SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #221 http://www.sarockdigest.com Established 27th January 1999 13th October 2003 ---------------------- IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE ---------------------- The 2003 Geraas Music Awards have been announced and it’s no surprise that Karen Zoid leads the nominee pack with five nominations for her second album, ‘Chasing The Sun’ ... Among the other notable nominees are Anna Davel, Amanda Strydom, and two welcome nominations for the Buckfever Underground’s very cultish ‘Teaching Afrikaans As A Foreign Language’ album. Craig David is coming to SA in November for three concerts ... Diary Of Dreams are “one of the world's favourite Darkwave/Gothic outfits” and they will be returning to SA for some concerts from November 8-16, thanks to Alter Ego Productions. "The Dream Collector Tour" takes place in Cape Town, Durban and Gauteng with support from SA bands Mr Barleycorn and Terminatrix. We have a glowing report back of the 2003 Awesome Africa festival, staged in Durban recently ... The legendary Duncan Mackay is giving a workshop in Cape Town at Paul Bothner Music called 'Production and Arranging Techniques' ... David Marks pays tribute to Sandile Shange, the guitarist who passed away tragically last week. New mp3’s this week from Velve, Jo Day, Soil 7t7, Believable Addiction, Zen Arcade, and Grant Nuss ... New albums from Prime Circle, Mike de Jager and the Vaseline Rats, Dave Matthews, War-On-Salt, and Kop’s “Kopstories” ... We find out about Ripchord Studios which have just opened in Cape Town ... and there’s info on a new SA site called www.Songwriter.co.za. SoundSurfer is a new interactive music browser that changes the way you find and buy music ... John Samson reviews Trans Sky's 'Killing Time' and Kurt Shoemaker looks back at The A-Cads album, ‘Hungry For Love’, and LAD tells us about the new SA band called Pyramid Tongue. Daniel Neville reviews the new War-On-Salt CD in the SA Punk section ... And SAmp3.com picked up an award last month! There are details of all the recommended upcoming SA gigs including ‘Whiplash 2003’, a night of metal mayhem on Saturday 25 Oct at Mercury Live, Cape Town featuring the bands Toyland, My Shade, and Corruption of Virtue ... Tananas announce a one-off JHB concert ... Moonshine Lee tells us all about Cafe Barcelona in Pretoria and reviews a recent Piet Botha and Jack Hammer gig at that popular venue. 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: Geraas Award Nominations, Craig David, Diary Of Dreams, Awesome Africa, Songriter.co.za, Duncan Mackey, Tananas, Sandile Shange 2.CHARTS: Top 30 SA mp3s & albums 3.NEW RELEASES: SA mp3s & CDs: Believable Addiction, Zen Arcade, Velve, Kop, Jo Day, Grant Nuss, Soil 7t7, Mike de Jager, Vaseline Rats, Dave Matthews, Pyramid Tongue. 4.USA FOR AFRICA: The A-Cads - ‘Hungry For Love’ 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK: Trans Sky - 'Killing Time' 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA: Springbok Radio charts, birthdays, Vinyl Junkies 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS: A Readers' Forum 8.LIVE MUSIC: Events round-up, SA Punk, Cafe Barcelona. 9.INFO: Subscriptions & contributions _____________________________________________ 1.NEWS ---------- ZOID LEADS FEMALE DOMINATION OF GERAAS AWARD NOMINATIONS Female rocker Karen Zoid leads the pack with an incredible five nominations in the 2003 GMT’s (Geraas Musiek Toekennings). Zoid, who last year took 'Best Newcomer' and 'Best Rock Album' with 'Poles Apart', competes in major categories like 'Album of the Year', 'Best Adult Contemporary Album', 'Best Solo Artist', 'Best Rock Album' and 'Best Songwriter'. With this year's nominations there is an interesting battle between female vocalists with Anna Davel following closely behind Zoid with four nominations. Davel and Zoid come face to face with each other in the categories 'Album of the Year', 'Best Adult Contemporary Album', 'Best Solo Artist' and 'Best Songwriter'. Davel is also a member of the popular a cappella group Cutt Glas, who took the honours for 'Best Humouristic Album' at the previous awards ceremony. Their closest competition comes from a variety of artists and groups who picked up only two nominations each. Last year's winner of two GMT’s, Amanda Strydom, this year has two nods in the categories 'Album of the Year' and 'Best Adult Contemporary Album' for her new offering, 'Verspreide Donderbuie/Scattered Thunder'. The other artists who are tied with two nominations each are Valiant Swart, Lize Beekman, Laurinda Hofmeyr, Kurt Darren, Die Grafsteensangers, dDisselblom, The Buckfever Underground (see below) and Jaco & Joe. Well-known artists like Anton Goosen, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award last year, grabbed a nomination for 'Album of the Year'. Koos Kombuis, Piet Botha and Beeskraal (the 'Best Duo or Group' of the previous year) will also only compete in one category each. The GMT’s will take place 17th November at an auspicious occasion in The Globe Theatre, Gold Reef City. Belboks - SABC2's interactive Afrikaans music show - will broadcast live from the event. The GMT will be broadcast on SABC2 on 19th and 26th November in the regular Geraas time-slot, with a GMT special on 18th December. The nominated artists will compete in a total of 27 categories. No entries were received for the new category Best Hip-Hop/R&B. Five of the awards are not open to entries, but nominated by the judging panel. These are the 'Lifetime Achievement Award', 'Most Stylish SA Artist' (new category), 'Best Selling Afrikaans Album', 'Best SA Music Event' and 'Best Live Performer'. The public also has their say in the categories 'Song of the Year' and 'Best Live Performance'. From Wednesday 8th October they can call 083 913 3019 to nominate their artist. "This year's Geraas Musiek Toekennings is the best, biggest and most exciting showcase of Afrikaans music talent yet," says Erik de Jager, Executive Producer of Threshold Collective - the producers of Geraas (broadcast weekly on Wednesdays at 6pm on SABC2). "The 2003 nominations are a true reflection of the diversity within the Afrikaans music industry. With the award ceremony we strive to provide recognition for Afrikaans artists that are continually breaking new ground through their artistry". Ed. - We will have a full list of those Geraas Categories and Nominations in next week’s Digest. -------------- 'TAFL' NOMINATED FOR TWO GERAAS AWARDS ‘TAFL’ - ‘Teaching Afrikaans as a Foreign Language’, the latest release from The Buckfever Underground, has been nominated for two Geraas awards - ‘Best Duo or Group’ and ‘Best Song Writer’. The announcement on Tuesday morning sent ripples of euphoria through the nation prompting four die-hard fans to exclaim to passers-by that they had known the band “when they were crap”. The Buckfever Underground are: Toast Coetzer, Gilad Hockman, Jon Savage, Stephen Timm. A fax was received from a small village in South Korea where Toast Coetzer has been in seclusion for the past eight months working on his debut novel precariously titled ‘Ek en die Braai’. Roughly translated the fax read: “W40”. The rest of the band were unavailable for comment although a spokesperson did read an official statement which stated that the individual members were aware of recent developments but that, unlike some people, they would not be taking any steps without the consent of the UN security council. ‘Teaching Afrikaans As A Foreign Language’ is available in stores across the land or from bastard media: 021 465 8504 or info@bastardmedia.co.za. Also available are 'jou mede mens is dood' and 'survival is personal'. BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=buckfever -------------- CRAIG DAVID COMING TO SA Cell C Music Spectacular, in association with 5fm, is bringing Craig David to SA for a three-concert tour with dates in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. The 21 year-old has toured the world several times over, recently selling out a tour of UK venues and headlining a prestigious LA radio concert with Christina Aguilera and Nelly. Craig David’s 2000 debut album, ‘Born To Do It’, sold over seven million copies worldwide, and garnered gold, platinum and multi-platinum status in over 20 countries. He is also the only artist to have been nominated for a record six UK MOBO Awards and scored a chart topping hit earlier this year, teaming up with Sting for the hit ‘Rise and Fall’ (a No.1 on 5fm). Catch Craig David on the 8th November at The Dome in Johannesburg, on the 9th November at Durban's International Convention Centre and on the 11th November at The Velodrome in Cape Town. Tickets are priced from R105 (excluding service charge) and are available from Computicket. Contact: Jackie Busch on behalf of Real Concerts (021) 465 5733/082 376 4446 jackie_b@iafrica.com -------------- DIARY OF DREAMS CONFIRM SA TOUR DATES FOR ‘THE DREAM COLLECTOR TOUR’ Alter Ego Productions is proud to announce the return of one of the world's favourite Darkwave/Gothic outfits, Diary Of Dreams, to South African shores from November 8-16, 2003. For those not in-the-know, Diary Of Dreams hail from Dusseldorf, Germany, and are led by enigmatic front-man Adrian Hates. Although they've been around since the late Eighties, it took the release of their debut album, 'Cholymelan', in 1994 to make the alternative media really sit up and take notice. Together with guitarist Alister Kane, Hates produced a Gothic masterpiece that received praise from both underground and popular media as well as listeners. To date, Diary of Dreams has released seven full-length studio albums. In addition to having appeared at most serious music festivals around the world, they have toured countries that most other bands only dream of. One of those countries being South Africa. Diary of Dreams visited these shores back in 2000 on an overwhelmingly successful trip and it's safe to say that their return is highly anticipated! "The Dream Collector Tour" takes in Cape Town, Durban and Gauteng (2 shows) with top South African bands Mr Barleycorn and Terminatrix supporting. Mr Barleycorn is today rightly one of South Africa's premier electro/darkwave bands. Originating from the local Goth scene, they have since established a huge following of devoted fans. Mr Barleycorn released an album at the beginning of this year called 'Stendhal Syndrome' which saw the band moving away slightly from the "typical" Goth sound whilst still retaining a dark undertone. There is a huge spectacle of hype and excitement surrounding Terminatrix, some newcomers to the S.A scene. One of the band members is well known S.A supermodel Christina Storm. Sonja (vocals) and Christina (backing vocals) long mused over the idea of creating a band and with the help of Paul Blom (V.O.D.) this dream has become reality! Dates: Cape Town: Saturday 8th November 2003 - Mercury Live (Tickets limited to 550 people!) Durban: Tuesday 11th November 2003 - Burn Nightclub (Tickets limited to 550 people!) Gauteng: Friday 14th & Saturday 15th November 2003 - Sting Nightclub, Midrand (Tickets limited to 700 people per show) Tickets are available through Computicket from Mon 7th of October 2003) at R150.00 each. Contact Lee Wilson - lee@alter-ego.co.za (Tour Manager) -------------- AN AWESOME ‘AWESOME AFRICA 2003’! The fifth Standard Bank Awesome Africa Music Festival was held for the first time in Durban's Albert Park last weekend and has been applauded by organisers, the public and the community alike as being the best ever. The event was 100% incident free with the nearly 7 000 music lovers enjoying a feast of international and South African music in absolute safety in the most beautiful park setting, over the weekend. "We are thrilled that the festival was such a phenomenal success," says Awesome Africa's Prof Pitika Ntuli. "We feel that we have a unique template and platform which we can develop which includes great international and local music, urban regeneration programs and job creation and tourist potential. We would like to publicly acknowledge our sponsors and partners - in particular Standard Bank, the City of Durban, KZN Tourism and iTrump - for their vision, support and commitment in making this wonderful festival happen," "Many people were sceptical about us moving into Albert Park, but we knew that Durban's spirit is unique. We are setting an example here for the rest of Africa" says co-ordinator Thalia Erwin. "The festival saw some phenomenal music collaborations taking place as well as some profound and culturally astonishing music genres being showcased. Audiences had the rare opportunity of seeing the largest contingent of international and Pan African performers ever assembled together in South Africa," says Awesome Africa's Dan Chiorboli. 250 artists from 22 countries congregated in Durban for the two-day festival. Many of the artists ran workshops and master-classes prior to the Albert Park event to share their skills and experiences with locals. In particular Kwaito star Zola spent time with the children from the Thutakhani Harm Reduction Centre and was so moved by this experience, that he donated his Awesome Africa performance fee to the home. "The festival has the potential to be one of the most significant events on the KZN calendar and it can go a long way to really putting Durban on the international musical map," said UniCity Manager, Dr Michael Sutcliffe. Albert Park is undoubtedly the most appropriate venue for this festival - welcoming the public into the spacious Albert Park goes a long way to reclaiming the park. The festival also gave the Tropicale a new lease on life - it was the perfect al-fresco jazz venue and it is hoped that it will be able to be used for similar events in the future. -------------- WWW.SONGWRITING.CO.ZA This is a new web site that offers songwriting services to performing artists and record labels, while providing a platform for all South African songwriters. Anna Swanepoel, owner of the site, explains the idea behind the venture: “While there are many very capable songwriters in SA, who are willing to make their work available to performers, contact between songwriters and performers are mostly the result of ‘word of mouth’”. The problem with this scenario is that if performers do not have the necessary contacts with songwriters, they cannot source original material, while songwriters who do not have contacts with performers might never see their work performed in the public arena. Furthermore, songwriters who do make their work available to performers generally do not get recognition as the creators of such songs. There are thus 2 main reasons for establishing www.songwriting.co.za - 1) to put performers in contact with songwriters and vice versa and 2) to provide exposure to upcoming and established songwriters. SongWriting.Co.Za currently offers free membership to songwriters. New and upcoming songwriters receive a one-page profile for the marketing of their songwriting services, while established songwriters (who do not necessarily wish to market their services), receive a link to their existing web sites, or a one-pager detailing their accomplishments. Members can also make use of the “live chat” and “forum” facilities to ask for advice and exchange ideas. Performers and record labels that wish to source songs, may request contact with a specific songwriter, or SongWriting.co.za can recommend a suitable songwriter, based on your requirements. “As a songwriter and performer myself, I wish to encourage and promote new and original music and hope that this site will assist in removing some of the stumbling blocks”, Swanepoel says. Contact: Anna Swanepoel Gypsy Productions Tel/Fax: +27 12 667 3262 E-mail: mailto:anna@gypsy.co.za www.gypsy.co.za www.web.za.com www.songwriting.za.net -------------- DUNCAN MACKAY TO APPEAR AT LIVING WORKSHOP SERIES A unique workshop, entitled 'Production and Arranging Techniques', will be presented by Duncan Mackay at Paul Bothner Music in the Richmond Centre in Plumstead on Monday Oct 13 at 18:30. Duncan Mackay was the keyboard player for such bands as 10cc and Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, and is also known for his keyboard session work on albums by Kate Bush, Alan Parsons Project, Camel, Budgie and other international artists. Duncan Mackay currently works from his Cape Town studio, The Music House, where he focuses on producing local artists and his own projects. During this 'Production and Arranging Techniques' workshop, Duncan will share the production and arranging techniques that have made him an internationally sought-after producer. READ http://www.rock.co.za/files/duncan_mackay.htm -------------- TANANAS TO PLAY ONE-OFF JOHANNESBURG GIG With Ian Herman based in the USA, Steve Newman in the Eastern Cape and Gito Baloi in Johannesburg, Tananas gather only once a year for a short period to write new material, record and perform. The group has now added a single Johannesburg date to their schedule. The concert will take place at The Showcase Theatre Restaurant, Banbury Cross, cnr Hans Strydom and Olievenhout, Northriding.on Sun 19 October at 19:30. An a la carte supper menu and full bar is available. Tickets are R150. Booking in advance from: The Showcase 011 794 4985 or Computicket 011 340 8000. Info: Haley 011 447 7518. -------------- OBITUARY - SANDILE SHANGE By David Marks (Third Ear) We were shocked to hear of the tragic news of Sandile Shange's accident on Saturday evening. He was at a gig in Morningside, Durban, when he left on his scooter to fetch a jack-plug lead for his guitar. The little man was a giant in Jazz; no bigger than his guitar, he was larger than life; where almost everything was a great pleasure and a massive surprise - met with a wry sense of wit, humour and timing! Another great musician exits without his work being completed; what makes this really sad, is that after 30 years on the road, Sandi was preparing for his first formal solo studio recording. One of many that were never to be. Sandile featured in many bands since the 60's and became a unique township jazz-jive stylist. A remarkable guitarist who wouldn't compromise - which is why he would never lower himself into commercial studio production work. He played magic with his guitar and his music, his way; and that's how he made his name, if scarcely a living. Sandi did feature in countless festivals, concerts & clubs and he did record with numerous groups in concert and in the studio. Among his many notable performances - some recorded - were those with Darius Brubeck in various combinations and bands at clubs and functions and at Centre for Jazz at the University. He also recorded the sound track and title theme for the Vuleka Radio Series of Sharp Zinto in 1994. 3rd Ear Music has always treasured Sandile's live recordings - especially those that we made with the legendary Shange Brothers for the Soweto National Jazz Festival at Jabulani Amphitheatre in 1974. And of course who can ever forget his solo tricks and ad lib jams in Guitars For Africa with Johnnie Fourie? As we always told you when you mounted that scooter of yours, guitar strapped to back; Hamba Kahle Sandile! RIP David Marks 3rd Ear Music Company (Est. 1969)/The Hidden Years Music Archive Project (Est. 1994) Website: www.3rdearmusic.com Hidden Years Archive mailto:thirdear@iafrica.com For those of you who are able to assist the family through this difficult time, please find below the bank details of Sandile's only son, who is left with the difficult task of dealing with the police and everything else. If any of you is a lawyer who might be able to help in suing this despicable person, please drop me a line. SJD Mgwaba First National Bank Branch Code - 221426 Smart account - 62055722831 -------------- SAMP3 GETS A WEB AWARD! Michael D. Joubert, the Communication Manager for TechSmart, wrote to tell us that www.SAmp3.com was selected as TechSmart's September Website of the Month. TechSmart (www.techsmart.co.za) is a free technology newspaper and goes out to 100 000 households in Gauteng. Here is an extract of the article: "SAmp3.com is totally legal and free and is a valuable resource to get talent noticed where otherwise the playing field would not be level. So, once again congratulations. SAmp3 is busy with a very valuable and honourable task, keep it up!” We are suitably honoured, thanks! www.techsmart.co.za ---------------------------------- 2.CHARTS ---------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com 1. [2] (1) Cosmo Girl - The Fallen (Indie) 2. [3] (2) Milk Cow Blues - Delta Blue ('Inbluesstation'/Merchant Records) 3. [4] (3) Jaded Mind - Morning Haze (Indie) 4. [9] (4) Plan My Attack - Soulja (Indie) 5. [6] (5) Master Jack - David Marks ('The Hidden Years'/3eM) 6. [1] (1) Humanarium - Bed On Bricks (Indie) 7. [8] (7) James Brown (I Ain't) - Martin Rocka ('Martin Rocka & The Sick Shop'/Gosatango) 8. [16] (8) Castles (Remix) - Freshlyground ('Jika Jika'/Freeground) 9. [15] (9) Sugar Man - Rodriguez ('Cold Fact'/PT Music) 10. [5] (2) The Meaning Of Goodbye - James Stewart (Street Level) 11. [11] (1) Summer Sun - Zen Arcade ('Release'/Indie) 12. [7] (7) 4X4 - Steve Hofmeyr ('Toeka'/EMI) 13. [10] (8) Let Me Know - Ystervark ('Living It Up'/Indie) 14. [19} (14) Things 2 Consider - Skwirmish ('The EP'/Indie) 15. [21] (15) Rich Folks Hoax - Amanda Strydom ('Verspreide Donderbuie / Scattered Thunder'/JNS) 16. [14] (10) Fabulous Day (Kwaito Mix) - Redd-Angel (Sexy Records) 17. [13] (2) Springbok Sampler - Springbok Nude Girls (Sony) 18. [18] (1) Madiba 1990 - Bright Blue (SAmp3.com/Bright Productions) 19. [22] (19) Lilly Dance - De-Javu (Single/Bowline) 20. [24] (20) Suikerbossie Blues - Jakkie Louw ('Klein Karoo Cowboy'/Afrimusik) 21. [29] (21) Anything - Helen Desbois (Fresh) 22. [25] (22) Only If It Rains - Off The Edge ('Site Under Construction'/Indie) 23. [28] (23) Ek En Jy En Die Kaap - Lize Beekman ('Iemand Het Gesê'/Indie) 24. [12] (11) Crystal Clear - Seven Day Story (Indie) 25. [30] (25) Meisie Van Die Ooste - Alta Joubert ('Warrelwinde'/Hoezit) 26. [27] (26) Misvuurtjie - Laurinda Hofmeyr ('Ligdag'/Rhythm Records) 27. [17] (17) Alie Barber Theme - Alie Barber ('Alie Barber' TV Soundtrack/Thrive!) 28. [20] (1) Make It Your System - Lazarus ('Parallax View'/Indie) 29. [-] (29) Above My Room - Jo Day ('No Warning'/Legend) 30. [23] (23) Sign Language - The Famous Roaches ('Splashy Fen'/3eM) -------------- 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) Inbluesstation - Delta Blue (Merchant) 2. [3] (2) Johnny Clegg - A South African Story - Live (Value) 3. [6] (3) Slow Rain (The Complete Celtic Rumours) - Celtic Rumours (RetroFresh) 4. [8] (4) Another Universe - Arno Carstens (Epic) 5. [2] (2) Sui - Benguela (Open Record) 6. [11] (6) Jika Jika - freshlyground (Freeground) 7. [9] (7) Our World - Soweto String Quartet (BMG) 8. [5] (1) Back Seat Driver - Tait (Fresh) 9. [4] (4) The Remix Collection - Brenda Fassie (EMI) 10. [7] (4) Drop The Debt - Various (Sheer) 11. [10] (1) Release - Zen Arcade (Indie) 12. [14] (12) Sagtevlei - Alex Van Heerden and Derek Gripper (Open Record) 13 [13] (1) Chasing The Sun - Karen Zoid (EMI) 14. [12] (2) Rocking Against The System Vol 2 - Various (RetroFresh) 15. [20] (15) Rock The Bedsprings - Old Mol (Legend) 16. [23] (16) Verspreide Donderbuie / Scattered Thunder - Amanda Strydom (JNS) 17. [15] (1) No Warning - Jo Day (Legend) 18. [16] (4) Klein Karoo Cowboy - Jakkie Louw (Afrimusik) 19. [19] (2) Homegrown Vol 2 - Various (EMI) 20. [25] (20) Greatest Hits - Tsepo Tshola And Sankamota (CCP) 21. [21] (7) The Present Is Passed (The Best Of) - No Friends of Harry (RetroFresh) 22. [22] (22) Rough Cuts - Janie Jones (Sugar Music) 23. [17] (4) Kicking and Screaming - Toxic Shame (Legend) 24. [-] (24) Vari-ous - 'Tassenberg All Stars Volume 4' (Trippy Grape) 25. [26] (25) Diversity - Grant Nuss (Indie) 26. [28] (26) J23 - Danny K (Gallo) 27. [30] (27) Insomniak se Droomalmanak - Andries Bezuidenhout (Rhythm) 28. [24] (1) Die Mamba - Piet Botha (Rhythm) 29. [18] (1) TNTLC - Boo! (BMG) 30. [-] (30) Various Artists - The Thula Project/An Album Of SA Lullabies (Worldgoround) 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. --------------- BELIEVABLE ADDICTION - TWISTED Believable Addiction is a five-piece Pretoria-based band who play "New Age Rock". The band was formed just over a year ago by founding members Jonathan Fagan (bass) and Darren Robert York (lead vocals). The other members of the band are Dian Jordaan (lead guitar), Bunny (rhythm guitar), and Eben The Animal (drums). BA have signed a publishing deal with EWM Publishing (Saron Gas/Seether's publishers!), received airplay on all their singles, have been featured on the Wicked Rock "Let Us Be Heard" compilation, won a battle of the bands, played alongside bands such as The Narrow, Evenflow, Wonderboom, and Marlow. They recently released their new single, 'Twisted’, that was play-listed on most radio stations. Believable Addiction was recently praised by Barney Simon as one of SA's best up-and-coming bands! -------------- ZEN ARCADE - ‘ALL THE WORLD’ As ZA’s bright and buzzy ‘Summer Sun’ single reluctantly moves down the SAmp3.com charts, after deservedly reaching the No 1 spot, ‘All The World’ steps in to continue spreading the good word about the band’s classy second album, ‘Release’. ‘All The World’ has already received plenty of airplay on 5fm and is just one of many fine moments from one of SA’s best rock bands. -------------- VELVE - ‘SCREAM’ (Demo) A slower, unplugged track to follow Velve’s first big single, ‘Fallen’, which recently topped the SAmp3.com charts. Trucker’s the dude with the deep, emotional vocals on this new offering. Recorded at UCT radio. -------------- GRANT NUSS - ‘TIME TO CHANGE’ Second single to be released as an mp3 off Grant Nuss’ ‘Diversity’ album. Another smooth ballad from the ex-Durban, now Cape Town-based, singer-songwriter-guitarist with Tom Fox on guitar. -------------- JO DAY - ‘ABOVE MY ROOM’ The roaring opening track from the SA Rock Digest chart-topping album 'No Warning'. Jo Day on horny angel vocals, Darren Drawbridge on guitar, Martin Labuschagne on bass and Herman Kruger on drums. Toxic Shame's Jon Buckley added both his production and guitar skills to this fine rock album. -------------- SOIL 7t7 - ‘WOMAN’ This reggae-tinged (or should that be singed) single is taken from their self-titled debut album, which was released on March 8, 2003. ‘Woman’, the hidden track on the album, follows the success of the previous singles ‘Mary and Jane’, and ‘Get Some’, which did very well on the SAmp3.com charts earlier this year. ----------------- SEARCH FOR MP3's Use the SAmp3.com onboard search engine, powered by Google, to search for mp3s on http://www.SAmp3.com ----- CDs ----- PRIME CIRCLE - ‘HELLO CRAZY WORLD’ Prime Circle have made a strong entrance into the SA pop arena with their debut smash hit, ‘Hello’, and have followed that with the release of their debut album, ‘Hello Crazy World’, on the David Gresham Label. ‘Hello’ topped the charts on several radio stations across South Africa, including 5fm where they stayed in the High 5@5 charts - in the top 10 - for 21 weeks, and RSfm, CBFM, CATS Radio and MFM. ‘Hello’ also charted in the Top 10 on 94.7 Highveld Stereo, on Radio Algoa, RAU radio and RMR and is currently playlisted on several other radio stations including TUKS fm, Radio Lesotho, Radio 2000 and East Coast Radio. Prime Circle was formed in December 2001 in the small town of Witbank. The band is Ross Learmonth (main vocalist and rhythm guitarist), Gerard Venter (drummer and backing vocalist), Dirk Boschoff (lead guitarist), and Marco Gomes (bass player). Gerhard (drummer) has played alongside bands like Squeal, Sons of Trout and Sugardrive. Marco (bass) and Dirk (lead guitar) have played at many festivals and gigs around the country over the last 12 years. The band co-writes all their material. Prime Circle have already featured on two local compilations, ‘The Right Stuff’ and 5fm’s ‘Playlisted 2’. The band are currently gigging around the country to rave reviews and making many new fans. They have already performed in Durban, Umhlanga, Port Elizabeth, East London and Port Alfred, all during September … watch the press for October gig updates! ‘Hello Crazy World’ is an assured opening offering that builds on the soaring pop style of ‘Hello’ and trades very heavily on Ross Learmonth’s stirring vocals. Tracklisting: ‘Same Goes For You’, ‘Hello’, ‘As Long As I Am Here’, ‘Crazy World’, ‘Inside Out’, ‘Standing’, ‘Father’, ‘Shed My Skin’, ‘My Inspiration’, ‘Nice To Know You’, ‘In My Head’, ‘Lose Tomorrow’, ‘Let Me Go’, ‘Weaker Still’. -------------- DAVE MATTHEWS - ‘SOME DEVIL’ [BMG] Dave is an ex-South African, of earlier Johannesburg and Durban domicile, who is currently a mega-star in the US and constantly topping the biggest live concert tours earners list (he is currently in the midst of a summer tour with Dave Matthews Band). Dave also has a record company, called ATO Records, that gave David Gray’s ‘White Ladder’ a US release, when no one else was interested. ATO also released the ‘Amandla’ soundtrack and is currently helping to put Vusi Mahlasela on the US map with the release of Vusi’s compilation CD, ‘The Voice’. So Dave’s been helping his SA “Huisies” where possible and that’s good to see! So we thought we’d let you know that BMG SA have just given his new, solo album, ‘Some Devil’, a SA release and we don’t feel too disloyal to all our SA bands when we tell you that it is a very cool, laid-back and lekker album. It has Dave’s new single, ‘Gravedigger’, and plenty of typically eclectic Dave tunes that stretch his warm and plummy vocals. Matthews drew from an eclectic array of musicians to form the band backing him on ‘Some Devil’. Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio plays on four tracks and co-wrote ‘Grey Blue Eyes’ with Dave. Longtime Matthews' accompanist, Tim Reynolds, plays on the album as well. For the rhythm section, Matthews turned to bassist Tony Hall who has worked with such artists as Bob Dylan, The Neville Brothers and Willie Nelson, and drummer Brady Blade, Jr., who has worked with Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and Chris Whitley, to name a few. ‘Some Devil’ was recorded in Seattle, Washington, and was produced by Stephen Harris, who also produced Dave Matthews Band's last studio album, ‘Busted Stuff’. Dave Matthews explains how the album came about: "I had written a few songs that never really had a place with the band, so during a break I decided to go into the studio to see what might develop. The sessions grew into a sort of writing and recording experience - something I hadn't really planned on. Eventually the tracks began to take on a personality and grew into an album. I'm really excited and I hope people like it." The majority of the songs on ‘Some Devil’ have never been performed in front of an audience. One exception is the album's first single, ‘Gravedigger’, which Matthews has played on the road acoustically. The song takes on a new life on ‘Some Devil’ as an aggressive rock track, enhanced by Anastasio's guitar work. A video for ‘Gravedigger’ was recently shot in Livingston, Montana by feature film director Mark Pellington who got his start directing music videos for the likes of Pearl Jam, U2 and Nine Inch Nails. Now, how about some concerts in South Africa Dave?? -------------- MIKE DE JAGER AND THE VASELINE RATS! Mike de Jager, the SA-born guitarist, has just released his third album, ‘With These Hands’. The album features a new breed of guitarists and has some fantastic duets with guitarists from the USA & the UK. These include duets with world class musician and ‘Guitarist’ Magazine music editor, Adrian Clark. The album also features a new genre in music which De Jager calls “Zulu Rock”. De Jager is the first guitarist/musician in the world to add some serious hard rocking metal guitar to traditional South African Zulu music. Recently, De Jager has joined up with Pete Emms to form a funky new metal band called The Vaseline Rats. Pete has many album credits and world tours to his name including work with Al Atkins and Dave Holland of Judas Priest/Trapeze. They are hard at work writing and rehearsing the new band and begin recording the material in the autumn. Mike de Jager who lives in Stourbridge in the Black Country, England, has signed a sponsorship deal with Behringer, one of the largest manufacturers of professional audio and MI equipment in the world, Behringer.Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH was founded by Uli Behringer some 13 years ago. Today, the Behringer group of companies has a global presence across 5 continents with more than 1,500 employees in 20 countries. During the past year, Mike has used Behringer 's state of the art V-AMP2 for all his studio and live work with great success. The new deal will see Mike using new Behringer V-AMP PRO Professional Guitar Amp Modeling and Multi-Effects Processor with Additional 24-Bit/96 kHz Digital Output and Ultra-G Cabinet Simulation in conjunction with the Midi Foot Controller FCB1010 Midi Foot Controller with two Expression Pedals. The Vaseline Rats’ new album, yet to be named, will be due for release at the same time. Both albums will be supported with concert tours to Europe, the USA and South Africa. -------------- KOP - “KOPSTORIES” As indicated by their name, Kop's music does require some brainwork if you want to get the full benefit of it. There is no question about Marcell, the frontman's, songwriting abilities. It's all good. I do however predict that his vocal deliverance will be a determining factor in whether you like this band, or not. The man will definitely not make it through even the first round of Idols, but then neither will Koos Kombuis, or Andries Bezuidenhout from Brixton Moord en Roof Orkes. The attraction of Afrikaans Rock does not lie in the vocal performance, but rather in the honesty of the message and attitude ... and that comes across wonderfully on this demo. The uniqueness of Marcell's voice may even become a very marketable novelty. The overall feel of the 6-song demo I received is pretty laid-back, with maybe the exception of "Dit Gebeur" and the grungy "So jy skim" and is therefore equally suited to smoke-filled pubs, as well as babbelas mornings. There are no gimmicks here, only honest words and solid tunes, with a Gert Vlok Nel-like disregard for commercialism. My favourite song on "Kopstories" is "Telefoon Blues". Reviewed by Anna Swanepoel for Gypsy Productions www.gypsy.co.za LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_l_s.html -------------- 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. PYRAMID TONGUE Johannesburg-based Pyramid Tongue was formed in November 2000, but changed their line-up around mid 2002, taking the band to new heights. Pyramid Tongue has a 6-track EP out which is available from the band, or via their website. Their site is: http://www.pyramidtongue.co.za The bands weird name has no sinister meaning -- it was chosen from a list of about 200 names because the group needed a name for a gig a few years ago. The band is quite a hardcore band and is very dedicated to their work -- they even practise three times a week! All-in-all Pyramid Tongue is an extremely dedicated, hardworking band who will definitely see the rewards of their work -- their music is strong, powerful and full of energy. The band is made up of Travis du Plooy on rhythm guitar and lead vocals; Darryl du Plooy on bass guitar and backup vocals; Weynand Deysel on lead guitar and backup vocals and finally Wayne Potgieter on skins. The guys also watch; help and support other SA bands where possible. Pyramid Tongue is busy negotiating with several record companies to record and release their new material. Next year the group is planning to tour Europe and to promote the new CD which will be released in late autumn 2004. As far as gigs go, Pyramid Tongue can be seen at Sting (Midrand Value Centre) on the 18th of October, The Snuggery (Boksburg) on the 24th of October and on the 6th of December at Tempo`s (With Tweak) Pyramid Tongue's "Incision" is available from http://www.SAmp3.com and is being re-recorded (so expect a tighter version out soon), but the downloadable version has a great guitar riff with a catchy chorus. I must admit that hearing the song live at Woodstock 5, I could hardly recognise it as it's a lot harder and more captivating live. I'd say that "Sheep on Drugs" seems to reflect the band’s style more accurately. LAD If you're in a SA Band or are a SA artist and would like to appear in this slot please mail mailto:tony@zazone.com ! 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. THE A-CADS - 'HUNGRY FOR LOVE' [CRYSTAL EMPORIUM PRODUCTIONS CEP-012] Musos from bands we know make up The A-Cads; Johnny Kongos and the G-Men, and John E. Sharpe and the Squires. I don't know if these guys did guitars and steps like The Shadows, but they got that rock 'n' roll thing down with their frat party-pleasin' sound. These guys would have fit perfectly on a bill with Northwest American bands like Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Kingsmen, or The Wailers in the mid-Sixties. These covers range from rock 'n' roll to blues to R&B to pop and back to rock 'n' roll again. Their hit, originally by Johnny Kidd and the Pirates, gets the prime spot. Among the rest are two by the Stones, 'As Tears Go By' and 'Play with Fire' (with some odd effect at the beginning), an energetic version of Chuck Berry's 'Nadine', 'In the Midnight Hour' has satisfying fuzz guitar, and a chunky proto-power chord gets some air in 'Mr. Pitiful'. The Beatles even get covered here with a raw yet melodic version of 'I Feel Fine'. These rock 'n' roll veterans knew their rock 'n' roll chops well. The booklet photos show the guys styled about like The Yardbirds: hair somewhat longer than the Fab Four and approaching 'Let it Be' wigged out. Slouching, sullen, their serious expressions don't lie: this CD has plenty of good old rock 'n' roll swagger and sneer (think Mick, 1965) to get your mojo working (whatever that is, and whatever it does when it works. This CD of nuggets from the rock 'n' roll and beat era is worth finding, inexpensive, and easier to find than the original vinyl. Full of energy of a day that was wild and wonderful, this music caused many a parent wonder what was wrong with their kids (kids now doctors, software writers, and teachers). The complete A-Cads CD remains to be reissued. This is their one album, plus five tracks from "an unreleased acetate", and a song by Hank Squires. While minus a couple of singles and B-sides, it is plus rock 'n' roll, with some songs showing rock 'n' roll's black roots. READ http://www.rock.co.za/files/acads.html 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: TRANS SKY - ‘KILLING TIME’ To a lot of people on this planet the words Sony and Jury would probably bring the immediate response of George Michael. However those a bit more in the know would think Trans Sky for it is Warrick Sony (of Kalahari Surfers fame) and Brendan Jury (he of the viola on nearly every SA album featuring viola fame) who make up this enigmatic group. Despite their great name, Trans Sky could well have called themselves Trance Sky as the music is chilled trance dance. While Sony (that's Warrick, not the record label) expertly takes care of drum, bass, turntables, percussion and sound design (that's what it says), Jury creates wonderfully amospheric soundscapes with soaring synths, crafty keyboards and stirring strings. To this he adds vocals and viola. The latter comes to the fore particularly on 'Dust And Bones' and of 'Durban Poison', giving the songs a desolated feel. The vocals sound disaffected yet have enough edge to them to have real bite. Lyrically, Jury is responsible for 3 of the 13 tracks while Sony's highbrow lyrics take up the rest. Lines like 'Fractals disappear, Liquid Ether to atmosphere' are not your average Hit Me Baby One More Time type lyrics, but deeper examination reveals the political vehemence that we have come to expect from Sony. 'He's a limpet mine, yellow at heart, founded a nation that lived apart' from 'Limpet Mine' is one small example of this. Killing Time is not something to be doing when listening to this high quality album from Trans Sky. It's an album that demands to be taken seriously despite its chilled sounds. Five years after its release, it has aged exceptionally well and sounds vibrantly fresh today. It is a high class, polished album that is highly recommended. My copy of this is somewhat spoilt by the fact that person who put the staple into the sleeve notes was probably pissed when they did it, but that's the only criticism I can find. John Samson, London mailto:john@sarockdigest.com Ed's note. - When the Director John Boorman (‘Deliverance’) first arrived in Cape Town to begin filming ‘Country Of My Skull’ (Antjie Krog’s book about the TRC starring Samuel L Jackson and Juliette Binoche), he was introduced to the musical and soundtrack skills of Warrick Sony by Sound Solutions, the film’s music supervisors, who played Boorman selections from this album ‘Trans Sky’. Warrick Sony, along with Murray Anderson from Milestone Studios in Cape Town, are now working on the soundtrack for the film which will be released in 2004 under its new title, ‘Truth’. _________________________________________ 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA -------------------- SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS http://rock.co.za/charts This week [Last week] Title - Artist 30 YEARS AGO (05 October 1973) 1 [1] Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet - Maria 2 [2] Baby Blue - George Baker Selection 3 [3] Take Me To The Mardi Gras - Paul Simon 4 [5] One And One Is One - Medicine Head 5 [4] Ashes Of Love - Dickey Lee 25 YEARS AGO (06 October 1978) 1 [1] Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty 2 [2] Thank You For The Music - Abba 3 [3] You're The One That I Want - John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John 4 [4] Dancing In The City - Marshall Hain 5 [8] Shadow Dancing - Andy Gibb 20 YEARS AGO (07 October 1983) 1 [2] Every Breath You Take - The Police 2 [1] Baby Jane - Rod Stewart 3 [8] Puttin' On The Ritz - Taco 4 [6] Elvis Astaire - The Soft Shoes 5 [3] Candy Girl - New Edition 15 YEARS AGO (06 October 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 enjoyed the second week of her second run at the top in 1973 while the only changes this week back then was that Medicine Head swapped placed with Dickey Lee. 1978 saw the non Bee Gee Gibb brother Andy enter the top 5 with his US chart topper 'Shadow Dancing'. Andy died at the tender age of 30 in 1988. One of the most unlikely hits of all time was the 1983 re-make of the Irving Berlin classic 'Puttin' on the Ritz' by Taco Ockerse who wisely dropped his surname. The song by this Indonesian born singer made number 4 in the US. The song had been made popular by Fred Astaire who was half of the subject of Jervis Pennington and his Soft Shoes' song that crept into number 4 that year. The Soft Shoes had won the TV talent show 'Follow That Star' performing their only SA hit. 1988 saw the same top 5 for the third week running. South African's at number 1 this week: Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet - Maria (1973) Woodpecker From Space - Café Society (1985) South African New Entries this week: 05-Oct-73 Do You Love Me - Billy & Geli 05-Oct-73 Funny Face - Barbara Ray 06-Oct-72 Bonely Bonela - Gries Heimer 09-Oct-64 All I Got - Bats 09-Oct-82 Bushman - Steve Kekana 10-Oct-69 Hold On To What You've Got - Staccatos 11-Oct-74 Try A Little Love - Lionel Petersen 11-Oct-80 Give Me The Love - Neville Nash John Samson --------------- VINYL JUNKIES --------------- This section is for collectors of South African and International vinyl. -------------- REVOLUTION RECORDS OPENS IN CAPE TOWN Revolution Records is a new Vinyl and CD store that has just opened its doors in Observatory. The store is run by Lawrence, a well-known Cape Town vinyl trader, and is situated at: 85 Lower Main Road in Observatory. The store carries LP’s, Singles, CDs, and a selection of music books Contact: Lawrence at 082 764 2198 -------------- MABU VINYL Cape Town's finest vinyl store is now back at the Top of Long Street. At No. 2 Kloof Street - diagonally opposite the Long Street Baths. All Night Radio - ‘The Heart’s The Best Part’ (LP) The Outlet - ‘Smash Hits’ (LP) Margaret Singana - ‘Stand By Your Man’ (LP) Tony Schilder - ‘Introducing The Music Of...’ (LP) Falling Mirror - ‘Johnny Calls The Chemist’ (LP) David Kramer - ‘Baboondogs’ (LP) Please contact: Jacques Vosloo - 082 534 6006 mailto:vinyl@sarockdigest.com -------------- VIBES VINYL Stadium-on-Main, Main Road, Claremont Please note that the Vibes Vinyl website catalogue can also be found at: http://gemm.com/s.cgi/VIBESVINYL This week's specials: Jeremy Taylor - 'Jeremy Taylor' (LP) Original Cast - 'Wait a Minim!' (LP) Original Cast - 'Minim' Bili' (LP) Blarney Brothers - 'Blarney Party' (LP) Peach - 'On Loan for Evolution' (LP) Choir of St. Mary's Cathedral, Johannesburg - 'Wedding Album' (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 Website catalogue now also at http://gemm.com/s.cgi/VIBESVINYL ----------- BIRTHDAYS ----------- October: 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! -------------- COUSIN! Hi, I was watching the news last week as Arnold Schwarzenegger became Governor of California. Immediately after that item, there was a TV ad that spoke about “Andre SchwartzSeNuweCD”. Are these two people related perhaps? Johnny’s Cousin Also from Boksburg -------------- LOOKING FOR ‘JIKA JIKA’ Hi, I have been hearing some rave reviews about the new freshlyground CD. I saw them at Kirstenbosch and they were wonderful! What is that album’s name and where can I buy it?? Thanks, Shelley Ed. - freshlyground's debut album is called 'Jika Jika', and it is selling like hot bankies in Cape Town at the moment - we heard that they are currently the top-selling artist at CD Wherehouse at the V&A Waterfront! 'Jika Jika' is available in Cape Town at the CD Wherehouse and also at the African Music Store on Long Street. For those wishing to order 'Jika Jika' from outside Cape Town, the album can be ordered online directly from One World at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=jika See http://www.sagigs.com for details of some upcoming freshlyground gigs -------------- SOMEONE CALL THE COPS Howzit I heard that the Brixton Moord en Roof Orkes was a splinter group formed from The Police. Is this true? Johnny from Boksburg -------------- LOOKING FOR DRUMMER TO GO SOMEWHERE FAST! Hi, Seven Day Story, the group behind the theme song for ‘Going Nowhere Slowly’ on TV3 on a Sunday arvie at 17h30, is looking for a permanent drummer in the Cape Town area (No session drummers please!!). Own kit and transport essential. Infuences: Nickleback, Metallica, Creed, etc. Must be available for touring. Auditions: Please contact Aidan on (021) 424 3810 or mailto:info@ripchord.co.za -------------- VUSI ON WUMB Hi Guys or Hullo Julle, Just thought you'd like to know that cuts from Vusi's new CD ‘The Voice’ are getting regular airplay here on the Boston 24-7 FM folk station WUMB ... They can be heard on line by going to www.Wumb.org. Try it you'll like it ... folk ain't what it used to be! Little Mel (ex- Mel, Mel & Julian) Mel Green Design 781-449-6777 mailto:mel.verde@verizon.net -------------- A FLAMING ROW (In last week’s Digest #220 we said: "Who is the best-connected South African rock musician you may ask - a strong contender has got to be Steve Louw....". That elicited the following response from Bas Mollenkramer, possibly the biggest Flames fan on the planet, and the man responsible for the fantastic Flames website at http://www.the-flames.com) Hi Guys, The best-connected South African rock musicians are of course THE FLAMES!!! In different ways they are connected to The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys. Oh yes.... and even to Steve Louw! Grinning greetings to you from ..... Bas Möllenkramer Möllenkramer Training Ereprijsstraat 35 3765 AD SOEST the Netherlands mailto:bas@mollenkramer.nl Ed. We should know better then to tangle with Bas! He is correct, of course, but we did specify "Who is the best-connected South African rock musician". So we concede that The Flames are the best connected SA group... Or maybe it is Rabbitt? -------------- KEEPING TABS Hi, Could you please advise me about a website where I can find sheet music or tabs for all my old favorite SA music? Thanks! Joanne United Kingdom mailto:uktrollips@yahoo.co.uk Ed. - That would be at http://www.tabs.co.za -------------- MORE PEANUTS Hello Chaps, Thanks for the job you do at SA Digest. You can't even imagine how great it is to sit in the USA and have the ability to look at SA Rock history. A while back a chap was looking for The Peanut Butter Conspiracy (SA version), I accidentally lost his e-mail address and will gladly send him what I recorded of their album before leaving Africa if he will contact me @ mailto:skellem101@yahoo.com I would also like to renew my plea for some old Rising Sons music. I have two of their records with 'Sha Laka Day' but I am looking for ‘Proud Mary’, ‘High and Dry’, to name but a few. If anyone has these, PLEASE, I WILL GLADLY PAY FOR THEM. I am also looking for a song by Alain D. Woolf titled ‘When love has passed you by’ and a song by the late Eric Divaris aka Nicky Spiro called ‘Dulcie, it’s December’. Please contact me and I will gladly reimburse any costs. Thanks and hope you can help, Paul Mroz. mailto:skellem101@yahoo.com Ed. - We have connected Paul with David Thornton (mailto:tablemountain@hotmail.com), who was looking for some Peanut Butter Conspiracy songs and albums. So please help Paul to find his Rising Sons, and Alain D Woolf wish-list items. He deserves it! -------------- SGQ CD INFO (In response to a request from Gerhard on a recent Digest regarding Southern Gypsy Queen) Hi Gerhard, Yes, the supporting band to Piet Botha & Jack Hammer at the Impala Hotel in Potch, was indeed Southern Gypsy Queen, a group of youngsters from Molteno in the Cape. They have recorded one CD, which is available, and have just recorded some base tracks for a future CD at Wolmer Studios (Lani van der Walt - Not My Dog). You can reach Gareth Wilson (vocalist with the long blond hair) on 073 173 3077, and I'm sure he will be delighted to let you have a copy of their CD. Moonshine Lee mailto:VERNONL@za.ibm.com -------------- DANIÈLE COMMEMORATES EDITH Hi, On 11 October 1963, the world lost someone who was not only a great singer and one of the world's foremost cabaret and music hall artists, but someone who lived her life by the maxim "no regrets". Her name was Edith Piaf. To many, Danièle Pascal is synonymous with the spirit of romance that the French café song has given the world. A tradition of music that celebrates both the joys and sorrows of life, and nowhere is this tradition better expressed than in the repertoire of Edith Piaf. Danièle's CD tribute, titled ‘Hymne à L'amour’, offers a deeply moving interpretation of Piaf's classics and is available at record shops countrywide. Eugene @ Crazee Records mailto:crazeerecords@intekom.co.za -------------- DON’T TAKE IT FOR GRANTED! Dear Editor Thanks to you I was able to download a song by an artist that I last heard playing the clubs in Durban! Grant Nuss who has just featured on the Top 30 with ‘Save Your Love For Me’, which is an amazing number sung with stacks of feeling, played with great bands such as Aquarius and Steppin' Out for years until he moved on to play in JHB. I have searched for his name under the Artists page to see if he has more songs on mp3 but to no avail, in fact I wouldn't have found ‘Save Your Love For Me’ if it hadn't been on the Top 30! I am sure tons of other browsers who have followed Grant share the same frustration. I read in your last issue that his album ‘Diversity’ is available, could I pick it up online as I am based in California? Do you know if he has a website or an e-mail address that I could get in touch with him? Regards, Tania Odes Laguna Beach California mailto:taniajol@cox.net Ed. - You can buy ‘Diversity’ online at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=grant%20nuss Grant Nuss also has a new website at http://www.grantnuss.co.za -------------- VCD OR DVD Good day there, I am seriously looking for VCD or DVD in Midi format if possible, with lyric and background video. Can you manufacture them. I mean with local songs in Afrikaans and Zulu? Best regards Alain Mailto:milkwood@wam.co.za -------------- HER CONCERTS ARE NOT THAT ODD! Hi, I’m looking for info on Lesley Rae Dowling... Does this lady still do the odd concert and if so where do one obtain tickets? Regards, Hesca Mailto:curveball2010@yahoo.co.uk Ed. - No recent news on any concerts by RLD... -------------- RELEASE DAVID ALREADY! Hi, How come there are no David Kramer MP3's ??? Any idea where I might be able to get them from? Thanks Grant Mailto:wardable@onetel.net.uk -------------- STILL SEARCHING FOR LOADER LP Hi, Chilvers and Jasiukowicz's book "History of Contemporary Music of South Africa" lists a 1964 album called ‘Dickie Loader & the Blue Jeans’. The section on Dickie Loader on your website does not list this album and as I have never seen it, I've started to wonder if it actually exists?? Do you perhaps know? Thanks, John Lyle Mailto:johnlyle@iafrica.com -------------- EAST LONDON CALLING By Don Bryce Who's the MAN??? It's Johnny, Little Johnny from [Match]Boksburg. Of course. Consider the following question: RE: Johnny's Question (from Digest #220: WE SMELL BURNING? Howzit, I checked out a CD by Kitchens of Distinction. Is this Syd Kitchen and Koos Kombuis? Johnny From Boksburg The Answer: It's deeper than you think. But the answer of course is hidden in the code word "distinction". That is code for stinkin' kitchen and disinterested waiters. Like we have at a certain restaurant here in East London. CD means Child Dereliction and we got lots of those along the beachfront here. They rob the stinkin' kitchens just to live. I'll give the restaurant a clue in case they haven't recognised themselves yet. I ate there the other night and the chef had an accident. No not what you think you lavatorially minded little giggling shrimp. The chef ACTUALLY FELL INTO THE CHIP FRYER. I dunno who took over the chef's duties while he went to hospital but I think it was one of the derelict children [CD's], Cos it was the worst meal I ever had thanx and the price was exorbitant. And the burning you smell was the CD maliciously burning my Wiener Schnitzel to a crispy little ball when I wanted "medium to well done". That serves me right for going to another restaurant instead of my most favourite restaurant in the world, the Barrel And Horn right here in Slummies. DAMMIT, they KNOW HOW TO PREPARE A Wiener Schnitzel. People, if you come to East London, look for the Barrel And Horn. It is in the unassuming suburb of Greenfields [on the way in from the airport/Port Elizabeth/Port Alfred] and the food and service are phenomenal. Take a bow Linda and staff of the Barrel. If you like veg, ask for the vegetarian platter. It is a succulent garden of earthly delights. P.S. As for the CD restaurant (remember the CD Restaurant? Hey that sounds like a song) well they are damn lucky I didn't write about them in the press, cos I work for the press. I felt sorry for them that's what. Poor Chef scorched and poor waiter has to sing that silly song about how good their steak is, it's pathetic! Oh ja, here is the answer to last week's question from (Little) Johnny from matchboksburg. He asked "How Fussy is Brenda?". I had to hand this one to Prof PhDelightful, also from Slummies. She is more aware of Current Affairs, [not in my job description] whereas I only do musicians [and food] LUV from Prof PhDemented from Slummies Answer: Er, Johnny from Boksburg. Ja that's a good question. I'm aksherly glad you asked that question becos I was thinking about this too. And I dont think quickly so it takes time to process through my er my my er er oh ya to get back to your question. Can you jus repeat the question please. Oh, "how Fussy is Brenda." Aksherly well you see, thats a very good question, I's glad yous asking these questions. You see, if she are "Fussy" then Felicia are "Subtle" [AND] Tutu is aksherly "Cleverclever" Now I'll end this intelekshil answer with a question: Do you know Samantha Fox? Prof PhDelightful, also from Slummies. Till we meet again! Don Bryce The D-mented one [Oh, you say it's got something to do with the fact that it is full moon? No, I blame it on the midnight. Hey that sounds like a song. Xcuse me sill vooplay [hey thats German isn't it?] while I go put on my claws and hairy coat] -------------- 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 -------------- RIPCHORD STUDIOS OPEN IN CAPE TOWN Ripchord are proud to announce the launch of their new 16 track digital sound studio: The studios are situated on the same premises as Crewsaders Film & TV Crewing Agency and Sting Models at Huys Heeren XVII, 157 Longmarket Street (corner of Long and Longmarket Streets), right in the centre of Cape Town. About Ripchord: Whether you're interested in recording, mastering, digital editing or final mix - our state of the art equipment and talent are sure to deliver a professional product every time. We have access to Cape Town's deepest talent pool, allowing us to deliver the finest voice and musical talent at an affordable budget. We have an extensive range of voice- artists in our voice-bank, from characters, accents, soft sell, hard sell, kids pitch, languages etc. All of which will be available for your perusal on our website (Currently under construction). We aim to satisfy your requirements and endeavour to match the sound requested by the client. Nothing leaves the studio until the client approves the final mix. Ripchord can provide the following services: Voice over artists for commercials, jingles, radio ads, etc. Creation of backing tracks, jingles, radio commercials, demos and albums Creation of music for film soundtracks Production and arrangement Final mix Booking of session musicians and voice artists Recording, mixing and mastering of original and existing works Re-mixing and re-mastering of original and existing works Foley Audio forensic restoration Format transfer Vocal training, pitch correction, harmonies and voice projection Post-production and enhancement of existing tracks Assistance regarding the copyright of original and existing works Choreographing live performances and album/demo launches Assistance regarding tour logistics and planning Live performance rigging: Sound, lighting, on-location engineers CD package artwork and stills photography Creation of music videos Depending on the package the client is interested in, our services include song selection, pre-production, studio, musicians, backing vocalists, sound engineer, equipment, mastering, production assistance, voice-overs, demo recordings, full production recordings, jingles, musical works for corporate ads, commercials, radio ads and presentations, etc. Spacious recording facilities available in the centre of Cape Town, available on a monthly contract basis. Ripchord also has fully air-conditioned rehearsal rooms available at R40.00 per hour (booking essential).... Aidan Harper has been sound mixing in the film, studio and live environment since 1988. FILM: Aidan has mixed sound for numerous commercials and features (CV available on www.crewsaders.com) LIVE MUSIC: Aidan has mixed live sound for bands such as Black Diamond, Amersham, Henry Ate, Liquid Sky and Seven Day Story . STUDIO: Aidan has produced the title track for the SABC3 TV series, "Going Nowhere Slowly". Aidan has also produced several jingles and radio commercials. Tel: +21 27 424 3810 Mobile: +27 83 730 5549 Email: info@ripchord.co.za -------------- SHOW ME THE MUSIC Browsing through CD's in your favourite music store is probably one of the most frustrating shopping experiences imaginable. Boxes, boxes and more boxes, actually none of the stuff you're there to buy - music! Browsing CD's seems to involve everything but your ears! That's all about to change with the introduction of SoundSurfer: an interactive music browser that changes the way you find and buy music. Created by self-service software specialists, SHiFT Interactive Communication, SoundSurfer offers all music lovers the benefits of high-quality digital sound samples. Tracks, album artwork, selected video clips and unlimited product titles are all bundled in a sleek, attractive, easy to use and super-fast touch screen unit. Customers are now able to browse and listen to more music than before while empowering them to make informed decisions on what to buy. For the retailer, SoundSurfer offers an entirely new and attractive experience for their customers with the opportunity of gaining insight into customer preferences, trends and the potential for fully automated customer relationship and loyalty management. SHiFT managing director, Michael Earl comments: "There is simply no better way for anyone to browse music. Nothing, especially the Internet, can compare to the simple elegance and speed with which customers can browse and sample the content of the CD's offered. SoundSurfer is certified as a 'zero learning curve' application and can be understood and operated by anyone in seconds. All you need are your ears and a finger." Partnering with Benjy Mudie of Fresh Music - one of the country's leading independent labels - and CD Wherehouse, SHiFT plans to install the first SoundSurfer unit as part of a pilot programme in the flagship store at The Zone in Rosebank. You will be able to hear and buy artists like Afro-folk-hiphop outfit BLK SONSHINE; Namibian diva NIANELL; Cape Town-based singer-songwriter COFIELD MUNDI and pop-rockers TAIT… all of whom are signed to Fresh Music. The label is also responsible for the critically acclaimed Retro Fresh series that reissues classic South African pop and rock albums from the last 30 years. In fact, Fresh's entire catalogue has been digitised for SoundSurfer and is available for browsing by customers. Benjy Mudie explains; "The music industry has struggled over the past few years to break new artists into the market, mainly due to tighter radio play lists and the knock-on effects of retail stores concentrating on Top 40 chart albums and compilations. New music is the lifeblood of the industry and I see SoundSurfer as the ideal platform to showcase emerging artists as well as various genres of music not catered for by the mainstream media. For my artists it presents a unique opportunity to reach a wider audience via new technology and we are excited to be part of this partnership". CD Wherehouse Merchandise Head, Brian Olsen, concludes: "Music lovers are deserving of an opportunity to be entertained in a retail environment… SoundSurfer offers an intimate opportunity to sample new and interesting music which our Radio and TV stations ignore. We feel very excited by this amazing technological development and are proud to be part of the future of the music industry. If the major suppliers know what's good for the music business I would recommend that they investigate the amazing potential of SoundSurfer". A powerful combination of talented artists, innovation and a drive to deliver how music should be acquired is now at your fingertips. Just don't forget to open your ears. SHiFT Interactive Communication (Pty) Ltd is South Africa's leading specialist in the development of touch screen-based self-service software and hardware and has been producing innovative interactive software and digital media products since 1997. Founded in 1998 by Benjy Mudie - ex Tusk A&R / Marketing head - Fresh Music is a cutting edge music label that boasts an impressive and successful track record in the development of contemporary South African music. CD Wherehouse, part of the Clicks Group, is one of the most successful independent retail music stores in South Africa and has 'Wherehouses' in Rosebank, Sandton City, Cape Town's Waterfront and the Gateway in Durban. For more information on the SoundSurfer project please contact: Milinda Holdsworth, SHiFT Interactive Communication (011) 463-1966, mh@shift.co.za Benjy Mudie, Fresh Music (011) 467-3051 or 082-4902743, fresh@icon.co.za -------------- 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 www.tait.co.za www.sugarmusic.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: LIVING WORKSHOP SERIES - DUNCAN MACKAY - Monday Oct 13 18:30 - Paul Bothner Music, Plumstead - Duncan will be presenting a workshop called 'Production and Arranging Techniques', in which he will be sharing the techniques that have made him an internationally sought-after producer. chiaroscuro - This new Cape Town group will be launching their debut album, 'A Definition' at Mercury Live on Thurs 16th October at 8:30pm - It has been described as "..fresh, energetic; fusing Jazz, Folk Rock and African melodies - a truly unique sound..." CRAIG DAVID - Cell C Music Spectacular, in association with 5fm, is bringing Craig David to SA for a three-concert tour with dates in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. WHIPLASH 2003 - Subterania Music presents 'Whiplash 2003', an entire night of metal mayhem that will break lose on Saturday, 25th October 2003 at Mercury Live, Cape Town. All styles of metal will be played by the DJ's. The three bands performing on the night will be Toyland, newcomers My Shade, and Corruption of Virtue. INDEPENDENT ARMCHAIR THEATRE - This week live in Obs, Cape Town: Soulja and The Domino Effect (Tues), HoneyB (Weds), Mac Mackenzie (Thurs) , Dave vd Linde and Nick Turner (Fri), Sugardrive and Plush (Sat), 'Donnie Darko' (Sun) 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. FOOLS AROUND SOUND - A 3-Day Music Festival - 17-19 October - on the legendary In San Ity farm, ClanWilliam. With Spiritual Guidance by: Jorge Carlos (ZW- Records), Nagual (ZW-Records), Dream Rangers, and a host of DJ's. SASHA SONNBICHLER - at BeJAZZED in the heart of Rosebank in The Zone for a further three performances during the month of October, backed by Kesivan Naidoo on drums, Sylvester Mazinyane on keyboard, and Michael Phillips on bass DAN PATLANSKY & THE MISSISSIPPI MUTHERS - October live dates in Gauteng featuring the sensational JHB blues guitarist and his Muthers THE KLIPPIES AND COLA STUDENT SESSIONS - 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. Featuring Soulja and The Domino Effect, The Rudimentals and Bed On Bricks, 7th Son and Delta Blue, and Luna and Plush. 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 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 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. RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS COMPETITION - A full update - for further information contact Simon "Squire" Foulds on 082 770 7524. -------------- WHIPLASH 2003 25 October 2003 - Mercury Live, Cape Town Subterania Music presents 'Whiplash 2003'. The "Whiplash" Metal Festival has played in Cape Town [The Jam] and Pretoria [Zeplins] in 2002 and has already hosted 5 dynamic bands: Ill System [played both venues], Corruption of Virtue, Tyburn, Crystal Dawn and Rhutz. Whiplash 2003 [Metal Mayhem thru the Ages] is an entire night of metal mayhem that will break lose on Saturday, 25th October 2003 at Mercury Live, Cape Town. All styles of metal will be played by the DJ's. The three bands performing on the night will be Toyland, newcomers My Shade, and Corruption of Virtue who will also be releasing their debut album on the night. There will be bigger sound and bigger lighting than last year! Promotions, Free give-aways all courtesy of Subterania Music The Bands: Corruption of Virtue are: Daryl Schell - Bass Wayne Schell - Guitar Da'Niel Brink - Vocals Henkie - Guitar Brian Jooste - Drums Corruption Of Virtue has played a number of gigs, the biggest being the Whiplash festival 2002. For the past 3 months the band has not gigged, due to song writing and practising to blow everyone away at Whiplash 2003 (October 25th ). The band's new CD was recorded at DLK studios from May - August 2002 and was recorded and engineered by Charl de Bruin. It contains the first eight songs that CoV wrote. The band's debut CD is available from DLK studios, at a price of R70, and will be on sale at Whiplash 2003. My Shade are: Louis Henn - Vocals & Drums Luan Kleingeld - Guitar Johan Smith - Bass What makes this band so unique? The fact that their drummer is their vocalist as well! Whether attempting vast, technical feats on his drums, soothing the soul with his melodic voice or exorcising one’s inner demons with his aggravated growls, it all comes naturally to this musical prodigy. My Shade have played the Moshfest 2, President Harvest Havoc and all around the Cape province, now they're due for "Whiplash 2003" Toyland are: Nicolas Rix - Vocals Joe Mullin - Guitar Annis Moriera - Guitar Wallace Warner - Bass Alastair Pursch - Drums Toyland was effectively formed at the beginning of 2002, and are Cape Town's newest and heaviest metal/hardcore band. The band has recorded a six-track EP at DLK Recording Studios and received airplay on 5fm during Barney Simon's Night Zoo weeknight show. Towards the end of 2002 Annis Moriera (guitar) joined, to add a second 7-string guitar to the music. Mid-February saw a return to the recording studio - this time the acclaimed Paris Studios in Fishhoek, Cape Town - to record the debut album 'With Every Breath' which is about to be released. Toyland supported Swedish metallers Entombed on 7 May 2003, during their national tour of S.A. The band also won the 2003 Cape Town "Last Band Standing" Competition (battle of the bands) - beating out 25 other mixed-genre bands and then supported Dutch band Mossfet on the Cape Town leg of the "Let's Start A Fire" tour. Toyland's biggest show was supporting Sepultura on their recent groundbreaking tour of S.A in Cape Town. DJ's: Glen, Woody & Dave Our DJ's will play the best in local and international music: Slayer, Ill Nino, Disturbed, In Flames, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Sepultura, Deftones, Soulfly, Linkin Park, Hypocrisy, Filter, V.O.D., Pantera, System of a Down, Korn, Soilwork, Godsmack, Iron Maiden, Pothole, Fear Factory, Deep Purple, Slipknot, Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, Dead Kennedys. Venue : Mercury Live , 43 De Villiers Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town Date : Saturday 25 October 2003 Damage : R30 Doors open : 9pm Subterania Music [www.subterania.co.za] is a Music Mail Order importing and exporting business specialising in metal, gothic, industrial, EBM, punk and rock. We import CD's, DVD's, T Shirts and videos. We have had large amounts of success in live events with the likes of Battery 9, The Awakening, Mr Barleycorn, Silex, the "Goth-Industrial Gatherings" and "Whiplash" PO Box 13416, N1 City, 7463, South Africa Phone/Fax : +2721 931-6699 Cell : 072-455-7919 Web site : www.subterania.co.za Email: dave@subterania.co.za -------- SA PUNK -------- By Daniel Neville DINGUS It has finally happened........the band formally known as DiNGUS is looking for a keyboardist. We are a ska band and have recently recorded four songs and, with a certain amount of editing, have come to the conclusion that a keyboardist would be a rad thing to have. Our influences are many, ranging from the likes of Sublime to Bob Marley to Bosstones to Mustard Plug, Less than Jake and even Fuzigish. We ask that you must please have your own keyboard and transport. We are in Cape Town. More specifically in Plumstead, Bergvliet and Tokai. If you are interested please phone or sms Jon on 0724314135 or email at mailto:budda@webmail.co.za -------------- SA PUNK CD REVIEW: WAR-ON-SALT - ‘WAR-ON-SALT' [KREEF RECORDS] Over the last two years, War-On-Salt has become one of the best known and most popular punk bands in Cape Town. The three piece, whose members are all still in school, has had a few line-up changes, has grown and changed in style, and now has found a unique sound that can defiantly be immediately recognised as their own. And, as expected, their self-titled CD captures that unique sound that has become so familiar to the ears of the Cape Town punk scene. It was recorded at Kreef Recordings (which has become quite a popular place for amateur bands to record) and is not as good in the sound quality and production areas as one would have liked - but it still manages to be very easy to get into and is definitely a CD that you could just put on to chill to. There are 10 songs on the CD including all the popular ones like ‘Ska Government’ and ‘War is not the answer’. My favourites are ‘Ordinary Obscene’, which is actually a song about vegetarianism, and ‘Sensie Cat’, which is a very unusual song considering that you don't often get instrumentals in punk. Overall the CD is very professionally produced (even though it is still very DIY) with a full-colour inlay and all the lyrics included. I think they have done a very good job. The CD was recorded (if my information is correct) in just under a week so you have to forgive the one or two songs where the bass is slightly out of tune. Otherwise, for the price of R25, it is a very good deal and I'm am very pleased to see more releases coming out of Cape Town’s amateur punk/Ska bands. If you would like a copy you can contact Arjuna at 021 531 8423. [DN] See http://www.SAgigs.com for details and other SA Punk gigs. ---------- LIVE IN SA ---------- CAFE BARCELONA Moonshine Lee takes a look at this very cool venue in Pretoria, and reports on a Piet Botha and Jack Hammer gig that happened there recently Along the sunny ridges of Erasmusrand the old Erasmus Castle (now a national monument) or "the spook house", as most old Pretorians know it, stands vigil over the surrounding kloofs and koppies. Just a stone’s throw from here is Café Barcelona, located in the Elardus Park shopping centre. And no, no bullfights take place here, in this arena the matadors do battle armed with Fenders and Gibsons. José and Chrisna Pesquito started Café Barcelona 7 years ago in 1996 and very quickly drew crowds for their popular cuisine. "We are both great lovers of local music", says José "and soon after we set out, we decided that we needed to introduce live music to give the place that something special" And indeed, that it did. This choice could not have come at a better time for José and Chrisna, as it came slap bang in the midst of the renaissance in the South African music scene. At this time there was a huge fountain of local talent flourishing all over the country, ready for the picking, which indeed they did. "I remember," Chrisna fondly reminisces, "our very first live gig was Piet Botha and Jonathan Martin unplugged. We were a little nervous, but it bode a good omen, and off we went". The night turned out to be a resounding success and mysteriously, yet another brilliant choice that started the wonderful journey for Café Barcelona. Café Barcelona has since been adopted as 'home base' in Pretoria for many of the country's best local talent. Artists such as Piet Botha & Jack Hammer, Valiant Swart, Koos Kombuis, Watershed, Albert Frost and Karen Zoid all built up their support and following in the Pretoria and Jo'burg areas from this very stage. The venue has a special buzz about it and the mixture of good company, great cuisine and fantastic music, always provides for a magical mood. José and Chrisna have over these years forged many close friendships with a number of the artists, many of whom now have gigs at regular slots at this 'special' venue. Albert Frost recorded one of his live CD's and Piet Botha launched his new CD 'Die Mamba' here, to mention but a few of the special events that have happened at Café Barcelona. Their passion for local talent is deep rooted and they have supported local talent through thick and thin. A little over a year ago José and Chrisna took a decision to rent the adjoining premises, thus enabling them to double the floor space of Café Barcelona. They grimaced through the time the renovations took, but once these were completed the real magic started and a fantastic music arena was created. The stage area was moved and expanded and from here onwards the house has been-a-rocking ever since. Rock ‘n Roll, Blues, any local flavour you want, you can get it at Café Barcelona, José and Chrisna have over the years opened their doors to a very diverse and vast variety of local artists to give them all a chance at some exposure. The blues fans are also getting their slice of the action and bands such as Mississippi Muthers, Delta Blues are doing it for the blues junkies. On certain nights, the spirits of the Erasmus clan leave the castle and skip and dance over the ridges of Erasmusrand, making their way to where they hear the joyful noises. With the coming of the new moon on Friday 26 September, it was such a night, featuring none other than Piet Botha and Jack Hammer, Pretoria's favourites at their 'home venue', a mysterious magic was brewing?? It was no wonder that Piet's intro to the evening was with a spiritual number 'The Fisherman' ('Anthology') a song about the Son of the carpenter from Nazareth. The first set, of almost an hour and a half, followed with all the favourites such as ‘Sien Jou Weer’ (‘Suitcase Vol Winter’), ‘Man met Kitaar’ (‘Die Mamba’), ‘Russian & Chips’ (‘Wildebeest’), ‘Blues vir Louise’ (‘Jan Skopgraaf’) ‘Wish You Were Here’ (Pink Floyd), ‘G8 Manifesto’ (off new double live CD), and of course ‘Die Mamba’ (title song of his latest CD), a huge crowd favourite. The second set was a marathon one which lasted well past the magic hour and had the crowd of about 120 faithfuls, rocking and cheering, joined by the 'members' of the Erasmus clan. (This turn out was despite the Woodstock and Aardklop Festivals on at the same time). ‘Staan Saam Burgers’ (‘Suitcase Vol Winter’), ‘RSVP’ (‘Anthology’), ’Dead Flowers’ (Rolling Stones), ‘Suitcase Vol Winter’ (Title song), ‘Liberty’ (‘Anthology’), ‘Goeie Nag Generaal’ (‘Suitcase Vol Winter’), ‘Head Lines’ (new double live CD), ‘Gypsy's Lament’ (‘Death of a Gypsy’) and ‘All Along the Watchtower’ (Bob Dylan) were amongst the numbers which had the crowd enthralled and saw another awesome performance close to a standing ovation from the appreciative audience. Café Barcelona is undoubtedly one of the best live music venues in Pretoria. Open 6 days a week Monday to Saturday, with live music from Wednesdays to Saturdays. The cuisine on offer is a full a la Carte menu and the food is excellent. The service is tremendous and behind the bar you will find the country's two greatest barmen, Fanus and George, who are always at your call. Café Barcelona also boasts the friendliest waitresses in the entire city. If you're in the vicinity of the capital city and you're looking for one of 'those special nights out' then Café Barcelona is where you must go. The policy often adopted by the fantastic Café Barcelona crew is that of the 'last man standing' and if at 2 or 3 am you're still having a good time, they will be there to look after you. If by some chance, at this strange hour, you suddenly find that you have some unexpected 'guests' at your table, don't worry, these guys are really cool, real party animals, ask me, I've given them a lift back to the castle on a few occasions just before dawn. For bookings please call José or Chrisna at 012- 3453602. Moonshine Lee ----------- 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! 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