Claire’s picks as listed in an interview on TripleMEnt.com 23rd March 2023
Mango Groove will be playing live at De Waal Park, Cape Town on Sunday 26th March 2023.
Claire Johnston Playlist March 2023
South African Music History: Bright Blue’s Weeping
This is the original uncensored music video for Bright Blue’s seminal South African song ‘Weeping’. It was filmed by Nic Hofmeyr on the Cape Flats in the late nineteen eighties, during the State of Emergency. Catch the ‘Nkosi Sikelela’ bridge, snuck onto SABC airwaves despite the anthem’s banning, and look out for the late Basil ‘Manenberg’ Coetzee on sax, filmed in Manenberg township! The song has been covered by Josh Grobin, Vusi Mahlasela and others.
Nic Hofmeyr
Lyrics
I knew a man who lived in fear
it was huge it was angry
it was drawing near
Behind his house a secret place
was the shadow of the demon
he could never face.
He built a wall of steel and flame
and men with guns to keep it tame
Then standing back he made it plain
that the nightmare would never ever rise again
But the fear and the fire and the guns remain.
It doesn’t matter now it’s over anyhow
He tells the world that it’s sleeping
But as the night came round I heard
it slowly sound
it wasn’t roaring it was weeping
it wasn’t roaring it was weeping.
SAX SOLO – Basil Coetzee
And then one day the neighbours came
they were curious to know about the smoke and flame
They stood around outside the wall
but of course there was nothing to be heard at all
“My friends”, he said, “we’ve reached our goal
the threat is under firm control
As long as peace and order reign
I’ll be damned if I can see a reason to explain
Why the fear and the fire and the guns remain”.
It doesn’t matter now it’s over anyhow
He tells the world that it’s sleeping
But as the night came round I heard
it slowly sound
it wasn’t roaring it was weeping
it wasn’t roaring it was weeping.
SAX
It doesn’t matter now it’s over anyhow
He tells the world that it’s sleeping
But as the night came round I heard
it slowly sound
it wasn’t roaring it was weeping
it wasn’t roaring it was weeping.
Composed by: Heymann/ Fox/ Cohen/ Cohen
Recorded and released by Bright Blue in 1987. One of South Africa’s greatest songs… includes instrumental references to ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrica’.
BRIGHT BLUE
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Falling Mirror: First Demo Session 1978, released 2nd February 2023
Nielen and Allan’s original collection of songs which would go on to appear on their iconic albums Zen Boulders (1979), The Storming of the Loft (1980), and Fantasy Kid (1981).
Credits
Released February 2, 2023
Lyrics and vocals by Nielen Mirror
Guitars and piano by Allan Faull
Recorded and Produced by Tully McCully
At Spaced-Out Sound Studios, Cape Town
Unreleased and previously unavailable material from the iconic South African Alternative band, Falling Mirror.
In memory of Allan Faull and Pat Humphreys.
Proceeds go to Nielen Mirror.
For the Falling Mirror fans: I found a rare quarter inch tape, buried in my storage area, with the first demos Allan and Nielen did before recording their debut album. Very interesting to listen to 45 years later. It’s available on Bandcamp where you can name your price if you are feeling generous. All money will go to support Nielen and your support is greatly appreciated.
I will be posting some more rarities in the future so please follow and share the Bandcamp page
Tully McCully, February 2023
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Hammerhead Hotel, feat Falling Mirror, Jack Hammer, The Dolly Rockers, McCully Workshop, Radio Rats
Track List
1. Bus Station – Fly Paper Jet
2. Hammerhead Hotel – Falling Mirror
3. Alison – Dolly Rockers
4. Getting Better – Scabby Annie
5. Shock Time For Rock – The Popguns
6. Morrison Hotel – Jack Hammer
7. Werewolf In The House – Falling Mirror
8. Kamikasi – McCully Workshop
9. Mucking About In The Dungeons All Day – Radio Rats
10. Monster From The Bog – Psycho Reptiles
11. Bellville Rock City – New World Inside
12. Psycho Bitch – Toxic Shame
13. Boxstar Kitty – Three Bored White Guys
14. Blue Eyed Devil – Th’ Damned Crows
15. Psycho-Babble – Lancaster Band
16. Britney Spears – Tweak
17. Babydoll Blues – The Ragdolls
18. Psycho – Them Tornados
19. Woo Hoo! – Fire Through The Window
20. Baby Girl You’re Gonna Burn! – Peachy Keen
21. Drakilla – The Psykotix
22. Surfin’ With The Goth Gang – Martin Rocka And The Sick Shop
23. Krokodil – Retro Dizzy
24. Buccaneer – Moyawetu
25. Beethoven Is Dying – Koos Kombuis En Die Warmblankes
26. Only Yesterday – Sharkbrother
27. Boomtown Hotel – Valiant Swart
28. Kitchener – Piet Botha
29. Praha Paradise (2007 version) – Ernestine Deane feat Tim Parr
30. Die Gipsy In Jou Oë – Anna Davel
31. Farewell To Gypsy – Bonekey
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World in Union with PJ Powers & Tygerberg Children’s Choir | CTMA News: Youth in the Spotlight
World in Union (2020 Tribute) by PJ Powers and the Tygerberg Children’s Choir (TCC) is a tribute to all Covid-19 essential workers and public efforts made in fighting the corona virus pandemic. This new version of the song was filmed and recorded by the artists in isolation during the country’s lockdown, and released on Africa Day 25 May 2020.
According to PJ Powers the song choice was perfect for the cause as World in Union is a song that expresses so many things that we as humans need. “ When I did it in ‘95 for the Rugby World Cup it became a song of triumph and victory for South Africa, of unity and strength. This time around I approached the vocal with a sense of healing and hope in my mind, and without changing a lyric I feel that is what we have captured in this version.”
PJ and the TCC were originally scheduled perform at the 2020 Suidooster Festival in Cape Town during May. The project is a proud initiative by the Suidooster Festival in association with CTMA, Die Burger and other festival partners. Keep an eye on our social media platforms for new scheduled festival dates for 2020.
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Lockdown Blues – The Bottom Barrel Blues Band
Featuring Robin Auld, Steve Walsh, Simon Orange, Tonia Möller, Schalk Joubert, Willem Möller, Kevin Gibson, Mauritz Lotz & Nico Mac
“Lockdown Blues” is a blues song created and performed by the Bottom Barrel Blues Band – a collaboration of prominent South African contemporary musicians. It was recorded individually by the artists in isolation during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
True to the nature of the blues, “Lockdown Blues” is an uplifting, bitter-sweet tune depicting the challenges of life under lockdown regulations. It is produced by the Cape Town Music Academy (CTMA), a Cape Town based not for profit company, creating opportunities for local contemporary musicians.
During the Covid-19 pandemic many musicians have experienced a harsh decline or complete halt in income due to lockdown regulations and the ban on public gatherings. But despite these challenges, musicians will always express themselves, practice their craft and collaborate.
We therefore urge you to please support your local musicians by continuing to buy their albums, follow their online and streaming initiatives or by making a financial donation.
For more info on how you can donate to contemporary musicians in South Africa, please contact the Cape Town Music Academy at info@ctma.co.za.
“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” ― Billy Joel
Credits:
Music by Robin Auld
Lyrics by Nico Mac/Robin Auld/Simon Orange
Video created & edited by Schalk Joubert
Arranged, Mixed & Mastered by Robin Auld
Executive Producer – The Cape Town Music Academy
Robin Auld – Vocals, Guitar & Harmonica
Simon Orange – Vocals & Keyboards
Steve Walsh – Vocals
Tonia Möller – Vocals
Kevin Gibson – Drums
Schalk Joubert – Bass
Willem Möller – Guitar
Mauritz Lotz – Guitar
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Vinyl, CD’s, Books & Bric-a-Brac at Bothasig Market every Saturday
T1-Together’s mission is to raise funds for the diabetic community of South Africa and our vision is to assist the disadvantaged diabetic youth and financially assist with the training of diabetic alert dogs.
Every Saturday from 8am to 1pm there is Market on the grounds of the Bothasig Library in Vryburger Road in Bothasig, Cape Town.
Music fundi, Brian Currin, mans the T1-Together stall, almost every Saturday, selling Vinyl Records, CD’s, books and bric-a-brac.
Brian can often be found behind the counter at Mabu Vinyl, the iconic music store in Cape Town, that features in the Oscar-winning movie, Searching For Sugar Man.
Please come to this exciting market in Bothasig and visit the T1 Together stall to have a chat and browse our selection of goodies.
Please support the various T1 Together Events, we would love to see you there.
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A Spoonful Of Sugar And James returns to the Alma Café in Mowbray on Friday Sept 27th at 8pm
A Spoonful Of Sugar And James returns to the Alma Café in Mowbray on Friday Sept 27th at 8pm. Booking is as always absolutely essential by phone on 021 685 7377. 50 seats only.
This innovative, informative and slightly irreverent performance sees the acclaimed South African singer-songwriter, James Stewart, joining Stephen “Sugar” Segerman, the man behind the rediscovery of Sixto Rodriguez and the Oscar-winning documentary, “Searching For Sugar Man”, to share their respective stories and play and sing some great Rodriguez and South African classic songs.
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A Spoonful of Sugar and James at The Glencairn Hotel, 31st August 2019
A Spoonful Of Sugar & James
The Glencairn Hotel
31 August
It’s been called “The Greatest Music story of the past 50 years”, the story of this wonderful and talented musician and his journey to his well-deserved and long-overdue fame. But enough about James Stewart ;) In this innovative, informative and slightly irreverent show, James joins Stephen “Sugar” Segerman, the person behind the rediscovery of Sixto Rodriguez and “Searching For Sugar Man”, the Oscar-winning documentary about the whole story, as the two music journeymen tell their respective tales and play and sing some of the most seminal Rodriguez and South African classic songs. Willem Moller will add his special soulful flair on guitar.
Book tickets here http://bit.ly/SugarJamesGlencairn
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A Spoonful of Sugar and James at Alma Cafe, Mowbray, Friday night June 28th 8pm.
A Spoonful of Sugar and James at Alma Cafe, Mowbray, Friday night June 28th 8pm.
Last few tickets still available contact Alma Cafe by phone on 021 685 7377.
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‘A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR AND JAMES’ COMES TO SUIKERBOSSIE
It’s going to be a very sweet Sunday afternoon in Hout Bay when James Stewart and Stephen “Sugar” Segerman bring their exciting new show, ‘A Spoonful Of Sugar And James’ to SuikerBossie on 5th May. Following a series of sold out, and critically acclaimed, early performances, this entertaining show is looking to move to larger theatres in the near future, so this is a good opportunity to catch this performance from up close.
James Stewart, the well-known South African singer-songwriter from The Usual, and ‘Sugar’, the man behind the rediscovery of Rodriguez, and the film, ‘Searching For Sugar Man’, share their stories, with some classic Rodriguez, South African, and James Stewart original songs mixed in.
The show begins in the late afternoon (6pm) and the ticket price of R270 per person includes a typically delicious SuikerBossie meal of a mini-soup, gourmet burger and dessert. Tickets are already on sale at Web Tickets so book now: http://bit.ly/SugarJamesSuikerbossie or www.webtickets.co.za
James Stewart
MUSICalchemy
082 807 9544 | james@music-alchemy.com | www.music-alchemy.com
Emmy nominated, multi SAMA award winning, chart topping singer, songwriter and music business entrepreneur.
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A Spoonful Of Sugar & James at Alma Cafe 12 April 2019
It’s been called “The Greatest Music story of the past 50 years”, the story of this wonderful and talented musician and his journey to his well-deserved and long-overdue fame. But enough about James Stewart ;) In this innovative, informative and slightly irreverent show, James joins Stephen “Sugar” Segerman, the person behind the rediscovery of Sixto Rodriguez and “Searching For Sugar Man”, the Oscar-winning documentary about the whole story, as the two music journeymen tell their respective tales and play and sing some of the most seminal Rodriguez and South African classic songs.
This Friday!
Sugar and I promised ourselves we’d do a short run and see how it goes…. it’s been amazing.
A Spoonful of Sugar & James intertwines and connects seminal South African songs with a story so seemingly fantastical it seems unbelievable.
Booking is as always absolutely essential by phone on 021 685 7377. 50 seats only.
James Stewart
MUSICalchemy
082 807 9544 | james@music-alchemy.com | www.music-alchemy.com
Emmy nominated, multi SAMA award winning, chart topping singer, songwriter and music business entrepreneur.
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A Spoonful Of Sugar And James at Noordhoek on 28 February 2019
It’s been called “The Greatest Music story of the past 60 years”, the story of this wonderful and talented musician and his journey to his well-deserved and long-overdue fame. But enough about James Stewart. In this innovative, informative and slightly irreverent show, James joins Stephen “Sugar” Segerman, the person behind the rediscovery of Sixto Rodriguez and “Searching For Sugar Man”, the Oscar-winning documentary about the whole story, as the two old friends tell their respective tales and play and sing some great Rodriguez and South African classic songs.
Catch these two on Thursday 28th February at Café Roux in Noordhoek (7.30 for 8)
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A Spoonful Of Sugar And James
It’s been called “The Greatest Music Story of the past 50 years”, the tale of this wonderful and talented musician and his journey to his well-deserved and long-overdue fame. But enough about James Stewart”!
In this innovative, informative and slightly irreverent show, James joins Stephen “Sugar” Segerman, the man behind the rediscovery of Sixto Rodriguez and “Searching For Sugar Man”, the Oscar-winning documentary about the whole story, as these two old “choms” share their respective stories and play and sing some great Rodriguez and South African classic songs.
For 20 years, Sugar, as he is popularly known, has been involved in the rediscovery of, and resurgence of worldwide interest in, Sixto Rodriguez. This legendary and internationally acclaimed American folk-rock singer-songwriter, who was a huge success in South Africa from the ‘70’s onwards, was believed to be dead but was found alive and well and living in Detroit in 1997. Since then his career has gone from strength to strength following a series of international tours, the re-release of his albums, and the success of the Oscar-winning film in 2013.
Since then, Sugar has travelled around South Africa, and overseas, giving talks and answering questions about the whole Rodriguez story. He attended the Academy Awards ceremony in 2013, followed by the publishing of his best-selling book in 2015, titled “Sugar Man – The Birth, Death and Resurrection of Sixto Rodriguez”, co-written with his fellow “Musical Detective” in the story, Craig Bartholomew Strydom. For the past 15 years he has also been the owner of Mabu Vinyl, the Cape Town record shop featured in the Rodriguez film.
James Stewart, the Multi SAMA award-winning, EMMY-nominated, chart-topping, singer-songwriter, cut his teeth in classical music with the usual childhood distaste, and then “surfed passionately and messed around with synthesizers” in his early teens. The following decade would see him form his own band, abandon a law career and take a leap into the great unknown. As singer-songwriter for The Usual, he achieved fame with enduring classics like ‘The Shape That I’m In’ and ‘Like A Vision’. Since then ‘Shine’, ‘A Man Like Me’, and many other solo hits, have found their way into hearts and homes across South Africa.
Hear James tell his side of the story and play a selection of songs by himself, Rodriguez and other South African artists.
Listen to these two musical journeymen connect the dots between their respective adventures.
Catch these two on Saturday 9th February at Franschoek Cellars (3-5pm) and then on Thursday 28th February at Café Roux in Noordhoek (7.30 for 8)
Contact:
James Stewart
Email: james@music-alchemy.com
Phone: 082 807 9544
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TIME TO SUCK – THE FLIPSIDE TO INVESTING?
I’m at my favourite record store in Cape Town bemoaning the lack of decent second-hand vinyl these days, when the conversation shifts to collectable South African records – is there such a thing you may ask, as a collector’s market for SA vinyl?
Among aficionados both local and international one thing is certain – LP’s from around the world have become more and more collectable when it comes to certain artists, but more importantly, SA vinyl from the early 1950’s onwards has not escaped the attention of serious collectors worldwide.
“So, what’s the value of a decent copy of Time to Suck by that notorious band SUCK, on the Parlophone label?” I ask.
“Well,” says the owner, “we’ve recently sold a copy to a Russian collector for 20 G’s.”
“Whaaaaat?” I croak, choking on my croissaint!!! 20000 rand for a piece of plastic!!
In 1970 when the record was released, you could buy a new copy for R1.99 at the local record shop, so do the math – it’s about a million and some percent profit over 50 years.
Even cryptocurrencies can’t beat that performance it seems, so what’s going on?
And here’s the story: during the late 60’s local Johannesburg-based music promoter Clive Calder saw currency in 5 of the then ” happening ” groups of the time viz. Freedoms Children, Hawk, Otis Waygood Blues Band, Abstract Truth, and ominously, SUCK.
They began recording for Calder at EMI and each released albums over a period of some 5 years, in the process creating some of the most vital and original music ever to be released on these shores.
In most cases only very limited numbers were stamped at EMI’s plant and sold to the public, and unlike European and American markets, were never released again. This is why their values have skyrocketed over the years. In most instances the groups themselves never became wealthy individuals, Calder later built a multi-million-pound music empire in the UK.
Unlike cryptocurrencies which have become huge investment traps, vinyl has some unique qualities which are much more attractive: you get something tangible. a large piece of plastic with a concentric layer of grooves, a central label identifying artist and record company, and most importantly – a hole in the centre!
Removed from a sleeve, most of which are visually gratifying to the eye, the shiny disc is placed on a turntable and the phono cartridge does the job of conveying the music to your ears. Unlike your cryptocurrency, the LP record doesn’t spin out of control over bad news in the marketplace, it keeps appreciating in value over the years with successive hearings.
The thing that really intrigues me with the Suck album is this – essentially, it’s a collection of heavy rock cover versions, only one original song on the entire record. Played with some ferocity, you can’t help thinking these are some pretty mean dudes involved. The cover doesn’t help, a young boy sitting in front of somebody’s bass drum.
That drum belonged to Savvy Grande, who whacked the skins for Suck, along with cohorts Andy Ionnides, Louis “Moose “Forer and Steve Gilroy.
Open the cover and there you see the gringos in all their glory, in the heyday which saw them become the most notorious group in the country: they beat a path of musical mayhem and destruction around the country, eventually disbanding because no theatres would allow them to play.
“I certainly didn’t get any money from Suck” says a chagrined Savvy, “instead I invested in the restoration of motorcycles, some of which are sold to collectors around the world, some ending up in museums in countries such as Portugal”. Cryptocurrencies don’t interest me at all, I prefer to earn a living using my hands and my technical skills.
Steve Gilroy, a savvy Englishman who came to SA in the 60’s has a different story:
After Suck disbanded, he started a publishing company in Johannesburg, and then began experimenting with home-made beer-making. After several years he expanded his skills into brewing fulltime. He established Gilroy’s in Muldersdrift, which has become popular for his craft beers and his Up Yours poems.
Talking it up has been the making of cryptocurrencies worldwide, but the vinyl revival has ensured that collectors around the globe have achieved more than satisfactory returns from their own collection investments – probably on a far greater measure both aurally and visually.
For those who have SA collectibles the news is good – those shiny plastic discs contain gold – kids, check out dad’s or grandpa’s record collection, there’s bound to be something valuable in there – so much more exciting than sitting on the pc chasing after shadows in the crypto world!
Garth Chilvers / Tom Jasiukowicz
Garth Chilvers and Tom Jasiukowicz published History of Contemporary Music of South Africa, 1994, Toga Publishing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_to_Suck
http://www.rock.co.za/files/timetosuck.html
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THE BEST RECORD STORES TO VISIT IN RED CITIES | RadissonRed
Extracted from https://www.radissonred.com/blog/music/the-best-record-stores-to-visit-in-red-cities/
Immortalized in the Searching for Sugar Man documentary film, this is a great introduction to African rhythms and the genres are as broad and all-encompassing as the continent itself. Hip hop, house, jazz, soul, funk, R&B – check. But add rock, pop, techno and dancehall too – and you’re still not even close to unearthing the full extent of this Gardens favorite, a nice addition to this upscale suburb of the city.
2 Rheede Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
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Speaking About Sugar Man: All The Cold Facts
Speaking About Sugar Man: All The Cold Facts
An informative and inspiring motivational talk about the Rodriguez phenomenon.
For the past 20 years, Stephen “Sugar” Segerman has been involved in the rediscovery of, and resurgence of worldwide interest in, Sixto Rodriguez. This legendary and internationally acclaimed American folk-rock singer-songwriter, who was a huge success in South Africa from the ‘70’s onwards, was believed to be dead but was found alive and well and living in Detroit in 1997. Since then his career has gone from strength to strength following a series of international tours, the re-release of his albums, and the success of the Oscar-winning film about this extraordinary story, ‘Searching For Sugar Man’, in 2013.
Now you can enjoy hearing Stephen “Sugar” Segerman talk about this whole musical adventure. “Sugar” as he is popularly known, has travelled around South Africa and overseas giving these talks and answering questions for the past few years, following the success of the film. He attended the Academy Awards ceremony in 2013, followed by the publishing of his best selling book in 2015, called “Sugar Man – The Birth, Death and Resurrection of Sixto Rodriguez”, co-written with his fellow “Musical Detective” in the story, Craig Bartholomew Strydom.
Stephen “Sugar” Segerman lives in Cape Town and is the owner of the iconic record store, Mabu Vinyl, in Gardens. Along with Malik Bendjelloul, the director of the film ‘Searching For Sugar Man’, Sugar spent over six years working on the documentary which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Festival, where it won two awards. The film then spent the rest of 2012 being shown at many Film Festivals around the world where it won a host of awards, including the Bafta Award, and then in 2013, the Oscar award for Best Documentary.
To find out the details involved in booking Stephen for a talk at your venue, which lasts approximately an hour and a half and includes a question and answer session, please contact:
Contact Details:
Brian Currin
(Bookings and info):
Email: sugarmanstory@sugarmusic.co.za
Phone: 021 423 7635
or use the form below:
Web:
Website: https://sugarmanstory.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SugarManStory/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SugarManStory/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SugarManStory
Mabu Vinyl:
2 Rheede Street
Gardens
Cape Town
Phone: 021 423 7635
Email: info@mabuvinyl.co.za
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Oh! My Vinyl!!!
SALE on 7” and 12” Singles
At Mabu Vinyl
Fresh Batches have arrived…!!
– House, Techno and Dance, etc….
– All Genres
– Plenty Of Picture Sleeves
– Two Listening Facilities Available
Where??
Mabu Vinyl, 2 Rheede Street, Gardens, Cape Town
When???
Saturday 1st July – starts 1pm, all afternoon….!!!!
See you there…!!!!
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Worldwide FM presents ‘Cape Town Sounds’ with Gilles Peterson
Worldwide FM presents ‘Cape Town Sounds’, an audio documentary which explores the rich musical heritage of Cape Town, as part of Lufthansa’s #LHcityofthemonth campaign.
The documentary follows Gilles over the course of the day as he sets out to learn about the history of the city’s music, and infiltrate the dynamic contemporary scene. He begins with the music of the Khoisan bushmen, through to Cape Jazz of the ’60s, onto hip hop of the ’80s and ’90s, through to the spoken word and current musical climate of today.
By discovering where the music is from and where it is going, Gilles discovers what makes Cape Town so special.
There is an interview with Stephen “Sugar” Segerman from Mabu Vinyl at about 18 minutes.
The classic song “Sugar Man” by Rodriguez is featured at about 20 minutes.
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Gilles Peterson at Mabu Vinyl Basement
Gilles Peterson with Jacques, Mighty and Sugar from Mabu Vinyl, during his visit to the Mabu Vinyl Basement in Cape Town.
Sugar, Gilles, Mighty, Jacques
Mighty, Gilles, Jacques
Sugar Music 