn't a colony anymore and it started to produce its own top-class movies and music, the quota didn't need to be so high because the change in mindset was there.” “There's a switch that needs to be flicked somewhere in the nation's head”, says Auld, referring to the negative perception most South Africans have of the music created in this country. Madoda Mditsha, marketing manager at the SABC and firm supporter of the coalition, believes radio plays an important role in cultivating this perception: “Radio stations perpetuate this mentality that what we do is not good enough, by relegating local music to the early hours of the morning and keeping it outside the spectrum of what is considered popular.” The coalition maintains this negative perception is keeping local music down. It feels that a change in attitude cannot happen while South Africa is struggling to hear itself among the Justin Timberlake's and Ja Rule's that are currently taking up most of the airtime. As independent record label owner Roach puts it: “Our airwaves are too open to overseas artists, and rather than blocking them out completely, we should try to balance it with a fair trade agreement of sorts.” He envisions a reciprocal arrangement where overseas artists are allowed entry into the South African market and onto South African airwaves, on the condition that our artists are allowed similar entry into theirs. As it stands, South Africa sends hundreds of millions of rands in royalties each year out of the country to overseas major label head offices, according to the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA). The revenue these royalties generate could be going into developing our music industry, says Mditsha. He believes the quota has important economic implications: “Government needs to take an active role in the quota issue because it has positive spin-offs. Improving this sector means creating sustainable employment and poverty alleviation. That makes the quota issue a political ballgame.” For this reason, the coalition is on a mission to obtain at least ten thousand signatures for a petition to be handed over early next year to the Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Dr Ben Ngubane. It will also be approaching political figures this month to address the issue, taking the quota beyond its artistic and cultural merits into the realm of business and politics. But the possibility of increasing the quota even further raises questions about quality and quantity. Although Metro FM often plays more than the prescribed amount of South African songs, music manager Fistaz Mixwell feels that a 50% quota is not viable. “Half of those songs aren't going to be up to international standard,” he says “and they will sound out of place.” Quality is something musicians themselves need to be keenly aware of, says YFM's music manager, Iggy Smalls. YFM currently plays 50% local music already and Smalls see it as a challenge for South African artists to bring out music that will meet the proposed quota. “Artists and producers need to get more serious about the music they release. To take it further, enough artists must get their game up to scratch.” Long-time promoter of local music, 5FM DJ Barney Simon believes the record companies can improve the quality of local music. “We [5FM] get hundreds of South African bands sending demos but the quality is bad and not up to standard to play on radio. These bands have no money to record albums and videos. If the record companies get behind a development system for SA bands it would help musicians to get more air-play on TV and radio.” Fresh Music's Benjy Mudie, echoes this sentiment and says record companies, in the face of dwindling album sales and rampant piracy, are panicking and cutting costs when they should be investing long-term in local artists. “The recording industry used to be a business with ears, now it's just a business,” he says. Mudie's independent label receives 15 - 20 demos a week, indicative of the amount of music being sent to independent labels like Mudie's Fresh Music and Roach's African Dope. Also, the SAmp3.com website offers free downloads of new South African songs every week, another indication of the local music that is recorded and released regularly, just waiting for radio and record label interest. “The [music] industry is using Popstars and Idols as a yardstick of what South Africans have to offer, but that is not so. There is so much music to be heard. Young artists are making cutting edge, challenging music but, because of formatting and high rotation on radio, they don't have a place to be heard, ” says Mudie. Yet format is what provides radio stations with listeners, says Nick Grubb, programming manager at 5FM. When people tune in they know they'll hear a 'contemporary hit' on 5FM or a 'golden oldie' on Jacaranda. Should the quota be increased to 50%, many stations would need more music in their specific format. This would not necessarily allow a wider range of styles and genres of South African music to be played, as the coalition envisions. Formatting, the SAMQC feels, robs the public of knowing the diversity and range of South African music available. “Take Blk Sonshine's 'Born in a Taxi'. Everybody loves that song. But the album itself was initially turned down by most radio stations, until Santam picked up [the single] for a commercial. How many other 100s of songs would the SA public actually love but it doesn't know about because they didn't get the fortune to be picked up by an ad campaign?” asks Auld. Mudie suggests an opening of the airwaves as the next logical step in addressing the format issue. This is costly though, and relies on ICASA to go through its review process before it can be done. But it is a suggestion not to be overlooked, especially if it will help to familiarise the South African public with the multiplicity of its local music and strengthen the industry itself. Ultimately, a strong music industry that can compete on an international level can only come from a concerted effort involving all major players, from record companies to retail outlets, music venues, and the musicians themselves. Nevertheless, the coalition believes an increased quota on radio will stimulate the process to bring the South African music industry up to global standards. If successful, the SAMQC will not only raise the quota, it will also raise the debate, from a level of talks and discussions to a level of action. Nadia Neophytou (previously published in part in the Mail & Guardian) Support the SAMQC, as 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 -------------- 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 mailto: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 Email: mailto:CanIgetAnewEmailAddressPlease@rock.co.za for details. -------------- The Sound Solutions and Digest Classified sections are sponsored by: SOUND SOLUTIONS - 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 ------------------- Full details at http://www.sagigs.com Watch out for: ROBIN AULD LIVE IN NEW YORK - Robin Auld is taking a break from his SA Music Quota Coalition crusade, and will be playing several gigs in New York City during October. SEMISANE - South Africa's premier pop/rock band return with new material, and new lead singer Holly Rose. A nationwide tour is planned for November/December BED ON BRICKS - It has come to our attention that this 4-man gang is in serious demand. This demand has become so drastic that it is almost impossible to get hold of them. According to a secret source the band will perform at Die Mystic Boer in Stellenbosch on Wednesday, 1st of October 2003 RONAN KEATING IN SA - Big Concerts International, Jacaranda 94.2 and KFM 94.5 are very proud to announce that Ronan Keating will be performing in Sun City for New Year's Eve, 31 December and in Cape Town's picturesque Kirstenbosch Gardens on the 2nd of January 2004. BEJAZZED - September sees the opening of this exciting new premier jazz venue, situated in the heart of Rosebank, Johannesburg at popular entertainment venue, The Zone. FIFTH ANNUAL VODACOM JAZZ INDABA 2003 - Over the last five years the Vodacom Jazz Indaba has become one of Gauteng's premier Jazz events. This year's festival will be held on Sunday 2nd November at Moretele Park RAINSHINE IN SA - American rock band Rainshine will be playing at The Macufe Festival in October and at a variety of SA venues as well. The band are extremely popular on the American independent circuit, with a sound that has been compared to Stone Temple Pilots, NIN and the Foo Fighters, and recently released a full-length CD, 'Fallen Hero'. DAVE GOLDBLUM - The PE acoustic guitarist and songwriter will perform at a supper club evening at the popular Valley Harvest Restaurant in 6th Avenue, Walmer, Port Elizabeth, on September 30th, performing material off his latest CD, 'The Dave Goldblum Collection' LIVE - Big Concerts, in association with 5FM, have announced that US rock band Live will be returning to SA for another three live dates in late November. SHARON KATZ LIVE IN SA - The South African Grammy-nominee and international performer, will be returning home to South Africa with her world-class band, and special guest, Dolly Rathebe, for performances at Manenberg's Jazz Café in the V&A Waterfront on Friday and Saturday nights, 3 & 4 October, at 9:30pm. KAREN ZOID - 4 Oktober 2003 - MFM 92.6 bied aan in samewerking met Levi's & Mystic Boer - Mystic Teater Show - HB Thom Teater, Stellenbosch - R50 RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS COMPETITION - Bookings now taking place for October - for further information contact Simon "Squire" Foulds on 082 770 7524. MICHAEL BUBLE IN SA - The 25 year-old Canadian vocalist will be kicking off his tour in Cape Town, on Wednesday 8th October at His People Centre, he will then be heading to Johannesburg for two performances at Carnival City, on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th of October. THE KLIPPIES AND COLA STUDENT SESSIONS - A venture by Bastard Media along with SL Magazine, MFM, UCT Radio, The Independent Armchair Theatre and Die Mystic Boer, establishing a campus-centred live music circuit, Bands based on or around UCT and Stellenbosch University are grouped in pairs (one from each university area) and perform together on consecutive Tuesdays at Die Mystic Boer and The Independent Armchair Theatre. THE MACUFE ROCK FESTIVAL 2004 - This year's Macufe Rock festival rock concert is at the University of the Free State's Shimla Park in Bloemfontein on the 11th of October 2003. With Karen Zoid, Springbok Nude Girls, Boo, American band Rainshine, SpringCan, Disselblom, plus 6 other SA bands will shake your world for the ridiculous ticket price of R30.11th of October 2003 - 12 hours, 12 bands. Details of all these events at http://www.SAgigs.com -------- SA PUNK -------- By Daniel Neville See http://www.SAgigs.com for details and other SA Punk gigs. -------------- LIVE IN SA ---------- THE UNDERCOVER BLUES BAND The Undercover Blues Band have been a popular fixture on the Gauteng music scene for the last six years and have done it all! From Top 40 covers to their own originals to the very popular 'A Tribute To Pink Floyd' show. The band has performed all over Gauteng and Mpumalanga and some of the venues include the Barnyard in White River, the Showcase in Randburg, Steak & Ale, Bella Vida, Café Barcelona, Downtown, On The Rock Theatre, Elephant & Castle, and Whipple Tree Junction. The band is: Francois Louw (lead guitar & vocals), Ettienne Celliers (bass & vocals), Jacques Smith (keybords & vocals), and Arthur Khun (drums). They are all blues men at heart and even though they have played other styles of music it has always been the main love of their musical lives. The band has always had a soft spot for the classic blues bands and artists and Francois's style lends itself perfectly to the blues. Following the huge success of the show 'A Tribute To Pink Floyd', and the positive response it got, the band decided to "give the blues a go". The reaction has been even more positive, mostly from the 30-50 crowd and blues-rock lovers of all ages. As a result the band have been booked for a series of gigs at the Blues Room in October with the Mississippi Muthers. The band's set list includes classic songs by artists like Muddy Waters, the Blues Breakers, Willie Dixon, Jimmie Rogers, Bo Diddly, John Mayall, Freddie King, Albert King, and some of the more modern blues including songs by Eric Clapton, Gary Moore, Robin Ford and Stevie Ray Vaughn as well as some of the band's own original blues songs. The Underground Blues Band has already recorded two CD's - the first was recorded live at The Showcase and contains the 'Tribute To Pink Floyd' show; the second has some of the band's own original tracks. An all-Blues album is currently being recorded by the band. Catch the Underground Blues Band at the following gigs: 23 October - The Blues Room with the Mississippi Muthers. 15 November - (performing as Crossroads) at Nile Crocodile, Menlyn, PTA with special guests, the Mississippi Muthers. -------------- NOT THE MIDNIGHT MASS Q-LYN AT ON BROADWAY (Courtesy The Cape Argus - September 2, 2003 - by Gary van Dyk) Here's another welcome development in the Midnight Mass franchise, and it should be compulsory viewing for all those alleged boy/girl vocal groups that have sprung up from the Popstars phenomenon. Somebody can point out to the children that this is how a vocal group should sound! In fact, I will go so far as to say that Graham Weir should be put in charge of their training during the television series instead of that boring Dennis East fellow. They'd probably get better training and actually learn to sing in harmony much better, and have fun doing it. This time around the difference - which is really no difference - is that the Midnight Mass has gone all male, with the women taking a break, but there's no need to worry because it remains wonderful entertainment. The madcap musical high jinks are all there, but you can't help hearing that the arrangements are nothing to scoff at - there are some great vocal harmonies in action. On the musical side, I have to give the nod to Amanda Tiffin for her work with the boys, but then again she has been working with the group for some time in various capacities and should know what to do with these voices While all the voices work well in these arrangements, one that has grown is Mzwakhe Kheswa, who seems now comfortable with the fact that he has a voice that can take him to the top. When I first heard him a few years ago at a jazz showcase in the city he seemed a bit shy that he could sing well - now he's gone beyond that. Thank goodness! I was very impressed with the solo spots that he was given in the treatment of 'Cotton Fields' and the relaxed approach to 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' has got to be recorded some time. A new addition is Herman Hardick, who is also no slouch in the vocal department. I think he brings an interesting additional dimension to the group, worth hearing even when they eventually get the girls back. The impressive repertoire is also exciting because while the arrangements are serious work, the group can get to show how much fun singing is. In some of the original material the group also introduces some characters that could get a show all of their own. Those "elves from the wrong side of the track" are just begging to be part of a bigger musical, and the folks from Dimpley Dell could possibly tell a lot more about their world if given a chance. Not The Midnight Mass-Q-Lyn has to be experienced if you're into vocal harmony, but be warned: it could be addictive. Director: Megan Choritz Musical director: Amanda Tiffin Cast: Graham Weir, Donal Slemon, Mzwakhe Kheswa, Herman Hardick http://www.sarockdigest.com/midnightmass ---------- EAST LONDON CALLING By Don Bryce Mother City, do you read? [Didn't know you could]... Shouldn't actually insult you cos you are so beeeeeeeeg. Wow, nice tablecloth. Man, when I take my son Andrew there [he's at UCT, poor lad] I can't even find my way around the campus. And that Ratanga place. My word. There's some fast stuff there. I go to strange spots, like Montague Gardens to fetch ink for tattoo artists. Some only use MG ink. But that damn mountain, it jus' keeps moving around. Not like JHB, where you can navigate by towers and stuff, that old crumbling mound of yours is a tricky one, it tiptoes off somewhere else when you're not looking. But folks, I have a Heavy Heart and a Big Gripe this week. No, that's not the whole truth, I had the same HH and BG last week, and the week before, and forever since I was born. You can tell I read PG Wodehouse from this paragraph. Why? Now listen up. Something has to be done, and there must be more influential people than little me [OK, little "i", if my old English teacher is reading this]. Why do SA schools, after all these years, still persist in the silly habit of sweeping music under the carpet, or into the smallest, darkest corner? Sure, sure, there are schools with proud music traditions, but why do students have to pay a penalty to take music lessons, in the form of losing out on other stuff? Music should be a proud part of the curriculum, and not just CLASSICAL and SYNCOPATION [do they still have that]? Remember, you took CLASSICAL and then if your parents were very, very progressive thinking you could get permission to take SYNCOPATION. But that's all hearsay to me, it's what I heard from my sisters, I never "took" music at all, 'cos I was a BOY and BOYS didn't "take" music, or, Lord forbid, domestic science, as it was known then, unless there was, shhhhh!.... something "wrong" with them. [But what gender makes the best chefs?] - OK, euphonium or tuba or bass drum, that was allowed, but PIANO! "Skande! Arme Mevrou van der Merwe, sy kan vergeet van kleinkinders, want Jannie neem KLAVIER! Ek het altyd geweet daar's iets fout met daai seun. Hy speel nie eers rugby nie!" From Grade Dot, kids who show promise and interest should be nurtured and educated in the ways of music. Not only piano and violin but synth, keyboards, guitar, bass. As fast as they learn abc they must learn pitch, tempo and rhythm. That's when their little modems are brand new and receiving data flat out. Did you know that's the best time to learn stuff like languages, and music is really another kind of language. I've tried to teach myself to read music in later years, and I stay ILLITERATE.......... I AM ILLITERATE!!! Thanks to the system. Thanks for nothing, system. I only read chords! Now that I have decided to come out of the piano stool, it's a great social relief. I'll tell you another shameful secret. My eldest sister Carol taught me to READ when I was 2 or 3. Unfortunately not music too, but then she was only 5, and though she went on to play quite proficiently, she was no Mozart [he was 4 and quite good already]. Goodness, we started young didn't we? I was just a wee tot when I was born, I wasn't a great man then [or even now], I'd hate to be recognised and mobbed every time I go down to Canal Walk or the Baxter in my Ferrari. But that's not the point. People, listen! I could read Wit Tier, Mark Condor, SCOPE and even newspapers, fluently, when I started school, but to this day I am a retarded musician. Yet, amongst all my sisters and I, [they took music], I'm the ONLY ONE who has played and still plays in bands for "money" [I'm coming to THAT sore point next time, don't worry]. Yes, folks I am the KEENEST of a large [and musical] family. My late dad Basil was a great admirer of Vincent van Rooyen and Larry Adler [so am I] and could blow the chromatic harmonica so sweetly it would make an angel cry. He taught me 'Lili Marlene' as my first tune on diatonic [a little blighter of a song cos you gotta blow when you think you should suck] and Deep Purple on chromatic, plenty of sharps and flats in that one. I'm going to talk a bit about him in another episode if Sugar lets me. Thanks, Regards D-man from Slummies, Don Bryce mailto:brycefam@lantic.net ----------- GIG GUIDE ----------- The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com Please send all gig info, in a plain text e-mail by Friday 12noon, to: mailto:sugar@sagigs.com?subject=gigs ___________________________________________ 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 AND PUBLISHERS -------------------------------- Brian Currin & Stephen Segerman mailto:editors@sarockdigest.com?subject=SARockDigest --------------- CONTRIBUTORS --------------- John Samson Kurt Shoemaker Carina Laubscher Tertius Louw Daniel Neville Moonshine Lee Wicked Mike Gabi Muller Don Bryce David Marks Robin Auld LAD Proofed by Ronx A SUGAR MUSIC PRODUCTION http://www.sugarmusic.co.za <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>