Usual high standard of performance from
Heritage Theatre’s resident band. (Review by Keith Millar)
Back by popular demand, and running for this week only at the Heritage
Theatre, is the musical tribute show, Rodriguez
– Cold Fact. It is a celebration
of the music of the early 1970’s Detroit folksinger, Sixto Rodriguez, as well
as a reflection on his unusual life and career.
Rodriguez, known as Sugarman after his best loved song, had a brief
musical career during which time his two albums received critical recognition
but did not sell well. So he went back to work as a building labourer.
However, unknown to Rodriguez, his music had struck a chord with the
youth of South Africa where he became A super star. With his poetry-like lyrics and his
anti-establishment sentiments, he was adopted as a cult hero and a symbol of the struggle of young white people to come to terms with
the political situation in South Africa at the time. With no new releases, he
slowly faded into obscurity. In fact, there were rumours that he had committed
suicide.
This, however, was not good enough for a
group of fans who tracked him down in the 1990’s. This led to a revival of his
career after over 20 years in the wilderness. He was a headline act at the
Glastonbury Festival in Britain this year.
Often compared to Bob Dylan, Rodriguez’s
music is meaningful, expressive and very listenable. Many of his lyrics are
still very pertinent to world of today.
The Heritage resident band, The Reals,
performed this music with consummate skill and flair. Vocals were shared
between Barry Thompson and guitar, Jason Andrew on bass and Mali Sewell on
Drums, while Music Director Dawn Selby was busy providing all the orchestrations
from her keyboards. The band did not try to replicate Rodriguez’s distinctive
voice. They make the music their own and deliver their usual high standard of
performance.
Featuring mostly items from Rodriguez’s
first album, Cold Fact, the show
included all the best remembered songs such as I Wonder, Establishment Blues,
Sugarman, Forget It, Only Good For Conversation and the amusing A Most Disgusting Song.
A highlight of any visit to the Heritage
Theatre is usually the meal they serve, and last night was no different. I
started with the Soup of the Day which was a delectable butternut, carrot, leak
and celery blend. Rich and creamy with a hint of pepper it was the ideal comfort
food for a chilly and slightly damp evening. The wife thoroughly enjoyed the
Portuguese Calamari while other starters on the menu included Heritage Chicken
Salad and a Chef’s Special of Garlic Snails at a extra cost.
For main course, I chose the Braised Pork
Neck Steak for the third time in a row. Partly because I am boring but also
because it is just so damn good. Rich and strong in flavour it is cooked to
perfection and melts in the mouth. My wife raved about her Baked Baby Chicken
while a friend who was with us thought her Sea Catch was superb. There is also
a Veggie Stack available and the Heritage’s famous Lamb Shank at a slightly
extra cost. Compliments to the chef for proving a really fine dining
experience.
Rodriguez
– Cold Fact is a must for all Sugarman fans – and
there are many of them going by size of last night’s audience. The Food? Well - that is a must for everyone.
The show runs until Sunday (July 14) at the
Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest. Tickets R195 Saturday night and R165 for Sunday
lunch, including a two-course meal. Early booking is advised by phoning 031 765
4197 or online at www.heritagetheatre.co.za
– Keith Millar
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