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RODRIGUEZ AT THE BLUES
ROOM Rodriguez, that shadowy figure from
South Africa's 70's pop scene past (Two big hits- "I Wonder" and
"Sugarman") performed at The Blues Room on Wednesday, June 17 , for a private
party thrown by his label, Sony Records, and at a show the following night, open to the
public. Since his dissappearance from the South African music scene over a decade ago
rumors had circulated of his untimely demise, most likley by his own hand. It was
generally agreed by those in attendance at The Blues Room that he played and sang
remarkably well for a dead guy. |
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Thanks for your time
RODRIGUEZ is back. No, he did not commit
suicide or overdose on drugs, as the stories and rumours went.
In fact he is alive and well and has just recorded his third album, Live Fact, in South
Africa. Aptly named, because the album was recorded live at his sellout concert in
Johannesburg in March this year.
The new CD was launched at the Blues Room in
Rivonia, where invited guests were totally spoilt to an exclusive, and wonderful, evening
of Rodriguez live. He performed all the songs from the album which includes favourites
such as Sugar Man, Forget lt and l Wonder. |
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I had never seen
him live before so this evening was a special treat for me. He has the most incredible
sense of calm about him. His face and smile are so kind and his voice so smooth and
melodic one just can't get enough.
Besides that, he carries no air of arrogance about him whatsoever. He even acknowledged
and greeted a few people in the audience such as ex-Natal rugby player, Guy Kebble. I am
pleased to say that his music and style hasn't changed from the Cold Fact album which I'm
sure most know. And as much of an urban legend that he is, I found him to be almost
humble.
He spent much of his time praisng-his musicians. It was almost as though he was their
guest. I was so in awe by him that this gesture struck me as insane! No offence to the
musicians because they were great, but Rodriguez is the one to be praised
The musicians were Russel Taylor (keyboard),
Reuben Samuels (drums), Graeme Currie (bass), Tonia Selley (percussion), Willem Moller and
Robin Walsh (guitar), as well as Rodriguez himself on acoustic and electric guitar. The
Blues Room stage seems tiny in comparison to the number of artists it carried, but they
seemed quite comfortable up there! It is a relatively large venue but there is a cosy
atmosphere which helps create the mood for the evening. Not that Rodriguez needs anything
else but his music and songs to set the atmosphere! Although the venue wasn't filled to
capacity, in fact, it was empty in comparison to its size, Rodriguez's music filled the
room. What was disappointing though, was the fact that the people who were there were so
absorbed in their own little circles of conversation that they hardly listened or
applauded.
Is that how we treat such a special person? I
was even embarrassed by the fact that Rodriguez thanked us for "stepping out" to
see him yet some didn't even have the courtesy to applaud him. . Well, all I can say is
that it was an utter pleasure and honour to step out to see you, Rodriguez. |
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article from the
Citizen
written by Tracy Croucamp |
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