SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #76
The South African Rock Music Digest
is a free, subscription e-mag, edited
by Brian Currin and Stephen Segerman
and delivered direct to your e-mailbox.
Established January 1999.
To unsubscribe: reply to this issue
with "unsubscribe digest" as subject
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CONTENTS
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1.WHAT'S NEW - Tara Robb passes away, One World, Giant Steps, O Mag, Petronel Baard
2.CHARTS - Top 10 CDs, Top 20 SA songs, Top 20 Rock Albums, Top 10 SA MP3 downloads, This week 30 years ago
3.ON STAGE - Boo! in London, Jesse Jordan, Robin Auld unplugged
4.NEW RELEASES - Roger Lucey retrospective
5.USA for SA - Kurt Shoemaker: Jack Hammer's Death Of A Gypsy
6.CLASSIC ROCK - John Samson: The Spectres Be Bop Pop
7.SHILOH REMEMBERS: Quicksilver Messenger Service
8.FORUM - Ballyhoo, Lola, Hidden Gems
9.REQUESTS - Via Afrika, Ramases
10.ON THE NET - Sunset Studios
11.WHAT'S ON - Arts Alive, Harbour Music Club, Sideshow, Boney M, Liesl Graham, Little Sister, Not My Dog, Halcyon, Sunways, Fruit Fly Navigators
12.LINKS AND ADS
13.BACK ISSUES
14.CONTRIBUTIONS
14.SUBSCRIPTIONS
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1.WHAT'S NEW
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TARA ROBB PASSES AWAY
Tara Robb passed away at 5.00am on Wednesday 13th September after a brave battle with cancer. She sang her last song at about 7.00pm
the night before, surrounded by many friends in her little Wynberg
house.
Tara's voice has been heard by many as the singer for the 80's band "The Spectres". Remember 'Teddy Bear' and 'Be Bop Pop'? She also sang with Neill Solomon, Ronnie Domp and, more recently, as one of the Tasty Free Radicals. She was also a clever songwriter and has left behind some good songs which some of us will hopefully keep alive such as 'Pandora's Box' and the enigmatically titled 'Aspoesterjie, waar is Prins Charming nou?' {"Aspoesterjie" is Afrikaans for "Cinderella", seriously - ed}. Tara also had a successful stint as editor of Top 40 magazine and amongst other achievements, produced a daughter, Savannah, now 14.
Mark Harris
mailto:mark@nebulabos.co.za
{As a tribute to Tara Robb, this week John Samson has reviewed the Spectres only album 'Be Bop Pop'. See Classic Rock section below-ed}
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ONE WORLD
http://www.oneworld.co.za
Taken from the One World website...
We can tell you that we now have album covers, codes, etc of the long awaited re-releases from the new Fresh Music sub label Retro Fresh. We can expect the éVoid and Via Afrika by the end of October, with Hawk, Otis Waygood and Lesley Rae Dowling soon after in November - with many more to follow! (ie Falling Mirror). Many of the projected releases have never been available on CD before. The albums have been carefully re-mastered using the latest audio technology and in many cases this process has been overseen by the groups themselves.
The original artwork has been extended to include extensive liner notes, interviews with the original members and rare photographs, poster art and visual collectables. Remember to just send us an email should you wish us to let you know the moment any of the titles are available! Let Retro Rock!
One World
Selling South African Music to the World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
mailto:info@oneworld.co.za
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GIANT STEPS
BMG Records Africa is proud to announce the formation of a powerhouse on the African Jazz scene, with its new record label GIANT STEPS. The formation of the new imprint is timed to co-incide with the release of a trio of three strong debut albums by The Moss Mogale Unit, Musa Manzini and Africa O'ye.
The Moss Mogale Unit was formed in the late seventies in Mamelodi by Jazz guitarist Moss Mogale. FORGET ME NOT is this tight unit's long-overdue debut album and a real gem, destined to become a classic. Musa Manzini's NEW REFLECTIONS is the debut album by this amazing six-string and double bass guitarist. Musa is a hugely gifted young player and a real student of the genre, having graduated from at UCT's School Of Jazz.
Africa O'ye are the duo of Stix Hojeng and Lebogang Mogale, two stalwarts of the local Jazz scene, and the album MOMENT OF TRUTH is their smoothly sophisticated debut release. With a trio of great releases from three class acts, GIANT STEPS is off to a flying start in the booming local Afro Jazz market. GIANT STEPS is also set to become home to several of South Africa's most esteemed Afro Jazz recording artists already signed to BMG Africa. These include Mamelodi superstar Vusi Mahlasela, guitarist extraordinaire Louis Mhlanga and his Band MUSIK YE AFRIKA, as well as sensational young guitarist & vocalist Selaelo Selota. Jazz diva Judith Sephuma, who'll release her debut album in early 2001, is also part of the impressive roster. BMG Africa also distributes the Melt2000 label, which includes piano superstar Moses Molelekwa and singer Busi Mhlongo.
Vusi Mahlasela's brand new solo album MIYELA AFRIKA features notable players such as Vusi Khumalo, Themba Mhkize, Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse and Andy Narell, is causing a stir in local Afro Jazz circles. Louis Mhlanga's exquisite collaboration with Dutch bassist Eric van der Westen SONG FOR NOMSA is also a brilliant piece of quality work. Selaelo Selota's debut album PAINTED FACES was released early this year and is steadily clocking up impressive sales, built around his superb live performances.
All these artists will be touring the country extensively over the coming months, so for more information contact Edgar Mahlangu or Maria Kounelakis at BMG Africa on...
Tel: (011) 242 3000
or simply check out the BMG SA website at: http://www.click2music.co.za
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O MAG
In a joint venture with M-Net, ISO Publishing has launched the sister publication of the highly successful M-Net channel, Channel O Music Television. Devoted to African talent, Channel O has already become the premium music channel for Africa. The Channel O Magazine (affectionately called O Mag) is committed to bringing its readers the latest and breaking news and tunes from across the African continent as well as hits charting in the United States and Europe. O Mag's vision is to become the music lifestyle magazine of choice for youth in Africa.
O Mag is multi-cultural, urban and streetwise. It covers music and culture in a thrilling, brilliant, provocative new way that serves an interactive, curious sexy readership. Boasting as editor, is the internationally renown radio disc-jockey and television presenter, Ursula Stapleveldt (aka Brown Sugar), O Mag promises to cover music and culture, serving the music-loving electricity of youth culture.
The mission began on digital satellite television but soon Channel O made contact with affiliate broadcasters and expanded its footprint throughout the continent. Channel O is now available to audiences across Sub Saharan Africa and aims to become the most viewed channel on the continent.
O Magazine will further extend the O brand, by distributing throughout the African territory - from traditional newsagent outlets in South Africa, right through to Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Mozambique and Zambia. It is committed to bringing its readers the latest in music from across our continent, as well as a selection of the funkiest tunes currently charting in America and Europe.
ISO (meaning "Vision" in Sotho) Publishing established in Cape Town in 1999, is no stranger to the South African Publishing industry currently publishes among other Top Forty Music Magazine. "It is our aim to identify opportunities within the industry that others have either overlooked or avoided to lack of experience or knowledge" said Colleen Thompson, Managing Director of ISO. "We have a diverse, well informed team, under Editorial Director, Jason Curtis, who understands the needs of our unique youth market."
For further information please contact:
Jason Curtis on cell: 082 6509208
Laura Steed on cell: 082 4913771
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PETRONEL BAARD
Seldom has an artist grabbed the attention so powerfully as did this tall woman-jazz singer Petronel Baard. Her impact on audiences and producers of TV music shows were equally huge. Sponsors are queuing to get involved. So great was the impact - the Crescendo award of last year is nearly forgotten.
Petronel immediately made a contribution to the South African music scene with original songs such as 'Hangers in ‘n kas' and 'Aluta Contunua'. She also sings rearranged Afrikaans folk songs such as 'Lied van die Boland' and 'Magaliesberg se aandlied'. She is the only exponent of Afrikaans jazz. Her next partners at next years’ festival will be greats such as Rocco de Villiers - the success of her current show far from waned.
In the current show she is accompanied on the piano by Robin Holt.
See the sizzling tall woman in Lang Vrou - Petronel Baard on an Impresario tour at:
GREYTON, The Post House Friday 7 October
Reservations: (028) 254 9995
DURBANVILLE, The Grange Wednesday 11 October
Reservations: (021) 976 7097
VELDDRIF, The Boardwalk Thursday 12 October
Reservations: 082 702 1693
BREDASDORP, Kapula Candles Friday 13 October
Reservations: (028) 424 2829
For more information: (021) 553 1660 - Impresario - Albert and Surisa
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2.CHARTS
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TOP 10 SOUTH AFRICAN CDs
This week [last week] Artist - Title
1. Mandoza - Nkalakatha
2. Positive K - Plus 8 Various Mixes
3. Not My Dog - Dogumentary
4. Oleseng - Oa Lebona Naa?
5. Brasse Vannie Kaap - Yskoud
6. Various - Tassenberg All Stars
7. Steve Hofmeyr - Beautiful Noise - The Music Of Neil Diamond
8. DJ Nasty - 2
9. Various - Fresh House Flava 4
10. Solly Moholo - Motlhang Ke Kolobetswa
Supplied by One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
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THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 ROCK ALBUMS OF THE WEEK
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Label)
1. [7] Tassenberg All Stars (live) - Various (Rhythm)
2. [4] While No One Was Looking - Little Sister (Gallo)
3. [1] Something To Believe - Liesl Graham (Gallo)
4. [16] The Best Of Robin Auld Vol. 1 (TicTicBang)
5. [-] Lately When She Cries - Jesse Jordan (Universal)
6. [5] Just Another Band - Off The Edge (Independent)
7. [9] Yvonne and Friends - Yvonne Chaka Chaka (Digital Cupboard)
8. [8] Bushrock 1 (live re-issue) - Wildebeest (Wildebeest)
9. [2] Galactic Vibes (re-issue) - Freedoms Children (Buy Or Die)
10. [3] Fallen Through The Cracks - Tim Wells Band (Independent)
11. [6] Physiognomy of The Soul - Bernard Binns (Hedonist)
12. [15] Deur Die Donker Vallei - Valiant Swart (Wildebeest)
13. [11] Anthology - Jack Hammer (Wildebeest)
14. [10] In The Meantime - Watershed (EMI)
15. [20] Oppikoppi Bushveld Blast Live 1998 (Oppikoppi)
16. [19] Showcase 2: the 5FM Singles Collection - Various (Sony)
17. [12] Om te Breyten - Various Artists (Gallo)
18. [13] Smile - The Jayhawks (Sony)
19. [17] Reconstructing Alice - Sonja Herholdt (Universal)
20. [18] The Best Of Juluka/ Savuka featuring Johnny Clegg (EMI)
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THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN SONGS OF THE WEEK
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Album/ Label)
1. [2] Slow Down - Yvonne Chaka Chaka (off album ‘Yvonne And Friends’/
Digital Cupboard)
2. [4] Kwaito Right - Paul Hanmer (off album ‘Playola’/ Sheer Sound)
3. [5] My Hope Is In You - Youssou N’Dour (off album ‘Joko’/ SonySA)
4. [1] Right Here - Semisane (off album 'A Life Less Strange'/ BMG)
5. [3] All Roads - Liesl Graham (off album ‘Something To Believe’/
Gallo)
6. [12] Sea Waves - Sipho Gumede (off album ‘New Era’/ Sheer Sound)
7. [20] Satisfy - Dreamshop (off EP 'Satisfy'/ BMG)
8. [6] Hoelykit? - McCoy Mrubata (off album ‘Hoelykit’)
9. [9] Follow The Sun - Cool Funk (off the EP ‘Walking On Sunshine’)
10. [17] Dr Malombo - Tananas (off album 'Seed'/ SonySA)
11. [11] Fundal - Lungiswa (off album 'Lungiswa'/ MELT2000)
12. [8] Vuka Vuka - Manhattan Brothers (off album ‘The Very Best of the
Manhattan Brothers’/ Gallo)
13. [19] Inner City Blues - Lungiswa (Xhosa version off album
'Lungiswa'/ MELT2000)
14. [14] Fiesta - Tim Hoare (off album ‘Cape Mystique’/ Gallo)
15. [15] Die Mystic Boer - Valiant Swart (Live version off album
‘Tassenberg
All Stars’/ Rhythm Records)
16. [16] Sonny Boy - Sibongile Khumalo (off album ‘Immortal
Secrets’/ Sony SA)
17. [RE] 69 Tea - Saron Gas (off compilation ‘Showcase 2’/ Sony SA)
18. [10] Born In A Taxi - Blk Sonshine (off album 'Blk Sonshine'/ Fresh
Sheer)
19. [13] A Million Lights - Tree (off album '63'/ EMI)
20. [7] Yesterday Again - Watershed (off album 'In The Meantime'/ BMG)
Sponsored by Networld
http://www.new.co.za
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TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3 DOWNLOADS
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Style)
1. [1] Margarida - Choppa (Latino Kwaito)
2. [3] Wena U Bani...? - O'Da Meesta (Kwaito)
3. [12] Get Me a 303 - MantratraX (Dance)
4. [2] Hypnotic - Benguela (Instrumental)
5. [-] Captain Cash - oom (Pop)
6. [-] Libertine - Absinthe Love (Industrial Pop)
7. [7] Party On - Ashaan (African Hip Hop)
8. [-] I'll Breathe - Mia (Pop Ballad)
9. [8] Say-Grin - THC (Modern Tribal)
10. [11] Beautiful Thing - E'smile (African R&B)
11. [20] Motherhush - Fetish (Alternative)
12. [5] Nekwa Lyatsima (Live) - Ras Sheehama (Reggae)
13. [-] Happy Mzanje - Katrina Fountain (African Jazz)
14. [15] Toyi Toyi - oom (Reggae)
15. [10] Stagefright - Boo! (Munki Punk)
16. [18] Hey Mama - Ndilimani Cultural Troupe (African Reggae)
17. [-] Hayehala - Seabata (Sotho Traditional)
18. [19] Peace Ina De Land - Moshoeshoe (Reggae)
19. [-] Mamalo - Seabata (Sotho Traditional)
20. [-] Is Is Chisa - DJ Chepad (Kwaito)
Supplied by Digital Cupboard
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
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SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS: 30 YEARS AGO
25 September 1970
This week [last week] Title - Artist
1 [1] Lola - The Kinks
2 [9] Brown Eyes - Chris Andrews
3 [3] Neanderthal Man - Hotlegs
4 [4] Lady D'arbanville - Cat Stevens
5 [2] The Wedding - Jody Wayne
6 [7] Keep On Smiling - James Lloyd
7 [5] In The Summertime - Mungo Jerry
8 [15] Mademoiselle Ninette - Mike Holm
9 [14] Love Of The Common People - Nicky Thomas
10 [6] A Song Of Joy - Miguel Rios
Supplied by John Samson
mailto:Thesamsons@aol.com
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3.ON STAGE
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12 BAR BOOs
The 12 Bar in London is a small venue in a back street off Charing Cross Road. It features a low ceiling (caused by a small gallery) and a Lion Matchbox size stage. Tonight Boo! made it their Lion Matchbox.
In front of a crowd of about 50, Chris Chameleon, Ampie Omo and Princess Leonie confidently blew us away. They have certainly earned the exclamation mark in their name.
Chris, in a gold chiffon mini dress and high heels was as usual centrestage. The man with the vocal chords of many colours who is so in touch with his feminine side that it's almost sexual harassment, pouted, minced and flirted with the audience that had too keep ducking to avoid getting hit in the face by Ampie Omo's trombone. The vocal style seems to have been influenced by Gé Korsten, David Bowie and The Chipmunks, soaring from operatic soprano to demonic growling with ease.
Occassionally between songs we are treated to Boo!-speak which is part 70's Jan Smuts airport announcement, part wookie and part bushman. This is ably translated by Ampie Omo, who looks like a Scandinavian heavy metal star dressed in an Omo Washing Powder T-Shirt, Elvis Flares and Platform Shoes. He is the multi talented instrumentalist, playing keyboards, trombone, trumpet, bongo, tambourine and a he sure plays a mean triangle. Finally, there's Princess Leonie, who hides behind his cap and bashed any percussion instrument in sight.
The joint rocks to the sound of 'OOAA', 'Mud', 'Lucki' and 'Welkom' as well as material from their new album 'Seventies, Eighties, Nineties, Naughties' (available at the door but not yet in SA). Invisible drums, bass guitars and trumpets abound in the audience who are all bopping and grinning. Boo! are a fun group to watch. (And were those men in suits, A&R men? Who knows?). It was a slick slice of SA's finest pop delivered to the faithful few who found the venue. In short: a jol!
Boo! on the web:
http://www.boo.co.za
John Samson
mailto:Thesamsons@aol.com
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THE BIG TREE - STRAND
JESSE JORDAN
The Jesse Jordan band played a short, but powerful set at the Big Tree in the Strand on Wednesday night. The 18-year old Jesse sings with a real passion and he has a strong rock voice which reminds me of Bryan Adams and sometimes he even sounds like Steve Tyler (from Aerosmith).
Jesse's debut album 'Lately When She Cries' has been released by Universal and deserves a listen. Jesse's new CD will be reviewed in next week's issue.
ROBIN AULD
Robin played a solo unplugged set which included most (if not all) his favourite songs; 'All Of Woman', 'Perfect Day', 'Baby You Been Good', 'All The Girls Cried', 'Zen Surfing In The Third World' and many others. Robin seemed to be having a great time, and the audience surely were. He promised to bring his full band the next time, so that's something to really look forward to. Way to go, Robin, keep on rocking, dude...
Robin Auld on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/robin_auld.html
http://www.robinauld.co.za
(BC)
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4.NEW AND RECENT RELEASES
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21 YEARS DOWN THE ROAD - ROGER LUCEY
A collection of songs by Roger Lucey
The Folk ‘n Jazz troops of the late 50’s and 60’s had been effectively silenced - forced out of the Sophiatown shebeens & the Hillbrow Coffee-Bars - into the distant & relative safety of exile or the collective comfort of the Suburban Soiree, the odd Liberal Lounge dead poets’ society, the occasional campus Free Peoples Concert or FOLK FESTIVAL. Big Abe’s Nite Beat in Hillbrow was on it's last legs, the 505 crippled & the collectively run Troubadour down at the black bus rank in Noord Street had just undergone it's 3rd fatal name change - trying its best to hide from the security spotlight. MANGLES in Braamfontein opened just after Totem in Durban closed - both died at 3 years old - and Goodness knows what was happening in Cape Town and the rest of the country. It seems nobody by Boss did! A handful of musicians just kept on blowing their hearts out & their heads off.
The 70’s did not have much to offer the last remaining revolting (?) Troubadours of the 60’s - there were the 3rd Ear / Nusas / Safma Free Peoples Concerts at Wits through which a few Folk singers & Jazz die-hards had the audacity, at the time, to take on the might of the State and the Mediocrity of the Record Industry with full frontal lyrics and licks - Roger Lucey - one of those... Long-hair, torn jeans, attitude... with loaded guitar, a head-full of ideas & a soul full of songs - a threat to the order, safety & security of the state? A tear-a-away from Tekweni in eGoli 1975 - a year before Soweto '76 - joining the growing chorus of decent; blanked-out Rand Daily Mail editorials daring to shout the odds... urging the country to wake-up and stop the nightmare. Extending that dare from Mangles in Braamies into the Market Kuif down in Newtown. The Road remains as long as it ever did before. You Only Need Say Nothing, to have nothing at all to say. Roger is still saying it, singing & performing. Here's a selection of those songs from that time.
David Marks (3rd Ear Music, Durban, June 2000)
For further information on Hidden Years Archives Project please keep in touch with 3rd Ear Music Company (Pty) Ltd
Tel: +27 31 207-5314
Fax: +27 31 207-5305
David Marks (in Durban) mailto:david@3rdearmusic.com
Dylan Marks (in London) mailto:dylan@3rdearmusic.com
The proceeds from the sale of these limited edition CD's will be used for further research into this unique & historic Hidden Years Music Archive Project.
Taken from the 3rd Ear Music website
http://www.3rdearmusic.com
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5.USA FOR SA
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DEATH OF A GYPSY - JACK HAMMER
I'm a big fan of Jack Hammer and Piet Botha's music. For the past
couple of weeks one of my constant companions has been Jack Hammer's CD
'Death of a Gypsy'. It's a wonderful listen: grim, moody, rocking, and
thoughtful -- from quiet and intelligent songs to muscular guitar dynamos.
I bought this CD because I highly regard the Jackhammer 'Anthology'.
(And I recently bought Wildebeest's re-released 'Bushrock 1' CD -- talk
about progressive jungle music! Piet Botha plays bass and harmonica on that one). I have been mighty pleased with 'Death of a Gypsy'.
The songs follow several themes, both musically and lyrically. Here's
my rundown of the track list:
'Codename Ruby' -- One of the three songs from 'Death of a Gypsy'
included on 'Anthology', a big guitar song. This one grows until by the
end it is loping along and soaring at the same time. Sets the melancholy tone and establishes one of the themes, that of parting from friends and lovers.
'Big Six Blues' -- A road song about being on tour. It is wise, weary,
and wry -- not to mention poignancy in the bittersweet lyrics, "...sometimes I miss you and sometimes I don't... That doesn't mean I don't love you...."
'January's Son' -- A melancholy and haunting song full of feeling. I
feel the genuine emotion every time I hear it. This is the second song from 'Death of a Gypsy' included on the 'Anthology'. {The version of 'January's Son' on 'Anthology' is actually the original recording from the 'Jack Of All Trades' album released in 1987. The version on 'Death Of A Gypsy is a 1996 re-recording - ed}
'Ancient Heart' -- A quick-paced tune with simple meaningful lyrics
The first of two songs to mention Dominique -- a significant person in
Piet's life?
'Gypsy's Lament' -- Slight hint of Rasta rhythm here, in this folky
number, Rasta Gypsy.
'Sarajevo' -- Screaming and growling guitars -- a strong song with
powerful lyrics -- not a song for those who want to hear about breakin' up to make up. This is the third of the three songs included on the
'Anthology' from this album. This song makes a big noise that demands to be heard. (I read somewhere a year or so ago that the joke in the Balkans is, "Only the odd-numbered world wars start in the Balkans.")
'Saint Adrian' -- After 'Sarajevo', this quiet, melodic number. There
is a pleading in the song for a purpose to life, a reason for our endless Gypsy-like wandering through life. According to Piet's liner notes for 'Anthology', Saint Adrian was the nickname of a late friend of his.
'Death of a Gypsy' -- Who will know of "the songs we made the cards we
played" in one thousand years? Dominique is in this song, too, as the
narrator says to her to the effect that, This is the end, the soldiers will soon take us from the room.
'For the Turnstiles' -- This Jack Hammer version of Neil Young's song
makes Neil's sound like a demo.
'Child' -- A wistful song of hope and promise, actually a 'promised
land'.
'Cocaine Blues' -- I thought I had heard too many versions of this song
by now, but it's fresh sounding here.
'Time' -- Nice easygoing tune with wry lyrics, "...a bad time for
loving/ was a good time for the blues." This number closes with an extremely pleasant, almost laid-back, extended jam.
Oh, and don't be so quick to put on another disc, because if you do
you'll miss a nice untitled bluesy number. {Actually an alternate version of 'Big Six Blues' after about 2 minutes of silence - ed}
Because I'm a Jack Hammer and Piet Botha fan, I sure wish the three
Jack Hammer CDs not in print would be reissued. These are: 'Jack of All
Trades', 'The Judas Chapter', and Ghosts on the Wind'.
On 'Death of a Gypsy', Jack Hammer was: Lani van der Walt (guitars),
Paul van der Waal (drums), Lowell Jeffery (bass), and Piet Botha (guitars, harmonica, piano, vocal).
The dominant theme is definitely Gypsy, even to a song title and the CD
title. I don't know if Piet, who wrote all of the songs except for Neil
Young's 'For the Turnstiles', 'Cocaine Blues', and 'Gypsy's Lament', which he co-wrote with Lani van der Walt, comes from a Gypsy heritage or not -- nor does it matter for my appreciation of these songs not only as reflections on the horrible treatment Gypsies have received in Europe at various times, but also as metaphors of human existence in that we wandering humans are born alone, we die alone, and in between we try to make meaningful contact with fellow human beings.
This is an album of strong material, strong both in the sense of solid
music and strong in the sense of talking about the hard real politicks of life. The lyric sheet has backdrop photos of Nazis herding up human beings, which adds to the grim air. It is a realistic grimness, a wisdom born of experience. Also in the lyric booklet are negative photos of the band which give them a ghostly, transient air. The cover appears to be a WWII photo of some Gypsies about stood before a wall to be shot.
Militant themes and images run through the lyrics (a couple of
examples, "...take any weapon that you need" from 'Codename Ruby', and
'...the sniper, son of fire, he waits patiently/
target one anything that moves...." Wow, powerful lines.)
The CD is not depressing, though. It reminds me of the old saying
about the blues: Blues is music about feeling bad that makes you feel good.
Many of the songs have a lonely tone, they involve partings of friends
and the wandering of lost souls. The implication is that relationships,
contact with people, with friends or lovers or both, are fragile things and easily parted by war and circumstance. I believe there is conscious
artistry in the songwriting on the CD.
Overall, this is a CD of many qualities. It has fine songwriting,
excellent playing, and a wise sage-like view of the complications of the world.
Jack Hammer on the net:
http://rock.co.za/legends/pietbotha
Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas
mailto:kbshoe@hotmail.com
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6.CLASSIC ROCK
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BE BOP POP - THE SPECTRES
The Spectres produced one great album and then disappeared. 'Be Bop Pop' opens with the strong title track, brassy, bouncy and punky. This is a perfect pop song that you will be humming and singing well after the last notes of the final track of this album fade away. The catchy refrain "Be Bop Pop, Vox Popolli" is possibly one of SA greatest pop moments.
Aside from this, other standout tracks are 'Brave New World' and 'Teddy Bear'. Both with catchy choruses they sit comfortable next to the jewel in the crown mentioned above.
Tara Robb's voice add to the feel of the album, at times akin to PJ Powers, but usually tending more towards Heather Mac's strong punky sound. She will be sadly missed. (Tara passed away on the 13th September 2000).
Despite the 60's pop art cover and the upbeat title of the album, there is a darker side and sound to some of the tracks. There is a political undertone to the lyrics and the statement "Construction not Conscription" of the cover echoes that sentiment, yet this never detracts from the pop nature of the album.
It's a pity there was never a follow up album, but if you've got this one, treasure it. It is one of the great SA 80's pop albums, sitting comfortably alongside éVoid and Hotline.
John Samson
mailto:Thesamsons@aol.com
The Spectres on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/spectres.html
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7.SHILOH REMEMBERS...
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QUICKSILVER MESSENGER SERVICE
The birth of Quicksilver Messenger Service came forth in California during the melting pot of rock innovation in the mid sixties comprising of ex-Brogues Greg Elmore and Gary Duncan alongside John Cippolina, folk musician David Freiberg (bass) and vocalist Dino Valenti - occasionally Jim Murray on harmonica. During the imprisonment of Dino Valenti due to drugs they recruited Alexander (Skip) Spence (Moby Grape / Jefferson Airplane). The combination of this power act was most likely 1967 although the musicians had jammed together regularly two years before. The inspiration for the name of the band came from all four members sharing the birth sign Virgo, thus Mercury the ruling planet (Quicksilver), also the messenger of Greek mythology.
Commonly known as a cowboy band, these innovative guitarists lived on house boats and would often perform in leather boots tainted with river mud. Arch rivals of the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver were the real McCoy when it came to acid dropping beatniks who played psychedelic R&B flavoured material with extended instrumental passages. Quicksilver appeared in a soundtrack entitled "Revolution" which expounded the life of hippies in the California area. They broke all laws regarding record protocol, eg a 25 minute version of Bo Diddley's 'Who do you love'.
Dino Valenti can claim to have written the hippie anthem 'Get together' and although the group became an entry/ exit for some of the most prominent musicians in the Bay area of California, it was this very scenario that caused the group to lose its unique individualism. Cippolina, who had formed Copper Head during his interim period finally departed across the waters and joined Welsh group Man in 1975. Freiberg joined Jefferson Starship while Valenti proceeded to recruit various members from Country Joe and the Fish for his new line-up. The complex to and fro movements of Quicksilver created a unreliable watershed that was doomed from the start. Known to the hippies as the band with mud on its boots, no group could be more talented in guitar expression, outstripping Jefferson Airplane/ Grateful Dead and Steve Miller with absolute ease.
Recommended:
Quicksilver (BGO records) (1971)
Quicksilver Messenger Service (debut album, highly recommended) (Edsel records) (1968)
Comin' Thru (One Way records) (1972)
Shiloh Noone
Fine Music Radio
Blues and Variations
______________________________________________
8.FORUM
---------
BALLYHOO
I just need to let you know that Derrick [Drain] is lead vocaling for Ballyhoo again, they are STILL GOING and Anne-Marie Clulow was their cover vocalist from June 1994 to May 1996. I know this 'cause I am her! Isn't it amazing that they are still going? And did you know that at one point twenty years ago an Irish band split to form Ballyhoo and the Blarney Brothers. Just goes to show that musicians play music! They (Ballyhoo) don't release any more but they do do functions etc, etc.
regards,
Anne-Marie Clulow
(currently "Delicious")
Ballyhoo on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/ballyhoo.html
-----------------
LOLA
Oh, what nostalgy! I read your Top 20 of 30 years ago {last week - ed}, and 'Lola' was no 1! By the Kinks! Probably the best f*****g rock song EVER written! 'Scuse me while I wipe the tears away...
Koos
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
-----------------
HIDDEN GEMS
I found a website that may interest people, it is called http://www.gemm.com and is a "market place" for music dealers. I found stuff by the A-Cads, Ballyhoo, the Bats, Rabbitt, Freedoms Children, Duncan MacKay, Suck to mention a few. The prices in most cases where rather high though ($67 for Rabbitt anyone?). I ordered John Ireland's "Thinking Aloud" for $2.66. It's costing me more to have it shipped from Germany than the record cost. Anyway worth looking at I think.
John Samson
___________________________________________________
9.REQUESTS
-------------
VIA AFRIKA
Hope you can assist? I am staying in Germany (Berlin) and use to have music of Via Afrika which got stolen in 1990. Since then I could not replace it. Heard the song 'Hey Boy' in 1999 on Radio 5 and just couldn't get a copy of the Via Afrika album. Can you assist please on CD and where.
Eugene van Heerden
mailto:vanheerden@gmx.net
{Ed: The song 'Hey Boy' from 1983 is available on CD on the 'The Best Of SA Pop Volume 2' from http://www.oneworld.co.za. The 2 Via Afrika albums have not yet been re-released on CD, but watch this space.}
Via Afrika on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/via_afrika.html
----------------
RAMASES
I asked you some time ago to give me info regarding the whereabouts of Ramases and Sel and you replied with what little there is actually.
Since then I've put a big ad in the East Anglian Daily Times which covers the area they lived in, Felixstowe. I've gotten five mails so far with no more info than hooking on to your site.
The ad will run next Friday again and maybe I will catch something bigger that time.
I live in L.A. and my aim is to gather material for a future book/film.
Can you please post this cry for more material on your site.
Peter Stormare
Ramases on the net:
http://rock.co.za/ramases
{Ed: This is the only known website for the obscure artist known as Ramases, who recorded the album 'Space Hymns' which featured the musicianship of all the members of 10cc and cover art by Roger Dean}
____________________________________________
10.ON THE NET
---------------
SUNSET RECORDING STUDIOS Stellenbosch
http://www.sunsetrecording.com
"The studio was created by a musician for musicians. - Our friendly, musical attitude combined with world class equipment and a private countryside location creates the perfect atmosphere for musicians and songwriters to unveil their musical creativity."
Among their long list of clients are artists like:
Springbok Nude Girls, Lesley Rae Dowling, Jack Hammer, Karoo,
Valiant Swart, Koos Kombuis, Piet Botha, Boo! and Delta Blue.
______________________________________________
11.WHATS ON
--------------
THE 9th ANNUAL ARTS ALIVE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
The 9th annual Arts Alive International Festival welcomes spring 2000
with a rich and varied programme. Musicians from Brazil, home grown
legends, wild and wacky street theatre performers, poets, artists and
dancers from all over the world will converge on the Johannesburg to
celebrate the arts during one of Africa's leading cultural events.
Arts Alive runs from 1 to 30 September 2000, bookings through Computicket.
Bridget van Oerle
Buz Publicity and entertainment Consultants
mailto:buz@artslink.co.za
-------------
HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB
Troubadour, Kalk Bay
mailto:harbourmusic@kalkbay.co.za
Every Wednesday at 8.30pm
---------------
SIDESHOW - SEPTEMBER GIGS
http://www.sideshow.co.za
Wednesday 27 September - Rock Revolution
Hunters
Sideshow with Never Machine Forever and Pestroy
Thursday 28 September - The Doors
Sideshow with Never Machine Forever
CLAIRE ANGELIQUE BEZUIDENHOUT
mailto:euthanasia@worldonline.co.za
mailto:claire@sideshow.co.za
031-332-0232
083 247 9665
-------------
BONEY M featuring Bobby Farrell
Carnival City Casino in the Big Top Arena
29th & 30th September 2000
mailto:showgroup@authentic.co.za
-------------
LIESL GRAHAM
http://www.lieslgraham.com
30 September 2000 13h00 - Rhythmic Beats - Durban
(Unplugged show instore)
Liesl, Andy & Doug
11 October 2000 21h00 - Rivets - Durban
(Live Performance)
Liesl with full band
--------------
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.rock.co.za/littlesister
27 September
Kimberley Show
30 September
Richards Bay
6 October
"Who Cares", Burnette street, Hatfield, Pretoria tel: 012 362 58 25
7 October
Alberton Mardi Gras
7 October
Cotlands Gala Night and draw for Harley Davidson motorbike
13 October
"Who Cares", Burnette street, Hatfield, Pretoria tel: 012 362 58 25
14 October
Upington "Raisin Festival" time 20:00
20 October
Up the Creek, Hatfield, Pretoria tel. no 012 362 3712
27 October
"Who Cares", Burnette street, Hatfield, Pretoria tel: 012 362 58 25
----------------
NOT MY DOG
30 Sep - Boogie Nights, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria
5 Oct - Tuks Joolplaas, Pretoria
--------------
FRUIT FLY NAVIGATORS
30 September - Zappa's (Pietermaritzburg) with Sideshow
01 October - The Jam (Margate)
02 October - Durban Folk Club (Unplugged)
14 October - The Bat Cafe' (Durban) with Jane Doe
Management: Dave Campbell
Cell: 082-8998729
Management: mailto:daveca@fedsure.co.za
Fan Mail: mailto:fruitflynavigators@mweb.co.za
---------------
HALCYON
Sat 30th Sep - Burn (Durban) with Sunways
Mon 2nd Oct - Durban Folk Club (Durban)
Sun 5th Nov - The Jam (Margate)
Contact Details:
Clayton Mongomery
083 447 0663
mailto:clmonty@mweb.co.za
----------------
SUNWAYS
COLOUR ME IN TOUR 2000
wed 27 SEPT RIVETS (Durban)
sat 30 SEPT BURN (Durban)
____________________________________________
12.LINKS AND ADVERTS
-----------------------
ARTISTS:
SA ROCK LEGENDS
http://rock.co.za/legends
SA MUSICIANS ON THE NET FROM A TO Z
http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/Rembrandt/SAArtists.html
VETSEUN
http://www.afrikaner.co.za/tronk10/defmuz.htm
Piet Botha, Koos Kombuis, Valiant Swart, Battery 9, etc
ROBIN AULD
http://www.robinauld.co.za
BERNARD BINNS
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za
PIET BOTHA & JACK HAMMER
http://rock.co.za/legends/pietbotha
JOHNNY CLEGG
http://www.johnnyclegg.com
FOUR JACKS AND A JILL
http://rock.co.za/fourjacksandajill
LIESL GRAHAM
http://www.lieslgraham.com
KOOS KOMBUIS
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
JULIAN LAXTON
http://www.at.artslink.co.za/~julian_laxton
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.rock.co.za/littlesister
KEVIN MASON
http://www.geocities.com/mad_mason
NO I.D.
http://www.noidtheband.com
ASHTON NYTE
http://www.ashtonnyte.com
OFF THE EDGE
http://rock.co.za/offtheedge
PLASTIC OCEAN
http://www.plasticocean.co.za
SPRINGBOK NUDE GIRLS
http://www.nudegirls.co.za
VALIANT SWART
http://www.valiant.co.za
TITUS
http://www.crosswinds.net/~glassmoon/titus/index.html
GEORG VOROS
http://www.georgvoros.com
ARCHIVES:
THE LEGENDS OF SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK
Where SA rock legends still live
http://rock.co.za/legends
SOUTH AFRICA'S ROCK FILES
The online archive for the History of South African Rock
http://rock.co.za/sarock
OZNET MUSIC CHARTS
Archive of Australian, UK & US #1 Hit Singles from 1956 to 2000
http://www.q-net.net.au/~methinks/oz_net_music_chart.html
MESSAGE BOARD:
TOO GOOD TO BE FORGOTTEN
Post your message on the SA Rock message board
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb311757
NEWS:
AMUZINE
News, views, reviews and interviews
http://rock.co.za/
ARTSMART
Arts news from Kwazulu-Natal
http://www.artsmart.co.za
POWERZONE
News, classifieds and much more...
http://www.powerzone.co.za/
WALL OF SOUND
Up-to-date news on the International music scene
http://www.wallofsound.com
WHATS ON:
BARLEYCORN
Cape Town's Music Club
http://twisted.co.za/barleycorn/
THE BIG TREE
Gant's Centre, Strand
http://www.icon.co.za/~diner/gigs.htm
HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB
The Troubadour, Kalk Bay
Every Wednesday night 8:30
Entrance R15 - bar available
Rob Anderson (021) 7891021
mailto:anderson@botzoo.uct.ac.za
Nadia Scaillet (021) 4489834
mailto:noid@netactive.co.za
HIGH STREET THEATRE
Durbanville, Cape Town
http://www.highstreet.co.za/theatre.html
TAMBOER
Pretoria entertainment guide
http://www.tamboer.co.za
ZA@PLAY
What's on around South Africa
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/art/music/menu-music.htm
SHOPS:
MUSICA
SA's music retail chain
http://www.musica.co.za
ONE WORLD
Selling South African Music to the World
http://www.oneworld.co.za/
OUTLAW RECORDS, CAPE TOWN
Second-hand vinyl and CDs
http://www.outlawrecords.co.za
RENEGADE MUSIC
Strand concourse Cape Town
(021) 4185436
N1 City Goodwood
(021) 5952436
VIBES MUSIC
N1 City, Cape Town
(021) 5953220
mailto:vibes@fast.co.za
RECORD COMPANIES, LABELS & STUDIOS:
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdEarMusic.com
BEATROOT MUSIC
http://www.beatrootmusic.co.za/beatrootmusic.htm
BMG
http://www.click2music.co.za/
CAVEMAN PRODUCTIONS
Kevin Shirley's virtual cave
http://www.cavemanproductions.com
FRESH MUSIC
http://www.fresh.co.za
GALLO MUSIC
http://www.gallo.co.za/
INDIE MUSIC EXPLOSION
indie.co.za
MELT2000
http://www.melt2000.com
MIGHTY MUSIC PRODUCTIONS
http://www.mightymusic.co.za/
MOUNTAIN RECORDS
http://www.mountain-africa.com
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
Off Centre * Tic Tic Bang * Season To Taste * Shrapnel
mailto:tictic@iafrica.com
mailto:tasty@iafrica.com
RADIUM WRECKORDS
Jonathan Handley
Suite 89 Postnet
Private Bag X335
Cape Town
8000
mailto:capetowncentral@postnet.co.za
(attention: Jonathan Handley)
Phone: (021) 426 0179/80
Fax: (021) 426 0078
RIESTER INTERNATIONAL RECORDS
http://www.riester-records.co.za/
SHEER SOUND
http://www.sheer.co.za
STREET LEVEL RECORDS
http://www.streetlevel.co.za/
SUNSET RECORDING STUDIOS
Stellenbosch
http://www.sunsetrecording.com
TEQUILA MUSIC
http://www.tequila.co.za
TL MASTERING
Digital Mastering, Editing and Remastering
http://www.tl-mastering.com
mailto:prozak@iafrica.com
082 701 5096
RESOURCES:
BACKSTAGE
backstage.co.za/
INDIEZONE
http://www.indiezone.co.za
PEDRO THE MUSIC MAN
Music teacher
http://users.iafrica.com/m/mu/musicman
SHOW VILLAGE
sound - lights - dance
http://www.showvillage.co.za
MAGAZINES:
AMUZINE
African Music Magazine
http://rock.co.za
SLY
http://www.sly.co.za/
STAGE
http://www.stage.co.za
TOP FORTY
http://topforty.worldonline.co.za
RADIO:
DINOSAUR DAYS
The radio show, the CDs, the website
http://www.dinosaurdays.co.za
CAPITAL RADIO 604
http://www.Capital604.com
SAFM (104-107KHz)
Sugar, Digest co-editor, chats to Bruce Millar every Wednesday at 10.30am
http://www.safm.co.za
BOOKS:
THE HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Garth Chilvers and Tom Jasiukowicz (TOGA, 1994)
http://www.rock.co.za/files/book_order.html
KOOS se SONGS
Koos Kombuis
http://www.oneworld.co.za
SEX, DRUGS AND BOEREMUSIEK
Koos Kombuis
http://www.oneworld.co.za
TIGHTLINES
Robin Auld
http://www.robinauld.co.za
RHYTHM OF THE HEAD and DRUMMERCISE
Drumming books by Georg Voros
http://www.georgvoros.com
TRIVIA:
CLIMB UP ON MY MUSIC
A site dedicated to Rodriguez, the Sugar Man
http://www.rock.co.za/files/rodriguez.html
SPACE HYMNS
Ramases
http://rock.co.za/ramases
VAGABOND'S WORLD
Rock Trivia
http://rock.co.za/vagabond
PIOTR'S GREEN PAGES
Discographies and lyrics for the legends of rock
http://www.zetosa.com.pl/piotrus/greenpages
FESTIVALS:
SPLASHY FEN
The festival, the CD, the book, the website
http://www.splashyfen.co.za
OPPIKOPPI
http://www.oppikoppi.co.za
RUSTLERS VALLEY
http://www.rustlers.co.za
MUSIC ON-LINE:
CDDB
CD Database Online
http://www7.cddb.com/
CDMAX
CD player for accessing the online CD database http://www.mindspring.com/~clark_tisdale/CDmax/
DIGITAL CUPBOARD
African MP3s
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
MP3.COM
MP3s of South African artists
http://www.mp3.com/regions/africa/south_africa/
MP3 SOFTWARE
Links to download sites
http://www.rock.co.za/files/mp3software.html
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13.BACK ISSUES
---------------
BACK ISSUES
http://rock.co.za/sarockdigest
Online and keyword searchable
__________________________________________
14.CONTRIBUTIONS
-----------------
This e-mag is a discussion forum for rock and pop music --
South African and International -- past, present and future.
All contributions are welcome, send them to:
http://rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:sarock@new.co.za
All contributions in plain text e-mail format with no attachments, please.
The following types of contributions may be ignored
as they take a while to fix:
HTML format e-mails (Outlook users, please note)
e-mails all in lowercase
e-mails all in CAPITALS
e-mails with attachments
Any e-mail with an ".exe" file attached will be automatically trashed so please don't even try.
________________________________________
15.SUBSCRIPTIONS
----------------
Send an e-mail to mailto:sarock@new.co.za with any words or phrases that vaguely indicate acceptance or... visit http://rock.co.za/sarockdigest and fill in the simple form.
--------
Want to unsubscribe from this e-mag?
Surely not, but if you really must, then just reply to this e-mail,
saying "I'm bored" or "get me out of here" or "I've had enough" or whatever. I'll get the idea, eventually.
"unsubscribe digest" has been known to work too...
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