SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #97
http://www.sarockdigest.com
11th March 2001
The South African Rock Music Digest
is a weekly, free, subscription e-mag,
edited by Brian Currin and Stephen Segerman
and delivered direct to your e-mailbox.
Established 27th January 1999.
To unsubscribe - send mail to:
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CONTENTS
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1.NEWS - Off The Edge, Venessa Nolan, RetroFresh, North Sea Jazz Festival
2.CHARTS - Top Selling SA CDs, Top SA Albums, Top SA Songs, Top 20 MP3 downloads
3.CD REVIEWS - Sugardrive, Amanda Tiffin, Afrika Meltdown
4.CLASSIC ROCK - Shuggie Otis, Baxtop, Kevin Abraham
5.LIVE REVIEWS & GIG INFO - Up The Creek Festival
6.FORUM, REQUESTS & FEEDBACK - Johnny Kongos, Sunshines, Soweto String Quartet, 3rd Ear Music
7.LINKS
8.BACK ISSUES
9.CONTRIBUTIONS
10.CONTACT DETAILS
11.SUBSCRIPTIONS
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PRESS RELEASES AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Press releases:
Please submit all press releases to Sugar at mailto:sugar@rock.co.za by Friday each week.
Contributions:
Please submit all contributions, reviews, gigs, requests, searches and comments by filling in the form at:
http://rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:sarock@sarockdigest.com
Further info and contact details are at the end of this newsletter.
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1.NEWS
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OFF THE EDGE
http://rock.co.za/offtheedge
Off The Edge are in the studio again with new vocalist, Giselle. Listen to an MP3 of the brand new and unreleased track 'Hold On' at their website (http://rock.co.za/sounds/holdon.mp3).
'Hold On' is an original song featuring the raunchy rock guitar of Peter Hanmer and the Heart-felt vocals of Giselle Mynhardt who replaces the departed Judy Marshall.
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VENESSA NOLAN
We reviewed Venessa's stunning new album 'Burn' last week and now you can read more about her and this album at her website:
http://www.sunsetrecording.com/venessa
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RETRO FRESH NEWS
JOHNNY CALLS THE CHEMIST
Falling Mirror's "Johnny Calls The Chemist" (Freshcd 112) will be released in April... this dark tale of prescription drug-fuelled psychotic obsession has had both fans and critics alike scratching their heads in perplexed amazement since its release in late 1985... just who is Johnny? Is there a Colette? What is "Makin' out with Granny' about? And the chemist?... well all will be revealed with this specially remastered CD reissue of the band's classic album... includes some rare pics shot during the recording plus some never seen before photos from my personal archive. A fascinating essay on the band and the album by the Rock Digest's Stephen "Sugar" Segerman, an unreleased track from that recording session, two in-studio demos and the infamous "Chemist" video.
http://rock.co.za/fallingmirror
IN THE WORKS
Currently in various stages of pre-production are Dog Detachment's "Best kept secrets"... a 15 track retrospective plus five MP3 tracks and a multimedia file; Freedom`s Children's legendary "Galactic Vibes"; the Peach debut album "On loan for evolution" which includes two rare non-album tracks; Ellamental`s "Uncomplicated Dreams" with rare bonus tracks; the mighty Suck's "Time to suck" featuring recently discovered pics from the infamous Joburg City Hall concert (the axeman returneth !); Abstract Truth's pastoral "Siver Trees"; the second chapter in the éVoid story "Here comes the Rot" which includes another five bonus tracks from the band's archive; "In the Arena" from mid-70's outfit Circus {includes a brilliant cover of the Procol Harum classic "Conquistador" - ed}; the hard rocking Sweatband featuring two tracks from the band's unreleased second album.
The Legends Of SA Rock
http://rock.co.za/legends
FUTURE PLANS
In discussion for the future and subject to label/owner approval are "Retro Rarities" which hopefully will include stuff like Ramsay MacKay, Omega Ltd, Tidal Wave, Hammak, Third Eye, Coloured Rain, etc.
"Punkafreeka" which will look at the explosion of 76/77 featuring Leopard, The Safari Suits, National Wake, pre-Shifty Corporal Punishment, Wild Youth and other exponents of early SA hardcore;
"Talking in Pictures", a compilation of great singer/songwriters like Neill Solomon, Niki Daly, John Oakley-Smith, Roger Lucey, Lesley Rae Dowling, Mike Dickman, Colin Shamley, etc.
An exclusive Rock Digest compilation available only via the site;
a Retro coffee table book featuring rare pics, artwork, memorabilia and much more.
WANTED
Any photos/memorabilia of Freedom's Children needed for the "Galactic Vibes" artwork. Virgin vinyl copies (ok... as close to) of "Simply Otis Waygood"; "Astra" (the original not the PVB reissue); the rare Freedom's Children debut single "The Coffee Song" b/w "Satisfaction" for remastering purposes; any info on the whereabouts of Suck guitarist Stephen "Gil" Gilroy (last heard of running/working at a printing company).
Benjy Mudie @ Fresh Music
(011) 467-3051
082-4902743
mailto:fresh@icon.co.za
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HUGH MASEKELA, LEBO AND MOODPHASE 5IVE ADDED TO NSJF BILL
The second annual North Sea Jazz Festival in Cape Town is imminent and the organizers, esp-Afrika, have almost completed their final line-up of international and African performers. This week the African musical representation was strongly bolstered with the announcement that SA jazz hero Hugh Masekela, new solo pop sensation Lebo, and Cape Town's hot, new hip hop/R'n B sensations Moodphase 5ive will all be appearing at the two-day festival at the end of March.
Hugh Masekela, South Africas's trumpet legend and musical ambassador, needs little introduction, having played a leading role in the history and development of South African jazz over the past 50 years, 30 of them as an exile from his homeland. From his early apprenticeship with The Huddleston Jazz Band and then The Jazz Epistles, and his international smash hit, 'Grazing In The Grass', which topped the US charts for two months in 1968, "Bra Hugh" has continued to fill both SA and international jazz fans' ears with some of the most heartfelt and evocative music ever to emerge from the African continent. His appearance at this 2001 Festival is a well-earned opportunity for this South African musical hero to take his rightful place on a South African stage alongside some of the finest jazz musicians in the world.
Lebo Mathosa (not to be confused with her male counterpart, Lebo M) is the talented singer who left the successful SA kwaito group Boom Shaka, to carve out a solo career, with impressive results. During 2000 Lebo took a break from the group and recorded her debut, solo pop album, 'Dream' that has received overwhelmingly positive reviews with strong possibilities of major international exposure. This will be greatly helped by Lebo's recent duet with soul star Keith Sweat on his single, 'I'll Trade (A Million Bucks)', off his new album, 'Didn't See Me Coming'.
The cool, contemporary, eclectic sound of Moodphase 5ive is a wondrous combination of the finest original music currently wafting out of the many music clubs in and around Cape Town. Their stirring and groovy hip hop, soul, jazz, dub and funk blend has found their debut album, 'Steady On', becoming the hottest new SA album in 2001. Fronted by lead vocalist Lady E (Ernestine Deane) and rapper D Form (Denver Turner), this six-piece outfit also features Brian de Goede (drums), Craig Damster (keyboards), and two ex-Honeymoon Suite members, Bood Carver (bass) and Douglas Armstrong (trumpet). Sure to put all the festivalgoers in the Mood! (SS)
NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL
http://www.nsjfcapetown.com
African Harvest North Sea Jazz Festival - Cape Town 2001
4 Stages - 2 Nights - over 30 African & International Acts
30 & 31 March, Good Hope Centre, Cape Town
FOR ALL FURTHER INFO, UPDATES, AND TRAVEL PACKAGES, PLEASE:
Call the African Harvest North Sea Jazz Festival HOTLINE
(021) 418- 6924
Or visit the official African Harvest North Sea Jazz Festival WEBSITE
(Regularly updated) at: http://www.nsjfcapetown.com
Tickets for the Festival are available exclusively from Computicket*
One Day Pass - R235
Two day Pass - R360
* The perfect gift for the jazz fan who has everything!
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'FROM THE HEART OF AFRICA' TOUR - TANANAS UK AND FESTIVAL DATES
Following their special appearance in front of a hometown crowd at the North Sea Jazz Festival at the end of March, Tananas will be preparing for their two week, nine-concert tour of the UK alongside fellow African continent musical outfits Drummers Of Burundi (Burundi), and Chartwell Dutiro (Zimbabwe).
Gito Baloi, the group's original bassist, will be joining US-based drummer Ian Herman and guitarist Steve Newman in Tananas' seminal line-up, one of the more eagerly anticipated acts at this year's Cape Town jazz festival. The 'From The Heart Of Africa' UK tour runs from 2nd -15th May 2001. Tananas will be breaking from their UK dates to appear at WOMAD 2001 in Spain. Those dates are:
UK Tour:
Wednesday 2nd May CAMBRIDGE Corn Exchange 01223 357851
Friday 4th May OXFORD Apollo Theatre 0870 606 3501
Saturday 5th May BRISTOL Colston Hall 0117 922 3683
Sunday 6th May MANCHESTER The Lowry 0161 876 2000
Monday 7th May LONDON Royal Festival Hall 020 7960 4242
Tuesday 8th May READING The Hexagon 0118 960 6060
Wednesday 9th May LEICESTER De Montfort Hall 0116 233 3111
Sunday 13th May BIRMINGHAM Symphony Hall 0121 780 3333
Tuesday 15th May BRIGHTON Theatre Royal 01273 328488
Festivals:
March 30th - April 1st - North Sea Jazz Festival - Cape Town 2001
Thurs 10th - Sat 11th May - WOMAD Spain.
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2.CHARTS
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2a.THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Label)
1. [2] Burn - Venessa Nolan (Rhythm)
2. [4] Steady On - Moodphase 5ive (African Dope)
3. [RE] Love The Sinner - Justin Bergh (BMG)
4. [-] Afrika Meltdown - Various (MELT 2000)
5. [3] Keeping It Real - Fudge (Indie)
6. [7] IT - Various Cape Town Artists (Nkomo Records)
7. [8] Fragile - Saron Gas (Musketeer)
8. [5] Play My Way - Matthew van der Want (Bitchin' Pitchin')
9. [11] TajMahala - Sharkbrother (Indie)
10. [10] Otis Waygood Blues Band - Otis Waygood Blues Band (RetroFresh)
11. [1] Full Circle - Toxic Shame (Universal)
12. [9] Bootleg (live) - Piet Botha and Jack Hammer (Pofadder)
13. [6] Gathering - Marcus Wyatt (Sheer Sound)
14. [12] In The Circle - Sugardrive (Undercover)
15. [13] Relaxzor - Springbok Nude Girls (Sony)
16. [15] Tattered and Torn - Henry Ate (EMI)
17. [16] Blk Sonshine - Blk Sonshine (Fresh)
18. [17] Via Afrika - Via Afrika (Retro Fresh)
19. [14] Sounds Delicious - Home Cooking (Indie)
20. [20] Shattered - Falling Mirror (Tusk)
Sponsored by Networld
http://www.new.co.za
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2b. THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN SONGS OF THE WEEK
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Album/ Label)
1. [16] Emptiness High - Venessa Nolan ('Burn'/Rhythm)
2. [-] Geto @ Sunset - Moodphase 5ive ('Steady On'/African Dope)
3. [-] Strange - Colorfields ('IT'/Nkomo Records)
4. [-] Hypocrite - Amanda Tiffin ('Extraordinary Woman'/Indie)
5. [1] Afrodisiac - Jorge Carlos ('African Spirit'/Spirit Zone)
6. [2] Why - Venessa Nolan ('Burn'/Rhythm)
7. [3] Still Want You Back - Age Of Innocence ('Nowhere Land'/Indie)
8. [8] Lebohang - The Getout ('Emerge and See'/Wizards)
9. [5] One Time - Matthew van der Want ('Play My Way'/Bitchin' Pitchin')
10. [4] U Are Not What You Are - Fudge ('Keeping It Real'/Indie)
11. [11] Sittin' (Take Me Home) - Toxic Shame ('Full Circle'/Universal)
12. [7] What The Hell - Ghost ('Presentation'/demo)
13. [13] Dreams - Age Of Innocence ('Nowhere Land'/Indie)
14. [14] Welcome To Azania (live) - Jack Hammer ('Bootleg'/Pofadder)
15. [15] Give Me The Good News 1994 Remix - Crocodile Harris (EP/One World)
16. [6] Rise 'n Shine - Moodphase 5ive ('Steady On'/African Dope)
17. [10] Johnny Calls The Chemist - Falling Mirror ('Shattered'/Tusk)
18. [19] Hey Boy - Via Afrika ('Via Afrika'/RetroFresh)
19. [9] Indian Ocean - Home Cooking ('Sounds Delicious'/Indie)
20. [20] Dirt - 1931 Raygun ('It'/Nkomo)
Sponsored by Networld
http://www.new.co.za
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2c.DIGITAL CUPBOARD'S TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3 DOWNLOADS
This week [last week] Title - Artist
(Style)
1. [2] Wena U Bani...? - O'Da Meesta
(Kwaito)
2. [11] Mina Ngeke Ngilunge - Yvonne Chaka Chaka
(African Pop)
3. [1] Beautiful Thing - E'smile
(African R&B)
4. [20] I Love the Rain - E nergi
(Reggae Kwaito)
5. [4] Abelungu - Amaryoni
(Zulu a capella)
6. [9] Kom Kom - Kom Kom
(Kwaito)
7. [16] Skyscrapers - Liela Groenewald
(Afrikaans Folk)
8. [12] Nothing Seems To Shake Me - New Clouded Yellow
(Alternative)
9. [6] Makoti - Yvonne Chaka Chaka
(African Pop)
10. [13] Foreplay - Ghetto Luv
(R&B Kwaito)
11. [9] Alien Hand Symphony - asqus
(Experimental Dance)
12. [18] Thina Siyajabula - Impulse
(African Gospel)
13. [15] Sibali - Khumbula
(African Pop Fusion)
14. [RE] Never Again - Prophets of da City
(Hip Hop)
15. [-] Destiny - Killer B
(Dance)
16. [-] Riku Lätti - Vyand van die Staat
(Afrikaans Alternative)
17. [8] Sandla Ngena La - African Roots
(African Reggae)
18. [-] Rock and Water - Albert Grey
(African Rock)
19. [-] Media Killers - Atmosphere Control Unit
(Cyberpunk)
20. [5] Is Is Chisa - DJ Chepad
(Kwaito)
Supplied by Digital Cupboard
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
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3. CD REVIEWS
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IN THE CIRCLE (LIVE) - SUGARDRIVE
I've always had a sweet spot for this band since their second album, 'Sand.Man.Sky.', which I felt was a landmark album in '90's SA rock. It was inventive and full of great songs and promised much. Although the follow-up album, 'When I Died I Was Elvis', sounded like a progression, it fell way short of its predecessor due to the band's new affinity for textured soundscapes, instead of tunes, and vocalist Paul E Flynn's new groany vocals and oblique lyrics. Initially it sounded like they had lost their edge, although songs like 'Disco Lazarus', 'I Love You Discuss', and '35 Mil.' made some sense of this new direction and sounded gigantic when played on Alanis Morissette's sound system, when Sugardrive supported her on her SA tour.
But I still couldn't love the 'Elvis' album, and found the follow-up EP, 'A Single And Some Remixes', boring and self-indulgent, with three new mixes of 'Disco Lazarus' and two of '35 Mil.'. The band's performance at last year's 'Winston State of the Nation' concert in Cape Town confirmed my fears. Sugardrive started slowly and gradually lost the crowd's interest with an uninspiring and moody set. They did throw in a wondrous version of 'Road' (a crunching rock gem off 'Sand. Man. Sky.'), but it was too little too late. I was pleased the band got to perform in Australia recently, especially at the prestigious 'Big Day Out' festival, but wondered how their music would go down in their Oz club dates and on this festival. Not too well, as I subsequently heard, with the Aussie rock fans not quite getting the nuances of this new, rambling "Blue Floyd" style.
Which brings me to 'In The Circle', the band's first live album, recorded over two nights at The Bassline in Melville, and a celebration of the band's new-found "independence". One listen through this collection was all I could manage as, regardless of the impressive response from the small (and obviously well-connected) audience, 'In The Circle' is evidence of a rock band who have lost their direction and focus. While there are reasonable versions of 'Ten Feet High', 'Disco Lazarus' and 'Tumblin' Down' (a folky track off their much earlier 'Snapshots' EP), the rest of these meandering noodlings are tuneless and tedious.
I later caught Paul E Flynn and guitarist Michael Westwood being interviewed on TV, telling us that Sugardrive's new album will be out in June, but that the band hadn't yet entered the studio to begin recording it. Our man Flynn then used a cooking metaphor to describe his view of the recording process with regard to adding ingredients, experimenting etc. Westwood ominously pointed out that Paul doesn't cook! So this next album could land up tasting like any old flung-together concoction, which would be a complete waste as this is an SA band who have always promised so much more. Sugardrive have a responsibility, as one of SA's top rock acts, to refocus and produce the quality (classic?) album some of their previous work has always hinted at. I'm still hopeful and confident this will happen. But this live collection, reputedly the first ever by a major SA rock band, is strictly for dedicated fans only. (SS)
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EXTRAORDINARY WOMAN - AMANDA TIFFIN
http://listen.to/amandatiffin
You can’t fault Amanda Tiffin’s chutzpah, calling your debut EP, and the title track, ‘Extraordinary Woman’. But that’s the type of confidence and vivacity that has seen this jazz/pop singer and performer carve herself a credible niche on SA stages over the past six years. That was in music theatre, cabaret, and in a series of one-woman shows that were also performed abroad. But it was the songwriting and recording process that still attracted her, so she forged a creative alliance with guitarist/producer Bruce Muzik {love that name - ed} and these four songs are the first fruits of their worthy collaboration.
‘Extraordinary Woman’ is a short, frothy collection that mostly shows
off Amanda’s writing and singing talents, leaving one keen to hear a
full album’s worth of this original material. ‘Who Am I?’ is a vibrant
and jazzy arrangements with Amanda’s voice swooping and soaring in and
around the mix. ‘Falling’ is a sensitive and emotional ballad that drops the mood for a while. ‘Extraordinary Woman’, which opens this EP,
introduces us to Amanda, her blend of mild arrogance and engaging
vulnerability, and that voice! The highlight here is ‘Hypocrite’, a
bold, radio-friendly slice of contemporary female pop that shows us
Amanda’s cynical edge with its catchy and biting "people got no
backbone" chorus. Credit to Bruce Muzik whose crisp production and
unfussy arrangements allow Amanda’s flexible vocals and cool attitude to shine through. A full album sounds like an enticing prospect. (SS)
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AFRIKA MELTDOWN - VARIOUS MELT 2000 ARTISTS
http://www.melt2000.com
Robert Trunz's MELT 2000 label has worked tirelessly to record and expose the music of southern Africa, and its impressive catalogue bears testimony to his commitment and vision. Following the August 2000 dual releases of the excellent 'Jazzin' And Jivin'' and 'Global Vibes' compilations, MELT have released a third collection, 'Afrika Meltdown', which again spotlights the broad selection of wondrous music on this label. This album features a staggering 25 tracks by artists such as Amampondo, Busi Mhlongo, Brice Wassey, Madala Kunene, Pops Mohamed, Alien Soap Opera, and many other musicians who have worked on this World (Class!) label. Moses Taiwa Molelekwa was one of Robert Trunz's early discoveries and the inclusion here of two of his tracks - 'Genes And Spirits' and 'Spirit Of Thembisa' - bears lasting testimony to this wonderful musician.
'Afrika Meltdown' was compiled by Mario Cee, a well-known face on the London underground dance scene and resident DJ at Club Ventura in Covent Garden for two years. Besides working on that compilation for MELT 2000, Mario also found the time to release his debut album, 'Earth With II Suns', a wide variety of styles and influences from around the world, composed, written and produced by Mr Cee himself. (SS)
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4. CLASSIC ROCK
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SHILOH'S CORNER
SHUGGIE OTIS
The word precocious in the music industry could only be summed up in two words - Shuggie Otis. 1968 had given birth to the era of axe (guitar) heroes, and blues man John Hammond senior was on the search to discover diverse talent for the classic Epic records label which was being run by A&R chief, Larry Cohn. It was John who had discovered the thirteen year old Shuggie jamming with his father, the notorious Johnny Otis, and Sugar Cane Harris. At this stage Shuggie used to paint a moustache on his upper lip to bypass the American constitution laws regarding entertainment in licensed outlets. In fact Epic Records needed to get court approval in order to sign a contract and record him.
The release of Johnny Otis's "Cold Shot" album in 1968 illuminated the diverse ability of Shuggie who featured on bass and lead guitar. Rolling Stone magazine went on to single Shuggie Otis out as a new blues guitar talent. Another enthusiast of Shuggie's, was musician Al Kooper of Blood, Sweat and Tears who gained permission to feature a super session album ("Al Kooper introduces Shuggie Otis", 1969). At this stage Shuggie was a tender 15 years old and the following year released his first solo album, "Here comes Shuggie Otis". Wilton Felder stepped in and assisted him on bass. Shuggie's major influence came from Lowell Fulson, but being the son of Johnny Otis, Shuggie grew up jamming with the likes of Roy Brown, Big Joe Turner, Pee Wee Crayton and many more. Shuggie even had a brief acting career where he was seen in the Clint Eastwood movie, "Play Misty For Me". During the loss of Brian Jones, the Rolling Stones hot-listed Shuggie with three other guitarists, Roy Buchanan, Mick Taylor and Alexis Korner as possible replacements.
In the seventies, Shuggie assisted violin virtuosi, Don Harris on his epic album, "Sugar Cane". A regular at the Monterey jazz festival, Shuggie maintained his consistency by performing with his father on the Johnny Otis road show. By the time the eighties arrived, Shuggie's blues expression became showcased with the Johnny Otis road show and although he left an indelible stamp on the blues music of the sixties, he carries the epitaph of rising up too quickly and fading away too suddenly.
Shiloh Noone, Cape Town
mailto:shiloh_noone@hotmail.com
http://www.sarockdigest.com/shiloh
Blues and Variation
Fine Music Radio 101.3 FM
Wednesdays 10 pm
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USA FOR AFRICA
Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music
BAXTOP
People who remember seeing Baxtop live usually have great fondness for that memory. Listening to Baxtop yields images of a band that could really rock a joint {or smoke one? - ed}. Diverse influences such as rock, country, boogie, and blues all blend into Baxtop's own sound of expressive vocals and cool guitars. The shining parts of Baxtop's music are the extended instrumental breaks in many of the songs, and the guitar and vocal interplays, as typified on 'Dr. Watson'. It's these rockin' guitar and drum breaks that tell me they could really jam on stage.
Baxtop was an excellent four man band, all of whom sang, though Larry Amos was the lead singer. He was also a poly-guitarist who played acoustic, electric, and slide guitars, and apparently admired the Doobies (the brothers, y'mean? - ed}. Tim Parr also wielded guitars, acoustic and electric, and Fuzzy Marcus played bass and harp, while Bruce Williams was the drums and percussion man.
This CD has fine flow, the songs follow one another seamlessly. They are more than excuses for the guitar playing interludes, which breeze effortlessly in and out of the songs, escorted by the rock-steady drummer.
'Baxtop' can be either a pleasant album sliding in and out of one's consciousness, or, cranked up, one can listen attentively for further rewards from a sterling basic rock unit of guitars and drums. Baxtop opens with their happy dancing hit 'Jo Bangles', and moves from rock to moody and relaxed (dare I say laid back?), as in 'Take Me Into Your Heart', an easygoing country-folk-rock tune, and 'Work It Out'. But that's not to say that after a vibrant open Baxtop becomes laterally recumbent and mellow. Lively stuff abounds, the guitar-playing is hot, traditionally referred to by reviewers as "scorching", like on 'Night Time Train'.
Baxtop was a short-lived phenomenon. They put out two singles and an album ('Work It Out') in 1979, breaking up in 1980. Except for one J.J. Cale number, the songs on this CD are all original, and most were penned by Larry Amos. A couple of tunes are credited to the band. Sometimes CD bonus songs of "previously unreleased tracks" are interesting but not quite as strong as the previously-released material. That's not the case here, the final three songs match any of the others for rock quality. They were recorded live in the studio in 1978. Greg Cutler and Benjy Mudie did the recording and production work.
Regrettably out of print, you'll just have to get lucky and find a previously-owned copy for about R30. I may not have seen them live, but at least I was lucky enough to acquire this CD.
Baxtop
http://www.rock.co.za/files/baxtop.html
Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas
mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com
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JOHN SAMSON
London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music
INSIDE - KEVIN ABRAHAM
Casting my eye over the credits on the back cover of this rather unassuming mini-album (7 tracks), I knew I was in for a treat. Listed amongst the musicians were Alan Faull (of Falling Mirror), Robin Auld, Kevin Shirley and Tully McCully (from McCully Workshop) with production credits being shared by Shirley & McCully.
Abraham, who has the honour of being the first entry in the Chilvers &
Jasiukowicz bible of SA music, had played around Cape Town with his band The Kick, as well as the Port Elizabeth based Snatch, but had his first hit in 1983 with 'More than Just a Friend' which made it to number 3 on the 702 Radio charts (in the days before 702 turned chat).
The album immediately lives up to expectations, opening with a trademark Faull guitar solo kick starting 'Side Street Samba' and also feature some great sax work by the aptly named Gary Horne. More Faull and McCully guitar work keep the album rocking and offers a good opportunity to compare the styles of 2 of the greatest South African axemen.
The presence of these masters on the album do tend to relegate Abraham to second place on his own album, but credit must be given to him for assembling this fine group who were obviously impressed enough with his songwriting skills in order to play alongside him.
Oddly I feel "More than Just a Friend' is the weakest track on the album, although it's not too surprising it produced his only hit as it's a well crafted love song complete with string arrangements and mellow vocals, but falls short of being a true rock ballad, thus upsetting the rock feel of the album, but not badly so.
On paper this album was bound to be something special, on vinyl it is.
John Samson, London, UK
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com
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SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS: 30 YEARS AGO
http://rock.co.za/charts
Friday, 12 March 1971
This week [last week] Title - Artist
1. [1] Knock Three Times - Dawn
2. [2] Rose Garden - Lynn Anderson
3. [3] No Matter What - BadFinger
4. [11] My Sweet Lord - George Harrison
5. [4] I Hear You Knockin' - Dave Edmunds
6. [17] A Summer Prayer For Peace - The Archies
7. [6] Do It - Neil Diamond
8. [16] Immigrant Song - Led Zeppelin
9. [5] Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow - The Dealians*
10. [8] Mendocino - Mike Holm
* SA artists
Supplied by John Samson
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com
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SA RADIO CHARTS 1969-1989
http://rock.co.za/charts
South African artists who were at number 1 this week:
I Don't Wanna Play House - Barbara Ray (1973)
You Asked Me To - Bobby Angel (1975)
Substitute - Clout (1978)
Supplied by John Samson
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com
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TOP 10 SA CLASSIC ROCK ALBUMS
1.Africa She Too Can Cry - Hawk (1972)
2.African Day - Hawk (1971)
3.Battle Hymn Of The Broken Hearted Horde - Freedoms Children (1968)
4.Boys Will Be Boys - Rabbitt (1975)
5.Live And Well - Hawk (1974)
6.A Croak And A Grunt In The Night - Rabbitt (1977)
7.In The Arena - Circus (1977)
8.Jack Of All Trades - Jack Hammer (1987)
9.Astra - Freedoms Children (1970)*
10.Otis Waygood Blues Band (1970)*
As voted by visitors to the SA Rock Files website
http://www.freevote.com/booth/sarock
* Available on CD from http://www.oneworld.co.za
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TOP 10 ALL-TIME GREAT SA POP AND ROCK SONGS
1.Master Jack - Four Jacks And A Jill (1968)
2.Hey Boy - Via Afrika (1983)
3.Weeping - Bright Blue (1987)
4.As I Went Out One Morning (Damsel) - Tribe After Tribe (1985)
5.This Boy - Sweatband (1986)
6.See Yourself (Clowns) - EllaMental (1984)
7.ZX Dan - Radio Rats (1978)
8.My Kind Of Girl - Cinema (1988)
9.Who Killed Kurt Cobain - Koos Kombuis (1997)
10.Special Star - Mango Groove (1989)
As voted by visitors to the SA Rock Files website
http://www.freevote.com/booth/sapop
All these songs are available on various CDs if you look hard enough.
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BIRTHDAYS - MARCH
12 - James Taylor (1948)
17 - Nat "King" Cole (1919)
25 - Elton John (1947)
26 - Diana Ross (1944)
30 - Eric Clapton (1945)
________________________________________________
5.LIVE REVIEWS AND GIG INFO
----------------------------
UP THE CREEK
The 21st Up the Creek music festival was held from the 2-4 March at the
Breede River. The atmosphere was jovial and inviting with drinks flowing and friends meeting. This fantastic celebration of good music reminded me why I fell in love with South African music.
S.A music brings us all here, whether it is a vague interest or a long-time loyalty, otherwise we could have just gone camping for the weekend, without the added music. It is the soundtrack to this weekend that has attracted an intimate crowd and has seen many a talented acts all of varying genres and styles, perform. The amazing thing is that the crowd has been really receptive to every single act. Friday saw the 1999 Shell Road to Fame winner, Jesse Jordan, starting the festivities with a surprise gig. The sensationally jazzy Madame Freak had many an ear listening in awe while Firing Squad provided an energetic twist to the evening’s celebrations. Sons of Trout were absolutely unbridled with passion as they performed to adoring fans-some of whom even made their own fan T-shirts. You can tell that a music concert is going well when even the security guard’s feet start tapping! Brasse Vannie Kaap ended things in true Cape Flats style with their lyrical raps and b-boy dancers.
Saturday was filled with relaxing in the sun by the river and watching bands perform on the sandbanks. What more could anyone ask for? The powerful band Flow started the day’s processions. Virtual Jazz Reality gave an awesome performance and Delta Blue smoothly delivered their brand of the blues. The Cape Comedy Collective entertained the audience, giving Max Normal a chance to arrive and set up for a killer gig. Moodphase 5ive had everyone moving their bodies to the soulful voice of Lady E and emcee, d.form. Robin Auld had young and old alike enraptured in his melodies and Semisane hit the right note with their pop performance. Sugardrive’s Cape Town fans were thrilled at seeing them perform live again, following their Australian Big Day Out success. Not My Dog followed afterwards with songs that had the
crowd jumping. Though the bands had ended, the night was far from over.
Tunes supplied by the Mainstay 206 Beat Barn kept those who were still up for some more, partying long into the early hours of the morning.
Perfect reasons to fall in love with SA music all over again!
Nadia Neophytou
--------------------
AMETHYST
Amethyst will be rocking with Hard to Find at The Big Easy, Langerman drive Kensington on Thursday 15 March. R10 cover charge.
------------------
AUTHENTIC ARTISTS GIGS
Wednesday 14 March
Sugardrive - Mr Price, Pavillion, Durban (closed gig)
Thursday 15 March
57 Unplugged - Up The Creek, Hilda Rd, Hatfield Square, Hatfield, Pretoria
Friday 16 March
Barney Simon - Bourbon Street, 94 Tom Street, Die Bolt, Potchefstroom
Saturday 17 March
Wonderboom - Boogie Nights, Lynwood Rd, Pretoria
Saturday 17 March
Speedy (AKA Richard Santana) - Venom, Cnr Henri and Juta Streets, Braamfontein
More info on any of these gigs or artists c/o:
AUTHENTIC IDEAS: 011-646-6467
Beth: 083-463-8712
email: beth@authentic.co.za
----------------
BASSLINE
http://www.basslinejazzclub.co.za
MARCH
Tues 13th: TONY COX - R30 - 9:30pm
Wed 14th & Thurs 15th: LIONEL BASTOS - R30 - 9:30pm
Fri 16th & Sat 17th: CASTLE MILK STOUT presents: MOSES KHUMALO (sax) - R30 - 9:30pm
Sun 18th: NIBS VAN DER SPY (Landscape Prayers) & BRENDAN DURY (Ohm ) - R30 - 9:00pm
Tues 20th: UMANJI - R30 - 9:30pm
---------------
BINARY
Wednesday the 14th of March @ Demolition (Cnr Hillcrest and Conrad
Dr, Blairgowrie) / R10 @ door.
---------------
BIZARRE BAZAAR
http://www.geocities.com/bizabaza
We will be holding a gig at Bugsy's in Fontainebleau on Sunday the 18th
of March. Bugsy's is just off the corner of Republic and Rabie - You will see it easily ... so don't panic! Just in case, their telephone number is 791 - 4461. Doors open at 7:00PM!
---------------
BLUES BROERS
Sat 17th March
The Spice Cafe, Church Street, Stellenbosch
---------------
FETISH
March 20 - The Jam
---------------
ANTON GOOSEN
liedjieboer - 'n vis innie bos (acoustic live)
Where: High Street Theatre, 19 Bella Rosa Street, Bellville.
When: 23 and 24 March.
Reservations: (021) 914 7030/1.
Time: 20:00
---------------
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
--------------
LAURIE HARTZ
Where: Gignet Theatre Cafe, 69 Buitengragt Street, Cape Town
When: 29 March
Time: 20:00
Reservations: (021) 424 6550/082 926 2871
--------------
THE JAM
43 De Villiers Road, District Six, Cape Town - next to The Shack
March
Sat 17: Boogie Down Knights
Tue 20: Fetish
Sat 24: Funkromania IRMA
Fri 30: Alternative Nation
Sat 31: Algorythm
For any more info, please contact us on 021-465 2106
or e-mail mailto:live@thejam.co.za
--------------
JULIAN'S
http://www.julianlaxton.com
Wednesdays from 9 P.M. Blues Rock with "The Julian Laxton Band". R25
Ladies free till 10pm.
Thursdays from 9 P.M. Unplugged blues with "The Mississippi Muthers
Duo". No cover charge.
Fridays from 9 P.M. Blues with "The Mississippi Muthers". R30.
Saturdays from 8.30 "THE LEGEND OF CLAPTON". Last Show Feb 24 featuring
The Julian Laxton Band. A musical review of the life and music of Eric
Clapton from his school days till present. Book at Computicket/door. R60 . Coming soon "The Legend of Jimi Hendrix".
Info 011-678-2880
Sundays from 2 P.M. Beer Braai & Music in the Garden with Colin Shamley.
Sundays from 6.30 P.M. jazz/blues/jungle Fusion with "Highway Jam". R25
---------------
JESSE JORDAN
Fri 23 March: Tollies-Stellenbosch 9pm FREE GIG!!!
Sat 24 March: Bohemia's-Victoria Str Stellenbosch
9:30pm, R10 Couvert Charge.
---------------
KOOS KOMBUIS
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
30 Maart: Woordfees, HB Thom, Stellenbosch
11, 12, 13, 14 April: KKNK, Banketsaal, Oudtshoorn
---------------
MUTTZ NUTTZ
MuTTz nUttZ are a new band, and they're about to take their dog show on the road. Check 'em out at The Big Easy in Kensington on Tuesday 13 March. 69 Langerman Drive, Kensington.
---------------
NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL
http://www.nsjfcapetown.com
African Harvest North Sea Jazz Festival - Cape Town 2001
4 Stages - 2 Nights - over 30 African & International Acts
30 & 31 March, Good Hope Centre, Cape Town
Contact: Rashid Lombard/ Clarence Ford
c/o ESP-Afrika - http://www.espafrika.com or
Email: mailto:rashid.l@mweb.co.za
---------------
OPPIKOPPI
http://www.oppikoppi.co.za
9th-12th August: Pretoria, Fountains Valley
17th-19th August: Worcester, Kleinplasie
---------------
PURPLE TURTLE
I am organising a huge pre-Human Rights Day Party at Purple Turtle.
Bands performing:
VALIANT SWART
Picture This
Froy
About Blank
Date and time:
Tuesday 20 March 20h00
Venue:
Purple Turtle in Loop Street, Cape Town
Entrance:
R20 (Pre-sold tickets: R15, contact Mariska: 082 375 8991)
Description:
Rock and roll with one of SA's most famous rockers. Excellent supporting bands will ensure a party not to be forgotten!
For more info, please contact Mariska on 082 375 8991.
Thanks!
Mariska
mailto:mariskadupreez@yahoo.com
---------------
ROEKELOOS - GIG GUIDE
http://www.roekeloos.co.za/musiek.html
---------------
THE SOUTHERN CROSS FESTIVAL 2001
http://www.sxpromo.com
30 March to 1 April
mailto:beth@authentic.co.za
mailto:nancy@authentic.co.za
--------------
SPLASHY FEN
http://www.splashyfen.co.za
--------------
ZA@PLAY
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/art/music/
________________________________________________
6.FORUM, REQUESTS AND FEEDBACK
-------------------------------
JOHNNY AND THE MERMAID
I have been looking for information on a South African group from
the late '50s which went by the name of (I believe) "Johnny and the G-Men." They had a big hit locally about Johnny going fishing:
"Johnny, where do you think you're goin', with your fishing rod?"
"I'm a'gonna get me a mermaid, somethin' I ain't got."
Very erudite, wasn't it? Ever heard of either the group, or the song? Or have I got you STUMPED?
John Ashton
mailto:ashtonj@telusplanet.net
Ed: Stumped? You gotta be kidding...? "Johnny and the Mermaid" was sung by Johnny Kongos and the G-men in 1962. It can be found on CD on "The Best Of SA Pop Volume 3" available from http://www.oneworld.co.za. Johnny Kongos became John Kongos and had 2 UK #4 hits in 1971 with "He's Gonna Step On You Again" and "Tokoloshe Man".
-----------------
THE SUNSHINES
When I was last in Cape Town in Dec '99 I heard from a friend that a new project was slated for 2000/1 and word was that Robin Auld was involved with some of the recordings. If there is any info regarding the group many of us abroad who enjoy them as well as the many fine acts South Africa has to offer, would greatly appreciate it.
thanks
Nic de Bruyn
mailto:nigimezo@msn.com
-----------------
SOWETO STRING QUARTET
I was hoping that you may be able to help me. My name is Catherine Smallbone and I'm in Year 12 at St. Margaret's School in Melbourne, Australia. My Mum bought me the Soweto String Quartet CD and I absolutely love it. I was wondering whether it is possible to get a copy of the sheet music to a few of their pieces so that I can play them in my string quartet at my school. If could give me some contact names it would be much appreciated.
Catherine Smallbone
mailto:smallbone123@hotmail.com
---------------
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdEarMusic.com
Thought you might like to know that the 3rd Ear Music website has been updated - but more importantly, to tell you that we have been awarded a grant-in-aid for 2001, from Norway - MMINO, the South African Norwegian Education & Music Programme, will help us keep the Hidden Years website going; collecting & sharing hidden history information & carrying on from where the NAC's grant-in-aid left off in 2000.
The site has been updated with a whole bunch of new hidden history photos & part 2 of Rian Malan's intriguing Rolling Stone commissioned article on Solomon Linda {composer of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" - ed} (http://www.3rdearmusic.com/forum/mbube2a.html). An amazing story wonderfully written. Part 1, for those of you who missed it, is still up there as well.
Regards
David
mailto:David@3rdEarMusic.com
-----------------
EPEXMEDIA
http://www.epexmedia.com
As an entertainment consulting agency, we find ourselves in a continuous search for the next emerging artist(s). If you currently represent or are in the process of developing new talent, please forward any available product samples to the attention of EEC Inc. care of Urban Media Development. We will carefully review your product and promptly return feedback to your attention. In the event that your artist(s) sparks a direct follow-up, we will coordinate a conference call with you and your associates to review possible opportunities through EEC Inc., with no obligation on your behalf. Our current focus is searching out international artist(s) within the
following genres:
Jazz, Dance, R&B, Urban (Hip Hop), World Music, Pop
Any relationships that may develop from this communication will be
negotiated with North American based music companies only!
Note: This offer was made without any current knowledge of existing
distribution and or contractual agreements that your organization may
currently be involved in. In the event that you are currently involved in some sort of agreement in which this document could pose and issue of breach, please disregard the above message.
Sincerely,
Tania D. Archer B.C&BA
Executive Account Associate
Epex Entertainment Consulting Inc.
(a group of companies)
2-3415 Dixie Road - #117
Mississauga, ON, Canada
L4Y 4J6
Tel: 416.589.4387
Toll Free: 877.578.3671
Fax: 905.602.0053
EAAs Cell: 416.998.0311
Email: epexmedia@email.com
http://www.epexmedia.com
---------------
SOUND SOLUTIONS
http://rock.co.za/soundsolutions
A Cape Town-based music resource that offers two main areas of expertise and assistance:
1) Music Searches - Assists in recommending and finding relevant music
soundtracks for television, cinema and radio commercials and
productions.
2) Music Licensing - Assists in obtaining the publishing and recording
rights for music to be used as soundtracks for commercials and other
productions.
For more info, please contact:
Stephen Segerman & Graham Katz
(Tel) 021 461-9541
(email) mailto:sugar@rock.co.za
______________________________________________
7.LINKS
---------
LINKS PAGES:
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdearmusic.com/links.html
AMUZINE
http://rock.co.za/links.htm
SA ROCK DIGEST
http://www.sarockdigest.com/links
VAGABOND'S WORLD
http://rock.co.za/vagabond/links
ONE WORLD
http://www.oneworld.co.za/links.cfm
SA MUSICIANS ON THE NET FROM A TO Z
http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/Rembrandt/SAArtists.html
VETSEUN
http://www.afrikaner.co.za/tronk10
Koos, Piet, Valiant, Duusman, Akkedis, Battery 9 and much more...
SEARCH ENGINE:
GOOGLE
http://www.google.com
Quick and accurate, highly recommended
ARTISTS:
BERNARD BINNS
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za
BIZARRE BAZAAR
http://www.geocities.com/bizabaza
PIET BOTHA
http://www.pietbotha.com
JOHNNY CLEGG
http://www.johnnyclegg.com
CLOUT
http://www.clout.co.za
FOUR JACKS AND A JILL
http://www.fourjacksandajill.co.za/
LIESL GRAHAM
http://www.lieslgraham.com
IAN HENDERSON
http://www.ianhenderson.co.za
JACK HAMMER
http://www.pietbotha.com
JESSE JORDAN
http://www.jessejordan.co.za
KOOS KOMBUIS
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
JULIAN LAXTON
http://www.julianlaxton.com
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.rock.co.za/littlesister
BOBBY LOUW
http://www.bobbylouw.co.za
VENESSA NOLAN
http://www.sunsetrecording.com/venessa
OFF THE EDGE
http://rock.co.za/offtheedge
RABBITT
http://www.rabbitt.co.za
RADIO RATS
http://rock.co.za/legends/radiorats
RODRIGUEZ: CLIMB UP ON MY MUSIC
A site dedicated to Rodriguez, the Sugar Man
http://SugarMan.org
SEMISANE
http://www.semisane.com
SHARKBROTHER
http://www.sharkbrother.com
AMANDA TIFFIN
http://listen.to/amandatiffin
NOA TYLO
http://www.noatylo.co.za
ARCHIVES:
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdEarMusic.com
SOUTH AFRICA'S ROCK FILES
The online archive for the History of South African Rock
http://rock.co.za/sarock
SOUTH AFRICAN RADIO CHARTS 1969-1989
http://rock.co.za/charts
NEWS:
AMUZINE
News, views, reviews and interviews
http://rock.co.za/
AFRICAN INVASION OF ROCK
http://www.air.org.za
ARTSMART
Arts news from Kwazulu-Natal
http://www.artsmart.co.za
JAZZNEWS RENDEZVOUS
http://www.egroups.com/group/JazznewsRendezvous
This Newsletter is posted weekly on Sundays and looks at the
world of Jazz in South Africa and beyond. Recommended.
POWERZONE
http://www.powerzone.co.za
PUTUPOT
http://www.putupot.com
STAGE
http://www.stage.co.za
TAMBOER KRANTJIE
http://www.pretoria.co.za
http://www.tamboer.co.za
SHOPPING:
ONE WORLD
http://www.oneworld.co.za/
Selling South African Music to the World
RECORD COMPANIES, LABELS & STUDIOS:
AFRIMUSIK
http://www.afrimusik.com
BMG
http://www.click2music.co.za
CAVEMAN PRODUCTIONS
Kevin Shirley's virtual cave
http://www.cavemanproductions.com
MELT2000
http://www.melt2000.com
MOUNTAIN RECORDS
http://www.mountain-africa.com
SUNSET RECORDING STUDIOS
Stellenbosch
http://www.sunsetrecording.com
TL MASTERING
http://www.tl-mastering.co.za
RESOURCES:
BACKSTAGE
backstage.co.za/
SOUND SOLUTIONS
http://rock.co.za/soundsolutions
RADIO:
SAFM (104-107KHz)
Sugar, Digest co-editor, chats to Bruce Millar every Wednesday at about 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.sarockdigest.com/book
MP3s:
DIGITAL CUPBOARD
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
We are happy to exchange links with any good website supporting SA music. A good website in our opinion should be informative, regularly updated and linked back to us. If you already link to us and you believe your link should be here, please contact Brian Currin at mailto:sarock@sarockdigest.com
__________________________________________
8.BACK ISSUES
---------------
BACK ISSUES
http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives
Online and keyword searchable
DOWNLOAD
Download all back issues of the Digest as a zip file (just over 1.3MB).
http://www.rock.co.za/files/sarockdigest.zip
__________________________________________
9.CONTRIBUTIONS
-----------------
This e-mag is a discussion forum for rock and pop music --
South African and International -- past, present and future.
Press releases:
Please submit all press releases to Sugar at mailto:sugar@rock.co.za
Contributions:
Please submit all contributions, reviews, requests, searches and comments by filling in the form at:
http://rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:sarock@sarockdigest.com
All e-mail submissions need to be in plain text e-mail format with NO attachments, please. You may, however, include web addresses (URLs) in your e-mails which point to websites or images on-line.
E-mails in HTML format, or e-mails all in lower-case or all in CAPITALS will tend to be ignored as they can take too long to correct for inclusion in the Digest.
Any e-mail with an ".exe" file attached will automatically be trashed.
Bulk mailings which show everybody's addresses also tend to get trashed automatically. Just use the "bcc" (blind carbon copy) function on your e-mail programme.
________________________________________
10.CONTACT DETAILS
-------------------
EDITORS
Brian Currin
vagabond@sarockdigest.com
http://rock.co.za/vagabond
Stephen Segerman
mailto:sugar@rock.co.za
http://rock.co.za
Postal Address:
Brian Currin
PO Box 521
Eppindust
7475
Cape Town
South Africa
MAIN CONTRIBUTORS
Kurt Shoemaker, USA
mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com
John Samson, UK
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com
Shiloh Noone, South Africa
mailto:shiloh_noone@hotmail.com
http://www.sarockdigest.com/shiloh
________________________________________
11.SUBSCRIPTIONS
----------------
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