SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #220 http://www.sarockdigest.com Established 27th January 1999 6th October 2003 ---------------------- IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE ---------------------- Who is the best-connected South African rock musician you may ask (in a Kevin Bacon/six degrees of separation kind of way)? A strong contender has got to be Steve Louw who has been performing and recording both in South Africa and overseas for many years now and has worked and played with a broad network of SA and international musicians and producers. Last week Steve Louw was inducted into the SA Rock Hall Of Fame and you can read why below ... Black is coming back to SA to record a new album at the Radiopark Studios in Auckland Park in December. Dala Flat Music is a new independent record label, based on the Cape Flats, that will be hosting a live recording in October at The Independent Armchair Theatre in Lower Main Road, Obs ... The RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition has a very busy October program and bookings for November are now being accepted ... Esjay is described as a “Hardcore pop rock artist” and she will be launching her new album at Wave House in Durban on Friday 10 Oct. LAD was at Woodstock 5 and tells us all about it. If you missed that Festival then don't miss this next one ... Bloemfontein is hosting this year's Macufe Rock Festival at the University of the Free State's Shimla Park in Bloemfontein on the 11th of October 2003. 12 bands including Springbok Nude Girls, BOO!, Karen Zoid, Rainshine (USA), dDisselblom, Kelvin Declined, Soulja, Rhütz, Springcan, FuziGish, Orange, and Diesel Whores, all for the ridiculous ticket price of R30. This week we'll showcase a selection of tracks from the previous three Tassenberg All-Star CD's as well as the brand new 'Tassenberg All Stars Volume 4' collection, which was launched two weeks ago at the High Street Theatre by Cape label, Trippy Grape ... Bed On Bricks do not have any plans to cover Johnny Kongo's 'Tokoloshe Man' on their upcoming new album. The Sons Of Trout offshoot are currently holding on to top spot on the SA Rock Digest MP3 charts with 'Humanarium', their slice of contemporary urban philosophy that you can dance to ... Delta Blue's 'Inbluesstation' is at No 1 on the SA Rock Digest Albums Charts. There's a review of Amanda Strydom's new album called 'Verspreide Donderbuie/ Scattered Thunder' ... Manuel Escorsio, yes Manuel Escorsio, reviews a Piet Botha gig in Melville ... And we welcome the “interestingly-titled” new Cape Town punk outfit called Fokofpolisiekar (say it fast, but softly!), Lindsay Ravenscroft was at their recent launch gig at the Mercury ... Golliwog are back with a live gig at the Independent Armchair Theatre in Obs. John Samson reviews Jo Day's 'No Warning' ... Kurt Shoemaker reviews 'Simply Otis Waygood' ... and we have the full list of new CD releases from Oneworld.co.za, the finest SA CD store on the web! ... John Samson was also at the Soweto String Quartet & Manu Dibango concert at St Lukes LSO in London in September and sent us a great review of this royally inspired occasion. October also sees some rare appearances by the SA supergroup Tananas, with Steve Newman, Gito Baloi and Ian Herman celebrating their annual reunion with select shows in Cape Town ... Steve Newman will also be joining an illustrious group of SA guitarists for 'The World In A Guitar', a series of shows with the Aquarian Quartet (Steve Newman, Tony Cox, Greg Georgiades and Syd Kitchen), Errol Dyers, Saudiq Khan, Ashish Joshi, Edi Niederlander, Kesivan Naidoo, Madala Kunene and Terrence Scarr, at the Market Theatre from 15-26 October. And that's SA Music (This) Week! ---------------- 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: Steve Louw, Black, Bed On Bricks, Dala Flats Music, RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition, A World In A Guitar, Esjay, Macufe Rock Festival 2.CHARTS: Top 30 SA mp3s & albums 3.NEW RELEASES: SA mp3s & CDs: Tassenberg 1-4, Amanda Strydom, Fokofpolisiekar, September Releases at One World, Woodstock 5. 4.USA FOR AFRICA: Otis Waygood - 'Simply Otis Waygood' 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK: Jo Day - 'No Warning' 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA: Springbok Radio charts, birthdays, Vinyl Junkies 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS: A Readers' Forum 8.LIVE MUSIC: Events round-up, SA Punk, Golliwog, Soweto String Quartet and Manu Dibango in London, Piet Botha, Fokofpolisiekar 9.INFO: Subscriptions & contributions _____________________________________________ 1.NEWS ---------- STEVE LOUW INDUCTED INTO SA ROCK HALL OF FAME Steve Louw was officially inducted into the SA Rock Hall Of Fame on 29th September 2003. http://www.rock.co.za/halloffame/ This is his accompanying insertion on the SA Rock Hall Of Fame website: Capetonian Steve Louw has, for the past two decades, quietly gone about amassing a very credible discography as well as a list of distinguished music biz connections which include producers Shelley Yakus (U2, Tom Petty) and John Rollo (Roberta Flack, Stevie Nicks, The Kinks). He has worked with numerous luminaries of the local music scene like Steve Newman, Rupert Mellor (McCully Workshop), Kevin Shirley and more recently Simon 'Agent' Orange, Schalk Joubert and Willem Möller to name a few. His two groups, All Night Radio and Big Sky, have produced critically acclaimed albums with 'Horizon' by the latter helping him win the FNB Music Award for “Best SA Rock Act”. In 1998 he and members of Big Sky played with fellow inductee Rodriguez on his first tour of South Africa. Congratulations to Steve - well done and well deserved! Steve Louw, All Night Radio and Big Sky http://www.stevelouw.com Steve Louw Musical Family Tree http://www.stevelouw.com/family_tree_frame.html South Africa's Rock Family Trees - who with played with whom and when http://www.rock.co.za/files/sarock_family_trees.html -------------- BLACK IS (COMING) BACK! Colin Vearncombe, aka "Black", is returning to South Africa to record his new album. Vearncombe will be in Johannesburg from the 8th to the 18th December 2003. The singer has visited SA a few times before (he has some family in SA) and has performed some low-key gigs here as well. Black released an album called 'Live At The Bassline' two years ago in the UK. The album was recorded over two SA shows with an SA rhythm section of Barry van Zyl on drums and Concord Nkabinde on bass. Now Black has decided to record his new album in Johannesburg and it will be produced at Radiopark Studios in Auckland Park over a ten-day period. Black will be bringing the bare songs and the band will then workshop these songs for the recordings, something as yet untried by this international star. The engineer for the sessions will be Neal Snyman and the mixing and mastering will be done with Black's co-producer in London. Barry van Zyl and Concorde Nkabinde will handle all the bass/ voice/ drums/ percussion and Camila, Black's wife, will do the backing vocals. Black will also be bringing along Cullum McColl (the late Kirsty McColl's son) as a guitar and keyboards multi-instrumentalist. Cullum McColl is also the music director for Ronan Keating, so he will stay on in SA for Keating's upcoming Sun City and Kirstenbocsh shows after the Black recording sessions. Having an international recording star coming to record at their studios is a first for Radiopark Studios, and will hopefully prove to be an ongoing trend as more foreign artists realize the benefits of coming to SA to record. There is a possibility that Black may utilise one of the last evening sessions as an invited "live" in-studio gig with SAFM and Michelle Constant. -------------- BED ON BRICKS Bed On Bricks, the new Cape Town group who are currently No 1 on the SAmp3.com Top 30 SA MP3 Charts with their debut single, 'Humanarium', have announced the upcoming launch of the band's first full album. 'Humanarium' landed the no.1 position after entering the charts at No.25 and climbing to the top in six weeks. The band's debut album, also titled 'Humanarium', will be launched after completion of the CD cover design by Cape Town design house, FUEL. Bed On Bricks have also attracted the attention of radio journalists from Italy (Radio 24) and Switzerland (Radio Baraunda). After interviews with Mike Hardy (the band's vocalist) last Friday in Stellenbosch, Bed On Bricks' songs will also soon be heard in these two European countries. Contact:ilse@rhythmrecords.co.za -------------- DALA FLAT MUSIC Imagine the musical legends of the Cape Flats coming together to give voice to the definitive sounds of the Cape Flats. Imagine young musicians being nurtured, trained and groomed by these legends through a unique composers' workshop. Imagine young innovative producers remixing and reinterpreting the music of the legends. Imagine Dala Flat Music - a new independent record label based on the Cape Flats. This October, Dala Flat Music presents 'Flat Sounds', the sounds of the Cape Flats recorded live at The Independent Armchair Theatre in Lower Main Road, Obs. Hop aboard as Mac Mackenzie, Hilton Schilder, Clement Benni, Eddie Jooste, Robbie Jansen and Mark Fransman take you on a journey along the musical soundscapes of the 'Flats'. And because the organisers know one night just won't be enough, they're putting on a feast - a series of 3 live recordings on October 2, 9, 16, incorporating collaborations between acclaimed musos, young musicians from the Dala Flat composers' workshop and poets young and old. Headed by Andre Manuel, Dala Flat Music is an extension of the musical arm of the Colour: spirit of the flats, a promotional forum for artists from the Cape Flats. The Independent Armchair Theatre Thursdays 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 October Doors open at 8pm Admission R35 For more info call André 082 353 4372 -------------- 'THE WORLD IN A GUITAR' COMES TO THE MARKET THEATRE Music lovers should prepare for a spectacular sound sensation, as 11 of South Africa's top acoustic musicians gather in Johannesburg to stage The World in a Guitar. With sold-out shows at Cape Town's Baxter Theatre and recently at Aardklop, the show now comes to Jozi for a limited, two-week run at the Market Theatre. The World in a Guitar is a large-scale instrumental production featuring an eclectic core of outstanding instrumentalists from all over South Africa. The show is anchored by the well-known and supremely talented Aquarian Quartet (Steve Newman, Tony Cox, Greg Georgiades and Syd Kitchen), with seven guest performers. Collectively, the 11 musicians in the show represent much of our cultural musical diversity. 'The show is a musical extrapolation from The Aquarian Quartet to many of the exceptional musicians they have worked with over the years,' says artistic director of the show, Tony Cox, 'and brings together the stunning fret-board wizardry of our country's finest guitarists and acoustic musicians.' Award-winning acoustic steel-string guitarist Tony Cox, among others, spent several years performing with Cape Town's renowned Errol Dyers, not to mention his now-legendary duo partnership with Steve Newman. In turn, guitar supremo Newman has worked with violinist Terrence Scarr in his super-group, Tananas. Greg Georgiades will be playing with outstanding tabla player, Ashish Joshi (his Strings 'n Skins partner), and the duo of Syd Kitchen and maskanda king Madala Kunene is sheer musical magic. Saudiq Khan is a Flamenco powerhouse; his strength and dexterity on the Spanish guitar has earned him a growing reputation throughout South Africa. In this show he performs solo and will also be doing some "rip-em-up stuff" with the other musicians. Edi Niederlander is probably one of South Africa's best-kept secrets and, besides being a great guitarist, is an exceptionally fine singer and songwriter. Rounding off the list of musicians is talented young drummer, Kesivan Naidoo. The World in a Guitar held a one-off debut at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town earlier this year that proved a resounding success. Reviewer Gary van Dyk from The Argus wrote: 'The concert was fantastic because this was not a bunch of musicians playing music; you had to be there to see that the concert was about a bunch of very close friends sharing their passions. This was one helluva concert!' Based on the success of the Cape Town show - and last week's sell-out Aardklop performance - The World in a Guitar is touring nationally over the next four months. A DVD and a CD of the show will be recorded during the Johannesburg run, and will be available from music retail outlets in early December. Show dates: Johannesburg (Market Theatre): 15 - 26 October 2003 Cape Town (Baxter Theatre): 16 December 2003 - 3 January 2004 Durban (Sneddon Theatre): 20 January - 8 February 2004 East London (Guild Theatre): 13 - 14 February 2004 Special JHB corporate booking dates: Opening night: Wednesday 15 October 2003 Corporate Friday: Friday 17 October 2003 DVD filming night: Wednesday 22 October 2003 Special corporate discounts apply on these evenings. Contact Haley or Joanne on 011 447 7518 to book. Bookings are now open at Computicket. -------------- RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS COMPETITION UPDATE October sees a lot of activity within the RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition. (Bookings now open for November - Simon 082 770 7524) On Wednesday, October 1 the Pretoria leg of the competition took place at Tsunami in Brookland, with Ark, Turnpike, Working Title and Soulmonkey in action. The winner of this heat proceeded through to the September regional finals of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition which took place at the Coliseum Show Bar at Caesars Gauteng on Sunday, October 5. In action at the regional finals on Sunday, October 5 were: from the Johannesburg leg - Stock-X-Change and High Society, from the Free State leg - Nevame (from Welkom) and then the band from the Pretoria leg. From Saturday, October 4 the Johannesburg leg of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition for October got underway. In action at Tempos, 191 Hans Strydom Drive, were Beyond Logic, The Construct, Tourettes and Caged. On October 11 in action at Tempos are - Zolan Sky; Syphen Echo and Poison Butterfly. Plus winner of the September regional finals. On October 18 in action at Tempos are - Turning Point; C-No; Misled; The Stick-Up Kid and MetalB. Plus winner of the September regional finals. Friday, October 24 the Free State leg of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition at Cool Runnings in Bloemfontein. Saturday, October 25 sees the monthly Johannesburg final of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition at Tempos. Also on Saturday, October 25 the Vaal Triangle leg of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition takes place at Rafterz in Vanderbijlpark. In action are Hiccup; Stick Up Kid; Aphonic Behaviour and May 16. On Wednesday, October 30 the Pretoria leg of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition takes place at Tsunami in Brooklyn. In action are Memo, Time Suspended and Others. Sunday, November 2 sees the October regional finals at Caesars Gauteng. -------------- TANANAS GIGS This SA supergroup, comprising Steve Newman, Gito Baloi and Ian Herman, are celebrating their annual reunion with select shows. With drummer Ian Herman based in the USA, guitarist Newman in the Eastern Cape, and bassist Baloi in Johannesburg, the group only come together once a year to write new material, record and perform. Don't miss them! Wed 8 - Fri 10 October - Distrix (cnr Upper Darling and Sir Lowrie), Cape Town. 8pm Tickets: R80. Booking: 021 462 7118 Info: Haley or Joanne 011 447 7518. -------------- ESJAY TO LAUNCH ALBUM AT WAVEHOUSE IN DURBAN Hardcore pop rock artist, Esjay, will take Wave House by storm on Friday 10 October when she launches her new album. Esjay's band for the launch will be Darryl Swart on drums (ex-Tree63, who also manages the band), Darren Richter on guitar, and Michael McAulay on bass (ex-Eminent Child). Having just recorded her debut release this year, the album has been engineered and produced by Niklas Fairclough, who has worked with many international band acts, as well as local band, Tree63. Esjay has also signed a record deal with Lush Records. On the strength of her live performances at Woodstock 5, Mr. Price Pro 2003 and Splashy Fen 2003, Esjay has become a firm favourite of Barney Simon and Kevin Fine from 5FM. She has her eyes set on international success, with various mainstream US labels already showing interest in the band. Esjay's melodic credits range from doing an internship at Northwind Recording; finishing a degree via correspondence through the Grove Music School in the USA; and also appearing on the April 2003 Salt Water Girl Magazine cover and featuring as the main article. Wanting to promote a “good music, clean lifestyle and a party attitude with no hangovers”, Esjay is influenced by Incubus, Alanis Morrisette, Michelle Branch and Foo Fighters. Friday 10 October - Wave House, Durban - Doors open at 7pm, at an entrance fee of R20. -------------- THE MACUFE ROCK FESTIVAL 2004 Saturday 11 October 2003 - 12 hours, 12 bands This year's Macufe Rock festival presents a powerful rock concert at the University of the Free State's Shimla Park in Bloemfontein on the 11th of October 2003. 12 bands will shake your world for the ridiculous ticket price of R30. Springbok Nude Girls, the anthem for South African rock, will headline along with the flamboyant BOO! (recently returned from an overseas tour), cross-cultural and multi-appealing Karen Zoid, and up-and-coming American rock stars, Rainshine (who've been compared to greats like the Stone Temple Pilots). The eight support bands carry strength that could lay claim to them being headliners themselves. dDisselblom ride success with their current chart topper 'There's No Sunshine'. Kelvin Declined, hit makers with '42' and 'Girls in Black', will step out of Stellenbosch and display their special brand of alternative pop-rock. There's also Cape Town's top hard outfit, Soulja, who recently supported the monster Brazilian group, Sepultura, and Pretoria's Rhütz who've ridden a year of success that's included Splashy Fen, Oppikoppi, Woodstock 5 and the supporting of Sepultura. Springcan, hometown favourites, will present their special combination of grunge whilst FuziGish (South Africa's top punk outfit) will be blowing horns and teaching the crowd how to jump and smile simultaneously. Add the powerful Orange, the psychobilly originality of the Diesel Whores, 5FM's rock faithful Barney Simon as presenter, RSFM's wonderful DJs, and Wicked Mike DJing, and we've got the explosive ingredients to make this, the Macufe Rock Concert 2003, the wildest party of the year. The gates will open at 11am. For the hungry and thirsty, numerous food stalls and bars will be available. Tickets can be bought from the booking offices of PACOFS. Discover this world of rock at www.pacofs.co.za and www.wickedrock.co.za/macufe.asp. Queries to (051) 447-7772. ---------------------------------- 2.CHARTS ---------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com 1. [1] (1) Humanarium - Bed On Bricks (Indie) 2. [3] (2) Cosmo Girl - The Fallen (Indie) 3. [4] (3) Milk Cow Blues - Delta Blue ('Inbluesstation'/Merchant Records) 4. [5] (4) Jaded Mind - Morning Haze (Indie) 5. [2] (2) The Meaning Of Goodbye - James Stewart (Street Level) 6. [7] (6) Master Jack - David Marks ('The Hidden Years'/3eM) 7. [10] (7) 4X4 - Steve Hofmeyr ('Toeka'/EMI) 8. [13] (8) James Brown (I Ain't) - Martin Rocka ('Martin Rocka & The Sick Shop'/Gosatango) 9. [16] (9) Plan My Attack - Soulja (Indie) 10. [8] (8) Let Me Know - Ystervark ('Living It Up'/Indie) 11. [6] (1) Summer Sun - Zen Arcade ('Release'/Indie) 12. [11] (11) Crystal Clear - Seven Day Story (Indie) 13. [9] (2) Springbok Sampler - Springbok Nude Girls (Sony) 14. [12] (10) Fabulous Day (Kwaito Mix) - Redd-Angel (Sexy Records) 15. [19] (15) Sugar Man - Rodriguez ('Cold Fact'/PT Music) 16. [23] (16) Castles (Remix) - Freshlyground ('Jika Jika'/Freeground) 17. [22] (17) Alie Barber Theme - Alie Barber ('Alie Barber' TV Soundtrack/Thrive!) 18. [18] (1) Madiba 1990 - Bright Blue (SAmp3.com/Bright Productions) 19. [28} (19) Things 2 Consider - Skwirmish ('The EP'/Indie) 20. [14] (1) Make It Your System - Lazarus ('Parallax View'/Indie) 21. [27] (21) Rich Folks Hoax - Amanda Strydom ('Verspreide Donderbuie/ Scattered Thunder'/JNS) 22. [25] (22) Lilly Dance - De-Javu (Single/Bowline) 23. [26] (23) Sign Language - The Famous Roaches ('Splashy Fen'/3eM) 24. [-] (24) Suikerbossie Blues - Jakkie Louw ('Klein Karoo Cowboy'/Afrimusik) 25. [29] (25) Only If It Rains - Off The Edge ('Site Under Construction'/Indie) 26. [17] (8) House (mix) Of The Rising Sun - Hot RS ('I Get So Excited'/EMI) 27. [-] (27) Misvuurtjie - Laurinda Hofmeyr ('Ligdag'/Rhythm Records) 28. [-] (28) Ek En Jy En Die Kaap - Lize Beekman ('Iemand Het Gesê'/Indie) 29. [RE] (29) Anything - Helen Desbois (Fresh) 30. [-] (30) Meisie Van Die Ooste - Alta Joubert ('Warrelwinde'/Hoezit) -------------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [2] (1) Inbluesstation - Delta Blue (Merchant) 2. [3] (2) Sui - Benguela (Open Record) 3. [5] (3) Johnny Clegg - A South African Story - Live (Value) 4. [6] (4) The Remix Collection - Brenda Fassie (EMI) 5. [1] (1) Back Seat Driver - Tait (Fresh) 6. [8] (6) Slow Rain (The Complete Celtic Rumours) - Celtic Rumours (RetroFresh) 7. [4] (4) Drop The Debt - Various (Sheer) 8. [12] (8) Another Universe - Arno Carstens (Epic) 9. [14] (9) Our World - Soweto String Quartet (BMG) 10. [7] (1) Release - Zen Arcade (Indie) 11. [18] (11) Jika Jika - freshlyground (Freeground) 12. [9] (2) Rocking Against The System Vol 2 - Various (RetroFresh) 13 [13] (1) Chasing The Sun - Karen Zoid (EMI) 14. [15] (14) Sagtevlei - Alex Van Heerden and Derek Gripper (Open Record) 15. [11] (1) No Warning - Jo Day (Legend) 16. [10] (4) Klein Karoo Cowboy - Jakkie Louw (Afrimusik) 17. [16] (4) Kicking and Screaming - Toxic Shame (Legend) 18. [17] (1) TNTLC - Boo! (BMG) 19. [19] (2) Homegrown Vol 2 - Various (EMI) 20. [26] (20) Rock The Bedsprings - Old Mol (Legend) 21. [20] (7) The Present Is Passed (The Best Of) - No Friends of Harry (RetroFresh) 22. [23] (23) Rough Cuts - Janie Jones (Sugar Music) 23. [-] (23) Verspreide Donderbuie / Scattered Thunder - Amanda Strydom (JNS) 24. [22] (1) Die Mamba - Piet Botha (Rhythm) 25. [30] (25) Greatest Hits - Tsepo Tshola And Sankamota (CCP) 26. [27] (26) Diversity - Grant Nuss (Indie) 27. [21] (2) Healing Destination - Mac McKenzie and The Goema Captains Of Cape Town (Afribeat) 28. [-] (28) J23 - Danny K (Gallo) 29. [28] (1) Wrapped In Stone - Watershed (EMI) 30. [-] (30) Insomniak se Droomalmanak - Andries Bezuidenhout (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 ------ All the mp3s listed here are available to download at http://www.SAmp3.com - the biggest South African mp3 website in the world. --------------- TASSENBERG ALL*STARS SHOWCASE http://www.SAmp3.com/tassenberg.html This week we showcase a selection of tracks from all the Tassenberg All-Star CD's - including the brand new 'Tassenberg All Stars Volume 4' album which was launched recently at the High Street Theatre by Trippy Grape: 'Something In My Eye' (live at Wingerdstok 2003) - Boulevard Blues Band An original blues song composed by guitarist Dale Collins who also takes over the vocal duties from Dr John Mostert for this song. Greg Smith blows the harmonica and Richard Pryor (no, not the actor!) plays some mean guitar. 'Binneland In' (live at KKNK 2001) - Spinnekop This is where I heard Gian Groen and Spinnekop for the first time and I fell in love with their clever lyrics and hard-rock (almost Deep Purple-ish) sound. And I actually prefer this early live version to the studio version recorded in 2002 for the 'Groen Kitaar' album. 'Suit' (live at KKNK 2002) - 12Hz Unplugged version featuring the acoustic guitar and vocals of Riku Lätti while Jean Marais blows the soprano sax. Some biting lyrics here. 'Extra Larry' (live at KKNK 2002) - Sons Of Trout The brilliant Sons of Trout ("Die Viskoppe" as Dirk Uys refers to them!) let loose on this rendition of a song off their 2001 'Odd Times' CD. 'Onder In My Whiskyglas' (Reggae Version) (live at KKNK 2000) - Koos Kombuis One of Koos's saddest songs (and there are quite a few), done here in an uptempo sing-along style! Some Tassenberg statistics: Delta Blue are the only artists to have appeared on all 4 Tassenberg CDs, though Nic Turner and Mike Rennie have appeared either as Mikanic (Mike and Nic, geddit?) or with the Sons Of Trout across all 4 CD releases. And Albert Frost played with Valiant Swart on the first Tassenberg CD and with Frosted Orange for all the others. The following artists have appeared on 3 out of the 4 releases: Piet Botha, Akkedis, Valiant Swart, Spinnekop & Frosted Orange. There are plenty more great songs from these and other Tassenberg All*Stars (both live and in the studio) on SAmp3.com. Please just browse around. READ http://www.rhythmrecords.co.za/tassenberg1.html http://www.pietbotha.com/variousartists.html LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com http://www.rhythmrecords.co.za BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=tassenberg http://www.rhythmrecords.co.za/tassenberg1.html ----------------- SEARCH FOR MP3's Use the SAmp3.com onboard search engine, powered by Google, to search for mp3s on http://www.SAmp3.com ----- CDs ----- AMANDA STRYDOM - 'VERSPREIDE DONDERBUIE/ SCATTERED THUNDER' (JNS) Amanda Strydom is a lady of many styles and genres. She's a diva, a folk-singer, a torch-singer and a rock 'n rollin' bitch. Amanda's album has a biligual title, and has 2 completely different title tracks, not just the same song sung with alternative lyrics. Amanda writes and sings in both English and Afrikaans and there are even a few Zulu phrases thrown in to give an African feel. 'Verspreide Donderbuie' (the opening song of the album) documents a road trip from Joburg to Cape Town with amazingly evocative images. "Die pad verander stadig / in 'n gladde silwer slang". Musical references to The Doors 'Riders On The Storm' abound, with stunning piano from arranger and co-composer Janine Neethling. And Juan (Floors) Oosthuizen roars out with short jabs of highway star guitar. Vinnie Henrico's drums pound into your head and Graham Currie's bass captures the heart. And this is just the first song. Play it again, it's that good. 'Doekvoet' is a very angry song which moves to a marching beat with backing vocals by Cutt Glas. "Hit the woman, rape the child/ Niemand word gestraf"... and there's that guitar again. Awesome. Miss Strydom is also very upset with Johannes Kerkorrel. "Jy was selfsugtig, jy was wreed, jy sê: Miss Mandy, sny die brood" Her song for Ralph Rabie, 'Ek Het Gedroom' will tear your heart out if you are not careful. She also does a cover of JK's 'Hoe Ek Voel'. There a few other cover versions on this CD; a lovely version of Leonard Cohen's 'Take This Waltz', 'Sondag In Soweto' by Stef Bos and a truly excellent jazz-blues version of Rodriguez's 'Rich Folk Hoax'. Graham Currie played bass on the Sugarman's 1998 SA tour and his love for the man and his songs overflows in his bass-playing on this new version. The rock and roll bitch comment in the opening paragraph might have got you confused, but one listen to 'Engel Met 'n Angel' (Angel with a Sting) will have you convinced. "Verslaaf aan rock 'n roll en aan nicotien... Sy ry te vinnig vir my". Amanda rocks, ok! The closing track 'Ndiyakholelwa / Ek Glo' features the voices of the Afrika Mamas and lyrics that Roger Waters would be proud of, if he could write in Afrikaans: "Ek glo in Rock and Roll en skaapjops... ek glo in God en al haar wonders". This is an angry album, a sad album, a happy album, but most of all this is album by a woman who knows herself and her craft and is not afraid to let us into her world. She loves her man, her country and her music... and it shows. Brian Currin READ http://www.amandastrydom.com LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=amanda -------------- SAY HULLO TO FOKOFPOLISIEKAR! Cape Town punk band, New World Inside, blasted on to the SA music landscape in 2002. They released an EP independently that brought them to the attention of Revolution Records who signed them and released their debut album, 'Dream, Hope, Fear'. The band's live gigs became the stuff of legend, highlighted by an insane cover of the Beach Boys' 'Barbara Anne'. But then, in early 2003, New World Inside quietly drifted away...... But two of NWI's original members (Francois and Hunter) have joined forces with two new members and have re-emerged as a new band called Fokofpolisiekar. The band played their debut SA gig at the Mercury Live in cape Town last week (see a review in the “Live” section below) and are set to launch a new EP called 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand' in early December. But we'll let the band explain their new direction via their unorthodox, stream of consciousness media release: “Thundercats. God. Drie jaar intensiewe kerk bywoning. Doug. Pornografie. Punk. Sigarette. Worship lei. He-man. Bellville. Durban. Cape Town. Stellenbosch. Airwolf. Groot word. Nightrider. Rugby. Biltong. Gees. Bitterkomix. Skateboarding. Toy Machine. Metal. Rock. Tygerberg Hospitaal. Rodney Seale. McDonalds. Post-Apartheid. Mandela. De Klerk. Internet. Spiderman. X-men. Punk shows. Weed. Sigarette. Johannes Kerkorrel. Stad. Plaas. CD's. Veiligheidsbubbels. Alchohol. Reggae. Die Oudshoorn Polisiestasie. Pa. Dominee. Oom. Voorsitter van die ACSV. Leerlingraad. David Iche. Vriende. Meisies. TV. Mr. Video. Orkney Snork Nie. Koos Kombuis. Troeteldiere. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Chat-rooms. Mr. Nice. The world according to garp. Europe. Amerika. MTV. Denkbeeldige persoonlikheid beperkins. Sielkunde. Klank. Satanisme. Nkosi Sikelela. Die Stem. Jeugsangbundel. Modes. Ernest Movies. Beetle Juice. Tim Burton. Waking Life. Foto Albums. Koffietafel boeke. Kunskool. Skool. Skoolhoof. Vetkoek Paleis. Dagga. Egoli. Loving. Demokrasie. Rooi wyn. Afrikaans alternatief. AWB. ANC. NNP. PAC. NP. PAGAD. Republiek. Soweto. Rage Against the Machine. Wayne's World. Playstation. Doom. Death Metal. Kinders. Eyedrops. Home. Joystick games. Streetfighter. Zimbabwe. Verkragting. Kampe. Osama. Warcraft. Hansie Cronje. Naas Botha. Tolla van der Merwe. Casper de Vries. David Kramer. Alex Jay. No Jacket Required. Die 80's. Ferraris. Oorlog. Paddavisse. Sywurms. Vuil kouse. Spinnekoppe. Bionic six. GI Joe. Duke Nukem. Wielie Walie. Liewe Heksie. Swartkat. Borrie van Swartkat. Dawson's Creek. Al daai fokken American College movies. Acid. Bob Dylan. Willem Samuels. Valiant Swart. Tamagotchi. BB guns. Windbuks. A-Team. Mannemarak. Vloekwoorde ...... Fokofpolisiekar. Dis op die TV. Dis in jou brein. Dis aaklig om te sien hoe die skaapmentaliteit ons kry. Ons almal werk saam aan Suid-Afrikaanse Amerika. Dis ons algemene denk disfunksie. It's on TV. It's in your brain. It's awful witnessing the sheep mentality getting to us. We are all working together towards a South African America. That's the fault in our common thought pattern.” Diarise the Fokofpolisiekar EP/Website launch party on the 5th of December Read a review of Fokofpolisiekar's debut gig in the “Live” section below. -------------- SEPTEMBER RELEASES AT ONE WORLD http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 POP & ROCK Arno Carstens - 'Another Universe' Debut solo album of all new material from the Springbok Nude Girls vocalist. Albert Frost adds stirring guitar to Arno Carsten's epic rock poems. Essential! Tribe After Tribe - 'Power' The 25th release on the RetroFresh SA classic album reissue label. It's Robbie Robb in his post Asylum Kids power combo. Freshlyground - 'Jika Jika' Eagerly awaited debut album from the exciting new Cape Town group who have already amassed a devoted following after a string of acclaimed live gigs. Featuring classy vocalist Xolani on delicious world-Afro-pop tunes like 'Rain', 'Train Love', and first single, 'Castles'. Various Artists - 'Home Bru' A new compilation of SA pop and rock hits featuring tracks like 'Stumbling Stone' (Tree63), 'In The Meantime' (Watershed), and 'My World' (Neo Muyanga). Grant Nuss - 'Diversity' First solo outing from this Cape Town folk balladeer with a bunch of warm-hearted original songs like 'Save Your Love For Me', 'Stay With Me', and 'Time To Change'. Danny K - 'J23' Second album from the young SA pop star who scored big with his debut single 'Hurt So Bad'. Featuring the album's first single, the very touching 'I Can't Imagine'. Old Mol - 'Rock The Bed Springs' Tough new rock album from a Johannesburg band currently attracting a lot of attention. Includes the single, 'Sobriety Friend'. Eden - 'Point Of No Return' A new four-man SA vocal (boy) band with 12 tracks, and production by Coleske on the new Coleske label. Michael Payne - 'DeCOMpress' An independently produced solo debut from a young JHB rocker. Sacha - 'Sacha' Twelve tracks from this new pop sensation, featuring a cover of the George Michael hit 'Careless Whisper'. Baby Boy - 'The Beginning' Young emerging star with a R&B and pop album with plenty of that cool, old school R&B feel. Skwirmish - 'The EP' Dynamic new Cape Town punk-pop band with their debut 4-song EP includes first single 'Things 2 Consider'. My Shade - 'Bedtime Musick' A Nu-metal band from Cape Town with a hardcore independent eight-track EP! De-Javu - 'Lilly Dance' Touted as the next big SA dance smash hit - on a dance floor near you, soon and often! JAZZ Jonathan Butler - 'The Ultimate Butler' Twelve brilliant tracks from South Africa's jazz guitar icon, featuring talented international artists like Kirk Whalum, Dave Grusin and Chuck Loeb. Mike Ratau Makhalamele - 'The Very Best Of ' A worthy 12-song best-of compilation from "Bra Mike", the late, great and prolific South African saxophonist, known best for tracks like 'Soweto Dawn' and 'Thabang'. Various Artists - 'African Ivories' A retrospective collection of top piano tracks, mostly from the southern section of the continent, featuring shining talents like Moses Molelekwa, Paul Hanmer, Bheki Mseleku and many more. Tlokwe Sehume - 'Mmino Wa Thaba - Music Of The Mountain' (in Concert) A live recording from the Lesiba music maestro with tracks like 'Msizeni', 'Ditaola', and 'Morena Thusa'. Don Laka - 'The Best Of Kwai-Jazz' All of Don's finest tracks displaying his unique fusion of kwaito and jazz - giving his songs that unique Laka sound. Swazi - 'My First Love' The Kaya FM 'CD of the Week' - Swazi is a Diva in the making with her amazing voice. Produced by Jimmy Dludlu Themba Dlamini - 'Dance II Jazz' A debut album from this highly rated guitarist who has previously played for the likes of Brenda Fassie and Steve Kekana. TOWNSHIP POP Joe Nina - 'Angeke Ng'phinde' The "King of Township Pop" with his excellent new album, featuring Nana Coyote Various Artists - 'Kaya FM - The Heart & Soul Of Jozi Volume 3' Another strong release that features the latest hits on the channel that is truly the heart and soul of Jozi (Johannesburg to others). Contains tracks from artists like Shaluza Max, Allou April and Stompie Mavi KWAITO Mapaputsi - 'Kleva' This is the follow-up to the well received debut album 'Izinja', produced by D-Rex Kabelo - 'And The Beat Goes On' Another gem from Kabelo, his third album - more smooth kwaito for the summer Zwai & Guffy - 'Babathane Vol 1' An outstanding album that contains some extraordinary mixes of early hits. Chiskop - 'Sunday' Mandoza and the boys are back with a rocking 3rd album Hip Hop Pantsula - 'O Mang?' A fresh hip hop and kwaito feel on this vibey new album 2 Shot - '2 Shot' A new guy on the Kwaito scene with a very impressive debut album. Manico - 'Majaivane' The title, 'Majaivane', means "Dance", and that is exactly what the album is going to get you to do. Guaranteed! HOUSE DJ Christos - 'Spiritual Journey' The established and highly regarded DJ with an album of beautiful and soulful house grooves. PENNYWHISTLE Pennywhistle Classics - 'Pennywhistle Classics' The biggest and best Pennywhistle tracks covered by the likes of Kippie Moketsi and the recently deceased Big Voice Jack Lerole TRADITIONAL Various Artists - 'The Thula Project/An Album Of SA Lullabies' A 14-track CD with a range of traditional and contemporary South African lullabies performed by a range of SA artists including Gloria Bosman, Faith Kekana, Loyiso, Neo Muyanga, Wendy Oldfield, and others Jabu Khanyile - 'Wankolota' Jabu (ex-Bayete frontman) has outdone himself with this new album that exceeds the high standards of the 'Mbombela' album. A masterpiece! M'zet - 'Guqa Ngamadolo' This album has a crisp and clear kwaito feel - Produced by Joe Shirimane with Arthur Mafokate as executive producer INSTRUMENTAL Soweto String Quartet - 'Our World' The 5th album from this internationally-renowned classical-pop group features a wonderful version of 'Summertime'. AFRIKAANS Andries Bezuidenhout - 'Insomniak Se Droomalmanak' A solo album from a member of Brixton Moord En Roof Orkes - produced by Paul Riekert of Battery 9 fame Nadine - 'Greatest Hits 1996-2003' Afrikaans child star with her 20 greatest tracks! Jannie Du Toit - 'Beste Van .....So Ver' Twenty one tracks features big guest names like Christa Steyn, Lucas Maree, Anna Davel and Vusi Mahlasela GOSPEL Solly Moholo - 'Tsona Jonase Nice Time Ya Bolaya' Solly is back again with his unique take on gospel music - another sure fire hit. Various Artists - 'Praise And Worship In Africa' A fantastic collection of gospel from the likes of Joyous Celebration, Jabu & Vuyo, and Mthunzi Namba. Youth With Mission - 'Best Of ' Sixteen tracks that have helped to establish Youth With Mission as one of the outstanding Gospel acts in SA. Nezi - 'Ndawo Yami' The debut album from the newest diva on the SA gospel scene Sipho Makhabane - 'Moya Wami' & ''Vuka Mphefumlo' Sipho Makhabane feat Amanxusa Kakrestu - 'Calvary' Some of the titles off Sipho's back catalogue, now available on the One World site. Klipwerf Orkes - 'Loof Hom' Instrumental Afrikaans gospel. All these titles are available online at: http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 -------------- 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. But last weekend he was up in Gauteng for Woodstock 5, and he filed the following extended report on the Festival: WOODSTOCK 5 We arrived at Woodstock 5 late on Thursday, and the vibe could be felt by the time we entered the main gates. We found our chalet quickly (yes, we booked a chalet rather than camp out...). The only bit of trouble so far was the loser who (after seeing our bathroom window open) proceeded to open the window and pull out the lace curtain. I took a walk around and saw lots of people milling around, drinking, partying and waiting for various things to get underway. The Skate Park was already pumping and the Hip Hop floor was packed. There were tents everywhere, people sleeping in the backs of bakkies, and on the dusty floor. One of the more amusing people was a young man who walked around all day and night with a Black Label in one hand and a box of breakfast cereal in the other. The beer tents and food stalls around the area were, of course, busy; as were the body piecing tents, where one could get their privates pierced for R300 or a nipple for R150 if you really wanted to! The sound from the DJ Mix tent pumped right through the night and the large pool was a welcome sight to many patrons - though I'm not sure whether they wanted to cool off or to sober up. The FMX (motor bike trick area) proved thrilling even during the practice sessions and the BMX and skateboard ramps also kept large crowds of people glued to the action. There was a DJ mixing desk next to the BMX/Skate park where several DJ's pumped out hip-hop tunes drawing a substantial crowd to their dance floor. The overall organisation of the event was very good - Kudos to Nancy, Beth and Clint of Authentic Ideas. Figures list the number of people at Woodstock 5 at around 16,000, and the four days were packed with great bands, heat and lots of dust. At times it was easy to mistake the plumes of dust around the Blunt and Musica stages for fog from stage-mounted smoke machines! The event was hosted by 5fm's Barney Simon (who did a surprise vocal add-on to the Springbok Nude Girls performance of 'Bubblegum On My Boots'), and Kula, sporting a gelled up blue hairstyle, who started losing her voice by the end of the show. Barney and Kula did a great job of transferring attention from one stage to the other during the changeovers after each set. The performances by most of the bands were outstanding. Bands who experienced technical difficulties worked around the problems and still delivered excellent performances. And even some bands whose style of music was a little too heavy for me, were great to watch as they all put so much effort and passion into their performances. The Musica tent had a steady flow of customers during the day and evenings, but it often threatened to burst at the seams after each performance when the artists entered the tent for signing sessions. The 'indoor' (ok, 'in-tent') stage at the Nile Crocodile saw many hardcore bands playing to a crowd of hardcore fans, where stage diving was quite regular and popular - I even saw DaddyEvil (frontman of TRACK4) take a jump from the stage after their excellent set. Bands featuring at the Nile Croc tent included: Even Flow; a great performance by Pyramid Tongue; a kick-ass performance (as mentioned) by TRACK4; and Toyland and Rhutz (both of whom opened for Sepultura in Cape Town and Johannesburg respectively). On Friday the Musica stage hosted a good performance by Cofield Mundi (a folk/rock artist from Cape Town on her first gig); Grounded; Mean Mr Mustard; a really talented and inspiring performance by Wonderboom ('Charlie' and 'Shadows' rocked!); and the late night performance by the Springbok Nude Girls was also really amazing. On Saturday the Jesse Jordan Band put in a solid performance, as did Zen Arcade; then Jo Day (one of my fave bands) took to the stage to launch her new CD, 'The Truth'. It was an excellent performance which saw Jo stripping off several layers of clothes, Jon Buckley smashing a guitar (and then throwing it to the crowd much to their delight), and finally spraying champagne in celebration; Tweak followed them with a great performance. The Blunt stage saw El Camino rocking the stage; N8ive and The Finkelstiens rocking on Friday and on Saturday 16, Stitch; a really rocking Soil 7t7 -- who started out their gig wearing boxing gear ('On the stage, weighing 600kg... Soil 7t7... and in the other corner, weighing 20000 kg... WOODSTOCK') - very good and another solid performance; Marlowe also impressed; Cutting Jade`s performance really blew me away - I don't think I'll ever be able to hear 'Look At Me Now' without seeing about 6000 people bouncing in time to the music, damn excellent; I unfortunately missed Boo! (I was at the Nile Tent watching Toyland's great performance). Unfortunately The Phoebes did not get to play as Caroline had broken her arm which is a pity, as I was really looking forward to hearing them. If I've missed commenting on a good performance by a band it's more than likely because I was off somewhere getting some mineral water or beer! Woodstock 5 really blew my mind - it was an excellent event and if you missed it you should feel very sad because you missed what has become an institution in SA Music, and a definite must-do on any SA music fan's calendar! The new venue, although dusty, was great and large enough to support the crowds and all scheduled events comfortably. I must also credit Musica! While at Woodstock, I bought a copy of Wonderboom's 'Rewind' in addition to several other CD's, but on arriving back in Cape Town, I noticed that they'd put a copy of 'Tell Someone Who Cares' into the CD case! I thought I was in for a big fight to get the correct copy of the CD which I wanted. But I called their helpline number and they swopped the incorrect CD within about an hour and a half, no arguments, no anger -- great work Musica! Thanks Musica! LAD For pictures visit http://www.zazone.com and check out the Woodstock review. If you're in an SA Band or are an SA artist and would like to appear in this slot... please mail mailto:tony@zazone.com and we'll see how deep this rabbit hole goes... 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. OTIS WAYGOOD - 'SIMPLY OTIS WAYGOOD' [RETRO FRESH FRESHCD 135] http://www.freshmusic.co.za/retrofresh.htm If a cool playwright can come from a small trade dorp like Stratford, then surely cool blues musos can come from Bulawayo. Minimalist sounding, with some vocals, the extended instrumental jams chug, strut, shimmy, and shake along with attitude and spirit. So captivating are the instrumental passages that if Rob Zipper's voice weren't so cool (fine blues singing for a young cat) it might be an intrusion. Each song has its own charm. There's the nice electric guitar fuzz on 'Feeling the Good', the driving rhythms on 'No Time People', the hurry-up timing change near the end of 'The Messenger', the various movements of 'In the Sun', Otis Waygood's soulful cover of the standard 'Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child', and the fluteless last six tracks that tries out variations on the Otis Waygood sound. Cognates to compare Otis Waygood to? Sure, Jethro Tull had a flute, but that's the only similarity, and, unlike Ian Anderson's flute, Martin Jackson's adds blues cool - it doesn't blast like a fife on speed and marching to war. Blues rock like Ten Years After, Free, Frijid Pink? Naw, Otis Waygood sounds like Otis Waygood, here stretching out their sound in both tight arrangements and long jams. There is a strange aspect to this Retro Fresh release. Despite the seeming sparse instrumentation (and despite being a full standard rock band plus flute, plus occasional sax, 'Simply' still feels minimalist), this creative bluesy rock manages to sound, well, futuristic; sounding at once old, new, and blue. Unlike other CD labels that release classic black vinyl in shiny digital form and tack on bonus tracks only to lengthen the album, these six bonus tracks (from 'Ten Light Claps and a Scream') are as fine as the preceding eight tracks of the original 'Simply Otis Waygood' album. For me, both Otis Waygood CDs are as essential to my collection as Freedom's Children's 'Galactic Vibes', Falling Mirror's 'Johnny Calls the Chemist', and anything by Piet Botha and Jack Hammer. Originally released during my personal golden age of rock, this disc shines. 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: JO DAY - 'NO WARNING' There is something ironic about an album called 'No Warning' that has a note on it saying 'Parental Advisory Explicit Content'. However, once the barrage of guitars and hardcore vocals hit in, your brain is not left in any shape to worry about figures of speech like that. Whether its head on grunge or the twisting, turning guitar in 'Runnin'' you are quickly absorbed into this album. Those looking for reference points can think of the harder bit of Karen Zoid, a hint of Heart and certainly some Joan Jett, but it might be easiest to think of Jo Day as the female Seether. Her strong vocals are the cornerstone of most songs, around which Darren Drawbridge builds his thundering guitar and Martin Labuschange and Herman Kruger pound out of telling rhythm on bass and drums respectively. Sometimes with hard rocking albums like this, the tune disappears under an attempt to make as much noise as possible, but 'No Warning' doesn't fall into that trap. The band are good at producing catchy songs in a grungy sort of way, alternating the quieter bits with the searing guitars to good effect. Strongest songs are opener 'Above My Room' with its dramatic vocal building to a screaming anthemic chorus, and 'Porn' with a machine gun like rhythm and great refrain of 'Your body is Porn to me'. The latter also adds another to the growing list of South African rock artists/songs that your Network administrator doesn't like. Okay so there is a warning about the explicit content, but no warning about the strength and quality of the music. So here's the Digest warning about this. Do not listen to this album with parents, grandparents or others of a sensitive nature are around. Clear the room of precious breakables as serious headbanging may occur and lastly do not play this album quietly, you'll just be wasting your time. John Samson, London mailto:john@sarockdigest.com LISTEN ABOVE MY ROOM http://www.SAmp3.com/mp3/jo_day_above_my_room.mp3 PORN http://www.SAmp3.com/mp3/jo_day_porn.mp3 By kind permission of Jo Day and Authentic Ideas _________________________________________ 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA -------------------- SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS http://rock.co.za/charts This week [Last week] Title - Artist 30 YEARS AGO (28 September 1973) 1 [2] Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet - Maria 2 [3] Baby Blue - George Baker Selection 3 [1] Take Me To The Mardi Gras - Paul Simon 4 [5] Ashes Of Love - Dickey Lee 5 [4] One And One Is One - Medicine Head 25 YEARS AGO (29 September 1978) 1 [1] Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty 2 [3] Thank You For The Music - Abba 3 [2] You're The One That I Want - John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John 4 [6] Dancing In The City - Marshall & Haine 5 [5] Youre My Best Friend - Don Williams 20 YEARS AGO (30 September 1983) 1 [1] Baby Jane - Rod Stewart 2 [3] Every Breath You Take - The Police 3 [5] Candy Girl - New Edition 4 [2] Buffalo Soldier - Bob Marley 5 [4] Flashdance - Irene Cara 15 YEARS AGO (29 September 1988) 1 [1] Perfect - Fairground Attraction 2 [2] Simply Irresistible - Robert Palmer 3 [3] Underneath The Radar - Underworld 4 [4] Rise To The Occasion - Climie Fisher 5 [5] Wap Bam Boogie - Matt Bianco http://rock.co.za/charts ------------- CHART CHAT ------------- Maria returned to the top after allowing Paul Simon a couple of weeks there. George Baker Selection was hot on the tail of Maria, leapfrogging Paul Simon into 2nd place. Aside from the same songs making up the top 5 in 1973, there were no new entries in the top 20 that week. Gerry spent his 4th week at number 1 in 1978 while Abba forced 'You're The One That I Want' down a position, the latter failing to top the chart. Julian Marshall and Kit Haine teamed up to form the imaginatively entitled Marshall Haine. Haine did some of the music for 'The Pirate Movie' in 1982 which grossed $8m. Like 1973, 1983 saw no change in the composition of the top 5, however with the exception of Rod Stewart at number 1, the other 4 songs changed place. Of these songs, Bob Marley had been in the top 5 the longest, this being his 10th week there. 1988 went one step further than '73 and '83 as the top 5 remained exactly as is was last week. Kylie Mingue who occupied positions 6 and 7 that week was also unchanged. At least Bros and Yello where making top 20 entries, so there was some change. South African's at number 1 this week: Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet - Maria (1973) Hak Hom Blokkies - David Kramer (1981) Woodpecker From Space - Café Society (1985) South African New Entries this week: 29-Sep-78 Hoeka Toeka - Carike Keuzenkamp 30-Sep-77 We Salute You - Reg De Beer 01-Oct-71 Sweet Maria - Gert Potgieter 02-Oct-70 Poor Little Rich Girl - Dickie Loader 02-Oct-82 Give Me The Good News - Crocodile Harris 04-Oct-68 Picking Up Pebbles - Cornelia John Samson --------------- VINYL JUNKIES --------------- This section is for collectors of South African and International vinyl. -------------- MABU VINYL ***Cape Town's finest vinyl store is now back at the Top of Long Street*** Mabu Vinyl has moved into its new premises at 2 Kloof Street - diagonally opposite the Long Street Baths. And is now OPEN! Please contact: Jacques Vosloo - 082 534 6006 mailto:vinyl@sarockdigest.com -------------- VIBES VINYL Stadium-on-Main, Main Road, Claremont This week's specials: Black Sabbath - 'We Sold Our Soul For Rock 'n' Roll' (2LP), scarce Zimbabwean pressing Neil Herbert - 'Introducing Neil Herbert' (LP) Neil Herbert - 'Neil Herbert' (LP) David Hewitt - 'Storyteller' (LP) Image - 'Image' (LP) Steve Kekana - 'Love Triangle' (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 ----------- October: 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! -------------- ANOTHER HUGH QUESTION Hi, Here's another Hugh Masekela related trivia question: What do Hugh Masekela and Nico Carstens have in common? The answer is that: - Hugh Masekela's composition 'Grazin....' was recorded by America's most famous instrumental group, the Ventures. [the original Masekela single was also released locally] - Nico Cartsens' composition 'Zambesi' was recorded by England's most famous instrumental group, the Shadows. Best Tertius -------------- THAT IDIOTS CONFUSION RESOLVED... In a letter on Digest #217, Boetie Toerien asked:.... Who are the real Idiots? Boetie said: “.....The results of the Battle of the Bands competition (in Digest #216) surely contains an error. You wrote: "Some "Best musicianship" awards were also presented to: Lead guitar - Patrick Canovi (Metallic Sunn); bass guitar - Reggie Edwards (The Idiots); keyboards - Henry Barenblatt (The Idiots); drums - Denver Furness (Jam Rockers), and vocals - Dave Ornellas (The Idiots).” “I was under the impression that Peter Hunt was on keyboards for the Idiots not Henry Barenblatt?? I am an old toppie from the sixties and listened to The Idiots back then and also at the battle of the bands final and definitely the keyboard player of The Idiots is and was Peter Hunt.” “But maybe it was Henry Barenblatt from some other band that won the individual award? Pity if Peter won and Henry is getting all the praise, or if Henry won and everyone thinks he was keyboardist with the Idiots.” Boetie Toerien mailto:boetie@raam.co.za Ed. We received the following email, in response to Boetie's question, from Henry Barenblatt himself who explains: “Yes , it was a press error. Peter Hunt played for the Idiots, and the Idiots received the best band award. But I played for Metallic Sun (who came second as a band), and received the best keyboard player award. I hope that sets the record straight. Regards, Henry Barenblatt mailto:henry@ct.rsurveys.co.za READ http://www.rock.co.za/files/idiots_index.htm -------------- OBITUARY: DENNIS PLATT Dennis Platt AKA Dennis Deranged, ex of Young Dumb and Violent, leader of The Party, The Facts, The Hip Replacements etc, passed away on Tuesday evening. Dennis was a minor legend, who contributed significantly to SA Rock. Thanks, Herby Opland 083 284-4239 Mailto:hopland@edgars.co.za -------------- WHO WAS THAT!!?? Hi, I saw Piet Botha at Aardklop and loved their show. A band supported them and I would really like to know their name and how I could possibly get my hands on a copy of their CD. The band's lead singer has blonde hair and a lady plays bass guitar. Thanx Gerhard Wernecke Mailto:Gerhard.Wernecke@iscor.com Ed. - You're referring to Southern Gypsy Queen, I think... I don't think they have a CD out yet, though... -------------- B WORLD FOUND In Digest #218 we published the following request from Tony: “Hi There I am looking for a band called B-World. They did a song called 'Rain'. Did they ever record an album? Anyone know what happened to this band or if there is any material available from them. Regards TonyD Mailto:tony@davidson2452.freeserve.co.uk” Thanks to Jannie van Tonder who set up the connection with Sherid van Rooyen, who replied to Tony below... Hi there, I used to play guitar with B-world, and we only released a single with 3 tracks on. 1. Rain (radio edit) 2. I will not 3. Muscles It was released through Tusk Music in 1994. We did record a demo cassette with 9 songs on. This was not released commercially. Song list: Side 1: Greedy man, Rain (radio edit), Kiss or kill, I believe, Dirty sheets. Side 2: I will not, Muscles, Sun, Rain (full version) Hope this is what you were after. Give me a shout if you need anything more. Cheers Sherid van Rooyen mailto:bet@sherid.com -------------- MAC THE NITE Hi there! Have just decided to take a trip down memory lane and see if there was any mention of the band Mac The Nite of which I was the female lead singer way back in the 80's! (that was when we were young and beautiful.... now we're just old and sexy!!) I was married to Colin MacDonald at the time, who was the keyboard player and band leader!! It was rather sad to see we had been relegated to a footnote in local music history but I guess them's the breaks! Am now the vaguely respectable Doctor MacDonald which still makes me laugh considering the rock 'n roll lifestyle we once led. Would love to hear from anyone who vaguely remembers the band and would also love to get in touch with Sean Fury if he's still around to say hello. Am now living in the UK in Oxford and am still mates with Stewart & Virginia Irving (ex Ballyhoo) who is still gigging. Hope to get a reply when you have a moment spare Kind regards Cydne MacDonald Mailto:cydmac@aol.com -------------- SA DVD'S? Hi, Are there any plans to have SA Music DVD's like these released in the near future? Johnny Clegg/Juluka - Best Videos/Live in Concert Best Of SA Pop - a compilation of available videos or live footage Best of the RetroFresh artists - videos and/or live footage And it would also be great having videos from artists like Johnny Clegg, éVoid, Via Afrika, Helicopters, Cinema, Petit Cheval, Sweatband, Ballyhoo, Celtic Rumours, Falling Mirror, Wendy Oldfield, PJ Powers, Sipho 'Hotstix', No Friends Of Harry, Sterling & Tellinger, Leslie Ray Dowling, Ellamental, Freedom's Children, Soft Shoes, Working Girls, Café Society, Tribe After Tribe, Vicky Sampson, etc, etc, etc on DVD. Would also be GREAT to have a Rodriguez - Live In SA Concert released on DVD. Thanks! Lyle Gove (London) Mailto:lylegove@hotmail.com -------------- LOOKING FOR FRIENDS OF JOHN MAIR Hi, Many, many moons ago I was a vocalist with John Mair's first two bands - Pipeline and Touchwood. I noticed last year John passed away and I have been racking my brains as to how to get a hold of all our old mates scattered all over the world - I live in crap England. I noticed Dave Green was looking for John's last CD.... Hi ya Dave! its been a while, please email me. Are Rod Byle, Johnny Isaacs, Tom Swanepoel, Paul Greenberg, etc, etc out there....? Lank Sweat Paul Speich Mailto:speich@ukap.fsnet.co.uk -------------- WE SMELL BURNING? Howzit, I checked out a CD by Kitchens of Distinction. Is this Syd Kitchen and Koos Kombuis? 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 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: THE WORLD IN A GUITAR - 11 of South Africa's top acoustic musicians gather in Johannesburg for a limited, two-week run at the Market Theatre. The show is anchored by the Aquarian Quartet (Steve Newman, Tony Cox, Greg Georgiades and Syd Kitchen), with seven guest performers. DAN PATLANSKY & THE MISSISSIPPI MUTHERS - October live dates in Gauteng featuring the sensational JHB blues guitarist and his Muthers PIET BOTHA - Piet is currently on the "Mamba" Kaaptoer with dates until the end of October SKALADDIN - A great band, all the way from frosty Switzerland! Now touring SA. With style can best be compared to that of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones & The Pietasters, they have opened for many international bands like Reel Big Fish and Millencolin. ANTON GOOSEN & LISE SWART - Live dates now confirmed till the end of October TANANAS - Super band, Tananas, consisting of Steve Newman, Gito Baloi and Ian Herman, will be playing at Distrix in Cape Town on Wed 8, Thurs 9 and Fri 10 October, starting 8pm. Distrix is on the corner of Upper Darling Street and Sir Lowry Road. THE B.O.F.A. HOODLUMS PRESENT: - Gary Two-Teeth And The SlashDogs, Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees took Woodstock 5 this year by the throat and strangled it to death. There was nothing the drunken crowd could do but quiver in fear. And that's what they're going to do on Saturday the 11th of October at The Nile Crocodile alongside Martin Rocka And The Sick Shop. HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB - The Harbour Music Club is now at The Acoustic Cafe (cnr Camp & Main roads Muizenberg - opposite Shoprite). There is a bar and Acoustic Cafe has very reasonable food prices. This week is Plush and Jam Tarts. RIOT IN THE MADHOUSE - Sat 11 October 2003 - PJ's - Odemoulen Village - next to Vincent Palloti Hospital. with Hog Hoggidy Hog, The Rudimentals, Half Price, War on Salt, False Pretense, Hoax, Zero Tolerance, The Doppler Effect, The Recruits, 2 Weeks Old - 12:30-0:00 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 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. 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'. 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. MICHAEL BUBLE IN SA - The 25 year-old Canadian vocalist will be kicking off his tour in Cape Town, on Wednesday the 8th at His People Centre, he will then be heading to Johannesburg for two performances at Carnival City, on Friday the 10th and Saturday the 11th of October. 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, dDisselblom, 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 -------------- GOLLIWOG LIVE IN CAPE TOWN On Friday 10th October, Golliwog will be returning to The Independent Armchair Theatre in Observatory, Cape Town, following a short break from live gigs. After flourishing under the canopy of downtown hip house, District 206, Cape Town funk-mongers, Golliwog, have effectively erupted. Harvested in the dreary backlashes of winter in the Cape, this hard-chested and lyrically-waxed funk bomb has been set loose upon the ears of the rest of the country. This is due to two things: Firstly, their ebullient and ferociously tight performances from the source, not to mention recent break-through sound and reception at the North Sea Jazz festival and along their tour of the North including the Oppikoppi Easter festival and the 206 Dope party at Carfax. Secondly, their timing is perfect. Golliwog has risen in the wake of many a casual comment about the SA music scene going to the dogs. Indeed, South Africa is fast moving away from the crusty caves of singular rock appreciation and ebbing into a broadening sphere of experimental and indigenous grooves that far better represent our expanding dexterity at unique sounds and beats. Enter Golliwog, capitalizing on this gap and pushing a sonorous blend of phat, freaky beats and grooves whose artful combination is rapidly demolishing the barrier between live and electronic music. Their perfect timing can be put down to the deliberate and eclectic combination of its members and the specialized offering each has to offer the band. With bassist Rob Nel, paying tribute, as founding member, to a hierarchy of jazz and funk, each individual has brought their innate ability to meld established sounds with a more hard-core and new school acoustic sensibility. Vocalist Farrell Adams rings true with his street-level suss and vocal prowess, hailing from an acclaimed repertoire of mother-city hard funk, whilst scratchmaster, The Blunted Stuntman, adds his perverted, broken turntabilism to the crucible of sound. The ridiculously saucy sounds of the horn section are compliments of young 'uns, Lee Thompson and Daniel Shout on trumpet and baritone sax respectively, and stalwart Nick le Roux on tenor sax. Beneath all of this we find the groove-laden, wickedly pedantic drumming of Mike Horn. Last but not least, the outlandish riffs of Gorm Helfjord's Norwegian-tinged guitar flavour and we have the formula for the free-form, witty Global Essential Funk outfit known as Golliwog! A blatant call to disregard past connotations, the band represents a growing motion in South Africa towards demolishing established regimens and embracing a new, homogenized culture of musical expression. Appearing at a time when the precedent concerns are for a sense of artistic fusion, Golliwog has chosen its realm well, giving South Africa a long awaited avenue towards liberty of sound and freedom of energy. Independent Armchair Theatre Friday 10th - Golliwog -------------- THE KLIPPIES AND COLA STUDENT SESSIONS The Klippies and Cola Student Sessions is 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. Line-Up for October 2003: Soulja and The Domino Effect 7 October - The Mystic Boer, Stellenbosch 14 October - The Independent Armchair Theatre, Cape Town The Rudimentals and Bed On Bricks 21 October - The Mystic Boer, Stellenbosch 28 October - The Independent Armchair Theatre, Cape Town Line-up for November 2003: 7th Son and Delta Blue 4 November - The Mystic Boer, Stellenbosch 11 November - The Independent Armchair Theatre, Cape Town Luna and Plush 18 November - The Mystic Boer, Stellenbosch 25 November - The Independent Armchair Theatre, Cape Town All Entrance R10 Those bands appearing are: 7th Son Since the band's entry into the Cape Town music scene, this "reggae" outfit have grown from a three-piece to a full blown seven/eight piece experience that adopts the heartfelt love for global, Reggae music and adapts it to their immediate African urban surroundings. Conscious lyrics executed in a simplistic fashion brings a spiritual and insightful undertone into a mainstream format. On stage, 7th Son confidently deliver their message of unity through minor-riff melodies and an explosive performance that keep crowds skanking all night. Bed On Bricks Bed On Bricks is the brainchild of super Sons of Trout vocalist Mike Hardy. Mike features on lead vocals and saxophone along with Schalk van der Merwe on bass guitar, Tim Rankin on drums and guitarist Dave van de Linden. The band have been playing together for four months and have been rocking audiences in Stellenbosch, Cape Town and surrounds. With fresh, powerful original songs and lyrics and brilliant tightness, Bed On Bricks promises to deliver the goods with explosive live performances. Debut single 'Humanarium' is currently the most downloaded track at SAmp3.com. Delta Blue When it comes to the Blues, it doesn't come better than Stellenbosch band Delta Blue. This young and vibrant five-piece presents the genre in their own unique way, while remaining faithful to the age-old Blues tradition. Delta Blue honour the birthplace of the blues through name-giving and draw inspiration from music with bold symbols of an independent and irrepressible culture. The band was formed in February 1999 when long-time friends Riaan Nieuwenhuis (keyboard) and Gerald Clark (vocals/rhythm guitar/harmonica) who were a duo at the time, met Almuir Botha (lead guitar). They realised their potential as a blues band. Schalk van der Merwe (bass guitar) joined the threesome and they started performing at small venues using temporary drummers. The line-up was completed when the band found Alida Stadler (drums). In May 2002, the band employed a brand new lead guitarist, Henry Steel. The group has released two studio albums, and the second, 'Inbluesstation' is currently topping the SA Rock Digest SA Album Charts. Luna Luna is a singer/songwriter from Stellenbosch. Her music is piano based and is a mixture of folk, blues and jazz. Her band consisting of Tinus van Dyk (guitar and mandolin), Barry Steenkamp (bass and electric guitar) and Francois Kruger (drums) accompanies her and together they create a soulful and laid back atmosphere. Luna made her first appearance on the music scene in 2002 in an Afrimusik production called 'Eve: women in the garden of song'. In this production she performed alongside well known artists such as Lesley Rae Dowling, Laurinda Hofmeyr, Eugenie and Nicole Holm. The Eve show was taken to Aardklop 2002 and KKNK 2003. Early 2003 Luna hooked up with Francois (Springbok Nude Girls), Barry (Akkedis) and Tinus. Since then they have performed at various events and festivals such as Wingerdstok 2003, KKNK 2003, the Cederberg Festival 2003 and Oppikoppi. Plush Plush are Rory (Lead vocals and Rhythm Guitar) and Chas Smit (Backing Vocals and Lead Guitar). The two met in 1997 while studying. They forged a close friendship, formed a band and spent the next four years playing all over Natal building up a large following in the process. 2001 saw the band move on to Johannesburg, and a year later to Cape Town where they are currently based, in order to pursue their music career more seriously. The band have won the RP Studios Demo Deal Competition as well as the National Finals of the prestigious RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition. Soulja The band is Warren Snaith on vocals, Lee Radmall on Lead guitars, Greg Seller on guitars and backing vox, Curve on bass and Stuart McLaren on the drums. Soulja has been one of the most prolific Cape Town rock bands in 2003. Hard work has resulted in one of the largest fanbases for a rock band in the city who strongly identify with the sometimes aggressive, often mesmerising hard rock message that Soulja conveys. Soulja recently supported Sepultura on the JHB leg of the Brazilian band's SA tour. Soulja's first single, 'Plan My Attack', is moving quickly up the SAmp3.com charts. The Domino Effect The Domino Effect are primarily a hip hop outfit, but the presence of a live drummer and bassist, as opposed to electronic backtracks which rap acts usually use, gives the music a harder, groovier and almost rock-ish edge. The band consists of two MC vocalists - Justin and Pieter - the bassist, J.C., drummer, Heinie and lastly a sound samplest, Neil. The group have been playing together seriously for two years and have played at gigs along with the likes of Brasse vannie Kaap, Springbok Nude Girls, Ready D and many others. The Rudimentals African Ska Dub encumbents, the Rudimentals play a contemporary blend of ska, township and roots. The music represents the sunny side of South Africa; cutting through boundaries with its infectious warmth, energy and humor. The Rudi's performance is a powerful, uninhibited show that, judging by audience reaction is better than e, the station or the drug! For more Information 021 462 8504 / mailto:info@bastardmedia.co.za -------- SA PUNK -------- By Daniel Neville 'RIOT IN THE MAD HOUSE' PUNK/SKA FESTIVAL Just a reminder of the The 'Riot In the Madhouse' festival that will take place in what used to be part of Falkenberg mental institute. This event will take place outside with a huge festival size stage, the biggest sound and stage ever used in the country for an exclusively punk/ska festival. With the merchandise stalls, Bar Area (for over 18's only), food stalls, DJ's and plenty of other entertainment this will be more than just a punk show, it will be a punk/ska lifestyle exhibition and if anything an event definitely not to be missed. Sat 11 October 2003 Venue: PJ's - Odemoulen Village - next to Vincent Palloti Hospital. Bands: Hog Hoggidy Hog, The Rudimentals, Half Price, War on Salt, False Pretense, Hoax, Zero Tolerance, The Doppler Effect, The Recruits, 2 Weeks Old Time: 12:30-0:00 Entry: R40 only! -------------- THE 'DIRTY UNDERWEAR' ROADTRIP Its official Half Price will all be appearing live in only their own "dirty underwear" for all four shows of the trip (the same underwear for each show, cleansing has been prohibited). Hence the name, the "dirty underwear" roadtrip - take note ladies (and some men), this could well be the opportunity of a lifetime. The roadtrip kicks off on the 11th October with Cape Town's premier whole day punk/ska festival "Riot in the Madhouse". On the 17th October they take the long lonely drive up to Joburg to appear at a Wrench Productions party with top Joburger punkers "The Stevie Wonderfuls", "the Kiddie Fiddlers" and "Ill Audio" On the 19th they will be in Durban hooking up with Mr Smug, Sibling Rivalry and Crossing point (to be confirmed) for an all ages show in a baseball park, somewhere in Durban. On the 25th, if they are still alive from the drunken drive, the culminating underwear show and grand finale takes place at their second favourite drinking spot in the Mother City, the legendary Purple Turtle. See http://www.SAgigs.com for details and other SA Punk gigs. ------------------ LIVE IN LONDON With John Samson ------------------ SAX AND VIOLINS Soweto String Quartet & Manu Dibango - at St Lukes LSO, London 22 September 2003 Anyone who arrived at St Lukes on Monday expecting to see ManU, would at best have got a keyboardist who looked vaguely like Eric Cantona, and a guitarist who could possibly be Quentin Fortune's older brother. Those of us a bit more in the know, expected and got a Cameroonian saxophonist, his band, and 4 dudes dressed up as zebras. About 7 years ago Prince Charles invited Manu Dibango and the Soweto String Quartet (SSQ) to perform separately at a function. This meeting inspired them to perform together and this finally became a reality on Monday night. Dibango, looking like Joe Cool personified and wearing a smile from here to Yaounde (the capital of Cameroon), strolled nonchalantly onstage and the 2 “bands” seemed almost to be halfway through the first tune before one had realised they had started. It was a low key start to a show that built up as the evening progressed till eventually the audience was all on their feet, singing and clapping along to the heady concoction of West African Jazz and Africanised classical. The SSQ had a chance to shine in their own right, doing a number of numbers without Dibango, the highlight being their cover of Sting's beautiful instrumental piece 'Saint Agnes and the Burning Train'. Dibango and his Soul Makossa Band also had some SSQ-less moments. While both were exceptional in their own rights, the best sound came when the whole cast were onstage, Dibango and the band adding body and depth to the SSQ number's while the SSQ brought added class and smoothness to Dibango's jazz. This West meets South evening, was an evening of genres melting into one another to create a synergetic sound of classical jazz. For this we can all raise a glass to “Charles!” for planting that seed that eventually grew into an exceptional night out. As the entertainers left the stage after a hugely appreciated encore one was left with the question 'Hey where did Dibango?' John Samson ---------- LIVE IN SA ---------- PIET BOTHA Manuel Escorsio went to see a Piet Botha concert in Melville and sent us this review: It is always with trepidation when a 'middle of the road' artist ceremoniously and with a certain degree of trepidation, dares to step onto unknown artistic ground. Not that he is afraid of the holy grail, but there is never the assurance that he will not be stepping onto 'moving' sand. The decision was made: Assume the 'observer's' role,after all, Melville is Melville - the place where things happen - the place with the 'vibe'. The venue was as I thought it would be. Informal, relaxed, laid back and pleasant. "How 'nice' of you to come and say hello to me" was my first thought when Piet very naturally made his way to say hi. Of course we all 'know' about each other and whether one admits or not, one tends to view the 'other' camp always with suspicion or with pre-conceived ideas which tend to hinder the objective evaluation of the singer's art per se. Is he aware that I have recorded 36 CDs and sung over 4 000 concerts all over the world? Or perhaps he doesn't care a shit about it, and such things don't really matter to him. Will he be nice to me? Are there resemblances to his father? He looks a lot like him but no, he is in another time frame. "Devoid yourself of such things" I said to myself. "Sip your Rock Shandy (already too strong for me), avoid the smoke (which I absolutely despise - free cancer? No thanks!) and enjoy the night out. This is going to be different than what you're used to - it's just a different 'genre' of music ... so what? This is what's supposed to make the South African Music firmament so different. We are rich in variety and thank God we don't need to be UNIFORM and stereotyped in what we have to offer the rest of the world. Piet is circumspect - his utterances are measured and economical. Perhaps part of the 'Foreign Affairs' diplomacy mantle has unawares to him come to rest on his shoulders. At first I thought there was not a lot of pathos or empathy emanating forth from the stage performance - yet his raucous voice is framed against the background of his heart and within the point of reference of his band. They don't just support him, they are an integral part of the proceedings. It's always difficult to analyse the soul of the artist on first reading - even if you're an artist yourself. The music, the words, the delivery, the core of the performance ALWAYS reflect (whether you like it or not) the philosophy, the pain, the joys, the frustrations, the anger, the passion and the SPIRIT of the artist. Piet does not put an 'act' on stage. He is the embodiment of HIMSELF. Was it entertaining? Absolutely! As one sits there feeding the mouth and the mind in different ways ... it's just a different Menu. No 400 people huddled together in a Hall, waiting for the 'apparition' to crystalize and then 'listening' to what he has to offer that night ... Just an intimate 'jol' ... I guess I missed the 'real' contact with the audience ... I tend to be a touch person on stage ... the artist who wants to engulf everyone in his Abrahamic bosom embrace. Piet works inside his bubble ... closed eyes ... sitting on the bar stool ... and surprisingly he did not "HAMMER" all the stuff with the raw outcry flowing from his profligate 'lineage'. He is sensitive, he sings from the soul. Yet there's that little 'tikkie' of rebellion sitting on the fringe of his performance ... questioning ... evaluating life in all its facets ... checking things out ... refusing to be pressed into the mould ... the odd ironical remark reminding one that he was now the Minstrel - almost like the court jester assigned with the task of being the voice of 'conscience', yet living life dangerously not always knowing how far to go yet being constantly spurned on by this unavoidable sense of duty to be true to yourself. But Piet, don't forget that I was part of the hippie generation, which was going to clean the world from all hypocrisy, from all wars and every despicable twist of unjustice, and here we are in the next generation watching perhaps a worse scenario than 40 years ago and going around delivering the same kind of 'message' as in the past. Nothing has changed. You and I are just wheels in the inexorable process of searching for eternal truth, justice and fairness. That is Piet Botha's modus operandi and he does it simply, with no frills, straight forward and totally devoid of histrionics. That's his style and he does this with a dedication towards music not very often seen in the industry today. Piet, I enjoyed listening to you, just wish I could have had the opportunity to climb through the window of your heart and feel your soul ... Manuel Escorsio -------------- FOKOFPOLISIEKAR AT THE MERCURY LIVE Lindsay Ravenscroft was at the Fokofpolisekar invite-only launch party on Thursday night, 2 October 2003... Lights, camera, REVOLUTION! Fokofpolisiekar rocket into the new world with mind-blowing multimedia at their exclusive party at Mercury Live. 1000 invitees milled around the Mercury complex; musicians, media and multitudes of fans, spilling out on to the street. At the door you are handed a playing card: a promotional icon for their new CD “As jy met vuur speel sal jy brand,” (to be released on 5 December 2003), and a copy of one of their songs “Vernietig jouself.” (in scrawled script). Now that you have Fokofpolisiekar in your hand and in your head: step inside. A digital video of the band further asserts their stardom from the screen on the wall. Genius! Everyone voices their approval. Fokofpolisiekar have started a revolution! Finally the music and the marketing have merged to form an awe-inspiring production! The media team behind this production have branded the image of the band in our mind before the gig has even started! The elite, mesmerised invitees flock to the dance floor when Francois sets foot on the stage. Lights, camera, REVOLUTION! The crowd watches intently throughout the bite-size set and joins in the passionate mayhem ensuing from the Afrikaans punk rockers. Good sound, not hugely original, but well rehearsed and delivered to eager eyes. The show comes to a crisp finish. Yet this is just the beginning! The SA music scene gasps and steps into the 21st century! By Lindsay Ravenscroft ----------- 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 Lindsay Ravenscroft Wicked Mike Don Bryce David Marks Robin Auld LAD And others too numerous to mention, but gratefully acknowledged! Proofed by Ronx A SUGAR MUSIC PRODUCTION http://www.sugarmusic.co.za <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>