RHODIE MUSIC WEBSITE NEWSLETTER – No 2 of 2013
Contents
1. Opening Chirps
2. Forthcoming Events
3. Look Out For…
4. In Our Mailbox
5. Where To Find It
6. On That Note…
1. OPENING CHIRPS
Apologies for the late compilation of this Newsletter which should have, truth be told, been forthcoming a few weeks back. Hopefully the delay will have made it even worth more reading!
There haven't been any significant updates to the site as late as I'm busy preparing to add song files to a number of entries. For the most part, this will be original material sourced from the composers or performers themselves. Once again I am grateful for the amazing spirit of willingness and co-operation I have encountered from everyone I've approached. Readers will not be able to download the tracks but they should add significantly to the enjoyment of scrolling through the site. I hope to have the first few tracks up shortly – keep an "ear out" for them!!
If there's one thing I really enjoy, it is being able to catch up with members of the Rhodie Music fraternity in person, be it at gigs or just seizing the opportunity to "shoot the breeze" at, sometimes, chance encounters. Living in the backwaters of the Namib desert as I do, it isn't as easy as it may sound so I've been fortunate, in recent months, to be able to indulge my interest in this regard.
One such occasion was during the course of a recent overseas visit when I was able to spend an extremely enjoyable evening with Julian Pellatt (Fortune) and Bill Malkin in Mold, Wales. Both are fine musicians who have kept active since leaving the old country. Bill, in particular, has released a number of albums of original material and has established himself as a talented songwriter. He performs regularly with The Band Wagon at the Blue Bell Inn in Honeywell should any of you be in that vicinity.
Earlier this year he and a number of his music associates and colleagues put together an album called "Out Of The Blue". They gave of their time and material at no cost to raise funds for the Ty Gobaith (Hope House) Hospice. The hospice provides specialist nursing care and support to life-limited children, a worthy cause indeed. The album was compiled and re-mastered by Greg Malkin at Shamwari Studio in Christelton.
The album itself contains fourteen songs, including contributions from The Band Wagon and Julian Pellatt whose "Shoe Shine Shuffle" is a lot of fun. Two of Bill's compositions, "Let It Rain" and "Montezuma" appear on the recording.
Bill Malkin's music is available at: www.billmalkin.co.uk
Most recently, I was able to catch a performance by Fiona Tozer and her band, Quark, at the Barleycorn Club in Cape Town. I'd not seen Fiona perform since 2004 so it was great being able to see, and hear, the "twisted folk with Celtic sounds" of Quark. Like Bill, Fiona is also a prolific songwriter who has been plying her trade for many years and has released a number of recordings. Apart from Fiona, Quark comprises of fellow Rhodie/Zimbo, Ant Cawthorn-Blazeby, who plays a "mean" violin, and Dan Wilson on bass.
The band were on a short tour which had taken them from Durban to Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Bloemfontein. To appreciate their sounds, clips are available on You Tube, one of which I've copied to the Rhodie Music Facebook page. Quark's music is really accessible and infectious so, if there're ever in your neighbourhood, don't miss the opportunity to see them.
Apart from these outings, these been a steady stream of mail landing in my Inbox. My thanks goes to all those who make the time to drop a line, often just to say "hi" or to provide an update on recent music events in their lives.
By the way, I have a memory like an elephant so, to those of you who have promised contributions but have not yet delivered - pasop!! I know who you are!!
Happily, a number of new subscribers have signed on over the same period so our membership base continues to grow steadily. Most new subscribers have only recently discovered the Rhodie Music website and their initial reactions to it are always very rewarding. The pleasure they derive from it, coupled with their positive feedback, is really motivating.
2. FORTHCOMING EVENTS
2.1 Dave Monks
Durban-based Dave Monks, best remembered as a member of Leprechaun, is keeping as busy as always and will be gigging at the Leaping Frog at Fourways in Johannesburg on Saturday, 21 September, 2013. This will all be part of the Gaelic Football Spring Blitz being held that day. For more information, contact Dave Devine on 083 644 6959.
Dave Monks has recently completed a couple of nights at the Rhumblelow Theatre in Durban where he staged a Swinging SixTies tribute. No doubt those of you who could make it, thoroughly enjoyed yourselves! There's no doubt that plenty more can be expected from Dave.
2.2 Rhodie Weekend – Roan Antelope Music
Roan Antelope Music will be hosting their sixth annual Rhodie Weekend from 4 – 6 October, 2013, at the Mbizi Caravan Lodge at Bela Bela (Warmbaths). The plan is for everyone to gather at the resort's "Moeg Ge Ploeg Kroeg" on the Friday evening before launching into a full weekend's entertainment. The aims of the gathering include "keeping the flame lily burning", to create new, and renew old, acquaintances and to give a platform for Rhodesian and South African authors. The main aim, however, is just to have some good, old fashioned, FUN!
Featured authors, who will be exhibiting, include Keith Nell who wrote "Viscount Down", W.A. "Huffy" Pott who is an authority on the Anglo-Boer wars and Rob Milne who wrote "Last Of The Gentlemen's Wars", also set in the Boer war context.
John and Teresa Edmond will also be in attendance to ensure that the weekend's music business in well looked after!
For more information please contact Annamarie on 014 735 0774 (Saturday night supper and show) or Mbizi (Jane) for more information at www.mbizi.co.za or booking4@mbizi.co.za
2.3 Dan Shout
A member of the younger generation of Zimbabwe-born music talents, Dan Shout, has just come off a seven year run with Johnny Clegg (keyboards and saxophone) and has returned, primarily, to his main passion – jazz. That's in between a bit of rock and blues, of course! For those of you who live in Cape Town and are into your blues, don't miss out on the 2013 Table Mountain Blues Summit which will be staged on Friday 22 – Saturday 23 November, 2013, at the Hillcrest Quarry in Durbanville. Billed as "The greatest blues celebration in the RSA", the bill features 20 bands and artists including most, if not all, of South Africa's leading blues exponents from Dan Patlansky and Albert Frost to Robin Auld, the Blues Broers, the Boulevard Blues Band and Dan Shout. Dan will be blowing up a blues storm on his horn with the Boulevard Blues Band. Tickets are available through Computicket.
You can keep up with all Dan's activities at his website: www.danshout.co.za
3. LOOK OUT FOR….
3.1 Guy Halls
Guy Halls has recently released an album called "Simply In Love", following on the success of a number of previous ventures. Guys music does extremely well in the Reverbnation music charts so looik him up there and appreciate this guitar maestro at work.
www.reverbnation.com
4. IN OUR MAILBOX
The Rhodie Music mailbox has been well nourished this year - here is a selection of some of this correspondence.
4.1 Researchers At Large!
Edward Banchs, an American musicologist who is currently writing about heavy metal and rock in Africa, dropped a line after happening upon the Rhodie Music website which excited him tremendously. Various bands whom he'd heard about appeared there, answering many of the questions that he had. The book he is working on has six chapters to it thus far and Edward is considering dedicating an entire chapter to Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. It was a pleasure to assist him in his quest and to provide further "leads" for his work. Hopefully Edward will keep me updated on the progress he's making on his book so that I, in turn, can keep you all updated.
A second researcher, Shannon Coggins, was looking for additional information on the Diamonds. Fortunately I was able to provide her with some assistance for her work which, in her words, "forms part of a much bigger project". I trust that Shannon will enlighten us all as to what this may be in due course.
4.2 Whereabouts Sought – Ken Homan
Mark Clark, ex-Que Que, asks if anyone has any idea where Ken Homan, a one- time stalwart of the Gwelo music scene, may be? I have posted similar queries in the past with nothing concrete emerging, apart from the fact that it is thought that Ken ended up in the United States. If anyone is able to assist please send a note to me at sandmaster@ananzi.co.za
4.3 Ian McGuigan
Ian got in contact after finding the Rhodie Music site, prompting him to recall his own playing experiences. He was, of course, the 'Mac" in the popular duo, 'Ray & Mac'. Ray was Ray Robshaw. Mac recalls that their duo made their television debut on RTV alongside the '3 Gs' of Sandra Langberg, Carmela 'Ricky, Richardson and Jill Mitchell. 'Ray & Mac' went on to many further television appearances in programmes such as the Mayor's Xmas Cheer Show, Scene Setters and Stairway To The Stars. They were also one of the supporting acts for the Eddie Calvert Show. Later on, 'Mac' teamed up with Tom Coulter in the folk group, 'Free and Easy' with Peter Moore and the late Brian Regenes. 'Free and Easy' were regular guests on John Aldridge's "Hoedown" programme.
4.4 Bill Walker
Another welcome mail was from Bill Walker who lived in Bulawayo from 1965 – 1982 and was a deejay with the Classic Four. He later started his own disco called 'The Entertainers' and worked at Gallo records a label manager from 1980 – 1982 before relocating to South Africa. From there he moved again to the United Kingdom.
4.5 David Killoran
I received a poignant note from David whose late Dad, Kelvin, had been a member of Ambar and Family Affair. David is appreciative of the fact that the bands in which his Dad participated are on the site. He has offered additional photographs which I'm awaiting.
4.6 Tommy Goddard and Peter Price
Sue, who has been a reliable source of information over the years, advises that Tommy Goddard died a few years ago but was unable to provide any further information. It would seem that Tommy was living in Blairgowrie in Gauteng at the time of his death. Sue has kindly given me a couple more leads to follow up on which I shall be doing in due course. Watch this space!
Sue was able to advice that Peter Price continues to face many challenges in his life. He has had a leg amputated after injuries occurred in an accident. (Long-standing subscribers to this Newsletter will be aware of the fundraising efforts that were made at the time to assist Peter with his medical expenses). If anyone would like further details on Peter, please Inbox me on sandmaster@ananzi.co.za
4.7 John Kay
Former 'Funny Farm' member, John Kay, dropped me an email asking for Rob Munro's details. They were both members of the band and later collaborated in a due on the North East club scene after both had moved to the United Kingdom.
4.8 Mark Miles
Mark, and a number of other people I might add, is looking for any news of former 'Fruits Of Loom' member, Andy Demetriou. If anyone can assist, please Inbox me.
4.9 Coq And Bull?
Paddy Stein sent me an interesting email putting to rights some of the information about "life behind the scenes" at Le Coq D'Or, as currently appears on the site. Having worked at the establishment, Paddy has a somewhat different perspective of Le Coq D'Or life. I've asked her for an account of her memories so that a more balanced picture of this legendary club may be presented.
4.10 Jimmy McGroaty
Someone else who's only recently discovered the site is Donald Henderson. Donald, who grew up in Bulawayo, has particularly fond memories of the renowned Jimmy McGroaty. He recalled that Jimmy, with his wife and three children, moved to Bulawayo from Scotland in the early 50's and that he played with the Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as many bands, over the years. Jimmy was a trumpeter and could also play the xylophone and double bass. Sadly, he died in the UK in 2007. His wife, Teresa, passed away in 2011. With Donald's help, I am drafting a fitting site obituary to this well loved and remembered character.
4.11 Sailing With Boy George
Another fascinating contact I made, after seeing an insert in Mags Kriel's indispensable weekly publication, the Bulawayo Morning Mirror, was with Phil Pickett whose late father, Philip, is buried at Bulawayo's Athlone cemetery. Phil formed, and was a member of, the 70's English band, SAILOR, whom I'm sure many remember for their chart-topping infectious songs. He was also a member of Boy George's CULURE CLUB and co-wrote their hit, Karma Chameleon. Thereafter, Phil became a respected promoter, songwriter and manager. Phil has agreed to provided me with a bit more information about himself when time permits – at present it is very busy promoting a very promising new artist named Keziah Jones who he found busking in Portobello Road. That's a name to look out for!
5. WHERE TO FIND IT
BILL MALKIN AND THE BAND WAGON
Bill's very professional site may be found at www.billmalkin.co.za All Bills' music is available for purchase on the site, including their most recent release, "SLEEPER".
BROGUE
Also on David's site you'll find his BROGUE catalogue. Brogue is the project run by David and his long-time partner, Brigette Rodrigues, and is dedicated to Celtic music. A passion of both musicians, the Brogue concept has really taken root and two of their albums are available on the site ~ RYHTHM OF THE CELTS and GIRLS AND STRONG WHISKEY. That second title sounds very festive!!
DAN SHOUT
Whilst Cape Town-based jazz saxophonist, Dan Shout's, material is not specifically related to Rhodesia or Zimbabwe, he has composed songs which do establish that connection. "Z.I.M." and "Oscar the Warthog" (about an incident involving a warthog when his parents lived in Wankie in the 70's), both off his latest album release, SERENADING GHOSTS are examples. If you're into jazz check young Dan out at his website: www.danshout.co.za
His material is also available on-line via various vendors such as CD Baby and iTunes.
DAVE MONKS (LEPRECHAUN)
Web address: www.davemonks.com
There's nothing that's guaranteed to get the old feet tapping more than the sounds of Irish music. And who better to provide it than one of the original founders of LEPRECHAUN ("We Are The Shumba Drinkers", "It's A Long Way To Mukumbura" and "The Biltong Song", all with Mike Westcott)? Dave's site is an emerald one with plenty of green in evidence!! But there's nothing green about the music with a comprehensive collection of thoroughly entertaining Irish music being on offer, including "Eire Vol 1" and "Vol 2", together with album titles such as "Irish Collection", "Touch Of Irish" and "Irish Souvenirs". So, pack out the Guinness (or, if really brave, the poteen!) and get that irresistibly infectious Irish music going!
DAVID SCOBIE & BROGUE
Websites: www.davidscobie.org www.broguemusic.com www.personalisongs.com
David's latest release, "Diamond Masterworks" is now available via his main website and is a collection of some of David's best covers of Neil Diamond's compositions. This comes on the heels of his previous Clem Tholet inspired release. This album features 14 of Clem's greatest songs, beautifully performed and produced with David's respect for the artist and his work evident in every note of every track. The song list includes Song For Johnny, 79 Montague Heights, Peace Dream, Another Hitler, What A Time and, of course, Rhodesians Never Die.
Since relocating to the United Kingdom from Zimbabwe a couple of years back, David's career has been through an amazing transformation. After decades in Zimbabwe where his body of work was largely inaccessible, David's recognition of the opportunities presented by modern technology have been gainfully seized upon by him, making all those "long lost" Scobie gems available to us once again.
Pop into his most professionally presented website and meander through his on-line Music Store which includes the following original albums which are now available on CD and sound as great as ever:
CLEANING UP
REBORN
PHOTOGRAPH
Then there's a compilation release in the form of SPECIAL EDITION.
Many of you wouldn't know that David has also turned his flair towards the theatre, proof of which exists in the form of the CD, ANTI-PPD KINGS. What does it all mean? Well, you'll have to mosey on down to the site to get a taste of this hilarious experience!
BROGUE
Also on David's site you'll find his BROGUE catalogue. Brogue is the project run by David and his long-time partner, Brigette Rodrigues, and is dedicated to Celtic music. A passion of both musicians, the Brogue concept has really taken root and two of their albums are available on the site ~ RYHTHM OF THE CELTS and GIRLS AND STRONG WHISKEY. That second title sounds very festive!!
FINAL MUSIC PRODUCTS
Web address: www.finalsounds.co.za
Final Music have now added to their catalogue a collection of "Rhodesia Was…" releases, including a black-and-white DVD release of the 1978 Troopie Show recorded at the Monomatapa Hotel. The CD titles are "Rhodesia Was…Folk In War", "Rhodesia Was…Folk Country" and "Rhodesia Was….Ian Douglas Smith". All the releases feature the original recordings of the artists performing, the material have been painstakingly retrieved and restored by the diligent Final Music team.
Final Music is, of course, the home (and origin!) of the phenomenally successful RHODESIA WAS SUPER CD which, if you don't already own, you need to acquire! This 21 track compact disc has it all, from the memorable and moving declaration of UDI in 1965 to Clem Tholet's incredible composition, RHODESIANS NEVER DIE, to light hearted moments with Kenny Cantor, Wrex Tarr's "Yena lo Golf", Mike Westcott & Leprechaun (We Are The Shumba Drinkers), Holy Black's "Funk Music" to John Edmond's "Rhodesians of the World".
Another treat and hard-to-find CD you'll find here is Bud Cockcroft's highly enjoyable album, "BITS 'N PIECES". Bud is, of course, still gigging and his fans and supporters know him to be an artist out of the "top drawer". This album features some of Bud's finest compositions, including the radio success, "Run Rhino Run" and the highly amusing, "Gimme A Zambesi Lager".
Last, but not least, there's an album entitled "KIPPERS & BEER" ~ I leave it to your imagination!!
FRESH MUSIC
Site address: www.freshmusic.co.za
Fresh Music is the home of some rare and unique local music, including OTIS WAYGOOD where the both the band's "black" and "Simply Otis Waygood" (the "white" album?) are available. Another band you'll find on the site with close Rhodie connections through their drummer, Nick Matzukis, are the HELICOPTERS.
Fresh Music's catalogue is packed with nostalgia, boasting all the biggest and best South African bands through the ages. Rhodie Music followers will have fond memories of groups such as RABBITT, HAWK, McCULLY WORKSHOP, FREEDOM'S CHILDREN and SUCK. You'll also find DUNCAN McKAY and a number of compilations, including one in particular that I would recommend highly ~ "JIVING TO THE WEEKEND BEAT"! Great party sounds and grooves which will surely brighten up your Christmas Day once you've exhausted your Boney M, Goombay Dance Band, BZN and Neil Diamond seasonal discs!!
GUY HALLS
Guy Halls, who now lives in the United Kingdom, must be one of the most prolific musos around and his endeavours are certainly bearing fruit. Guy has a page on Facebook but also has his material now available through www.reverbnation.com where a couple of his tracks are doing extremely well. Guy's compositions are beautifully mellow and melodic, largely acoustically based, which allows him to showcase his talents as a guitarist and songwriter.
JOHN EDMOND – Bushcat On Line
Web address: www.johnedmond.co.za
John's latest release, THE BOER WAR IN SONG, is attracting critical acclaim from all quarters, including museums, military history buffs, battlefield "nuts" and Joe Average. With the timing of the release being perfect for Christmas you may want to seriously consider adding this gem to a stocking or two!
During the course of the year John has also released FROM THE PEN OF JOHN EDMOND and THE HIDDEN TRACKS. In addition to this, a deep excavation of the archives has resulted in the "re-discovery" of such precious material as Johnny Haswell's CHILAPALAPA STORIES, some "lost" WREX TARR recordings and an old John Edmond album entitled RTV FUN CHANNEL. All these pearls are available on John's website.
Other "attractions" include:
Following on the release of the acclaimed NOW THAT' S WHAT I CALL COUNTRY, John has now released THAT'S WHAT I CALL A LOVE SONG. And, if John calls it a love song, you can be assured that it is just that! The album features a selection of the most popular of love songs including evergreens such as "Little Green Apples", "The Wedding" and "I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song". This release is something of a family affair with contributions from Grant and Gillian Edmond and John Ross Edmond.
NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL COUNTRY!, another recent release reflecting John's country roots, is also still available. For this release, he has assembled a collection of country anthems, much loved those who are into their country music. John displays his impeccable taste in country music with the track listing which includes "From A Jack To A King", "Rhinestone Cowboy", "It Must be Love", "The Gambler" and "Ring Of Fire".
In the Troopiesongs vein, John's most recent such release, WARRIORS OF THE WORLD, is also available. This CD is packed full with stirring songs of bravery and experiences from various theatres of war.
If you dig even deeper into John's treasure trove you'll unearth another precious item in the shape of WREX TARR'S "THE CREAM OF CHILAPALAPA". In the interests of your own comfort, it is suggested that you listen to this before Christmas lunch as all that turkey and Christmas pud may not sit well on the guffaws and hysterical bursts of laughter known to accompany a listening of Chilapalapa stories! Search no more ~ it's at your postal door!
For those who are into music facts and trivia, the site now also carries the most comprehensive publication on South African popular music, the "History of Contemporary Music of South Africa". This book, written by Garth Chilvers and Tom Jasiukowicz, is a marvellous piece of work and was one of the main inspirations for the creation of the Rhodie Music website.
John frequently has enticing specials on his site so stay in touch for some real bargains on all your favourite Edmond productions!
KALAHARI
Web address: www.kalahari.net
Kalahari carries a small selection of memorable Rhodie Music including Alan Garrity's album, "I NEED SOMEONE", upon which he collaborated with Trish Matthews.
FINAL SOUNDS
Web addresses: www.finalsounds.co.za (Music catalogue)
www.rhodesianvideos.co.za (Msasa Videos catalogue)
These well established sites have a rich collection of high quality Rhodie military history available, both on CD and DVD. It is impossible to recommend any particular item but just to whet your appetite you'll find CDs on the BSAP and most Rhodesian military units. Their DVD collection includes titles such as:
The Saints – The Rhodesian Light Infantry Rhodesian Forces 1 & 2 The Final Chapter The Flame Lily Collection
3rdEAR MUSIC
Web address: www.3dearmusic.com
Another fascinating and deep "Eldorado" of Southern African popular music over the decades. It is here that you will find links to the works of such artists as CLEM THOLET and RICHIE MORRIS.
6. AND ON THAT NOTE…
Please spread the word about the site and make sure that EVERYONE signs up for our FREE Newsletter.
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