(Albert
Frost)
Two hours of the most exhilarating music
one could wish to hear. (Review by Keith Millar)
Near the top of Fields Hill, in Kloof,
there is a stately Spanish styled Manor House, recently renamed Villa Brae
Guest Lodge. It is in the expansive and treed gardens of this pleasant bed and
breakfast lodge that hosts Rod and Karen Nichols have created their unique Open
Strings venue – and where they feature performances on a regular basis by the
cream of South Africa’s acoustic music artists.
Last Friday it was the turn of one of South
Africa’s most respected rock and blues guitarists, Albert Frost.
The performance takes place under a canvas
canopy in the garden. It is lit by dozens of candles while the lights of
Pinetown twinkle away in the distance. Friday was a warm and still night in
Kloof and this added to the enchanting, welcoming and convivial ambiance of the
venue
The support act on the evening was the
prodigiously talented young singer/ guitarist from Westville, Aurey
Livingstone. He is a matric pupil who had to write his final science exam
before coming to the gig. Livingstone is an excellent guitarist but it is his
voice which was most impressive. With a smoky, breathy, quality it is a thing
of beauty. This young man’s talent belies his age and he could have a very
bright future in the entertainment industry ahead of him.
After the impressive opening act dinner, prepared
by Karen Nichols, was served. It was a generous portion of a mild Tai chicken
curry. It was aromatic and delicious and was excellently complimented by a few
glasses of a very nice Cabernet (at a very good price in the venue’s pub).
Then it was time for the majestic Albert
Frost. What an experience! Two hours of the most exhilarating music one could
wish to hear. Frost uses a Loop Station to build a rich and layered backing,
and is accompanied by the brilliantly subtle and complimentary drumming by
Kanan Tatt.
Included in the programme was a selection
of rock and blues numbers as well as hits from his own albums and masterpieces
from the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Sixto Rodriguez, Robert Johnson and Willie
Dixon. He also performed several numbers from the well-known Blues Broers with
whom he has had a long association.
Frost kept the audience transfixed and
proved why he is regarded as one of the most versatile guitarists in the
country. He is effortless in his performance, which is a measure of his
enormous talent and skill. It was a magic event and food for the soul
There is something very special happening
with Open Strings and Rod and Karen Nichols should be congratulated for this
innovative and exciting initiative to promote live music.
Open Strings will host two more shows in
the near future: Josie Field and Laurie Levine (November 30) and Robin Auld and
Anton Cawthorne-Blazeby supported by Rod
Nichol’s own group, the Zwarte Piet Band (December 7). The supporting act for November 30 is still
to be confirmed.
For more information, and bookings contact
Rod or Karen on 082 653 3948 or Email at rodnichols@relkomsa.net – Keith Millar
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