Tribute to Rodriguez offers a very enjoyable and
entertaining night out. (Review by Keith Millar)
Durban has a wonderful selection of festive season
entertainment on offer this year. However, if you after something a little more
hardcore then get yourself to the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo where Durban’s
premier rock band, The Reals, are
performing their tribute to Rodriguez, entitled Cold Fact.
The story of Mexican/American singer/songwriter Sixto
Rodriguez is a fascinating one. He released two albums in America in the early
1970’s. Despite receiving good reviews, they did not sell very well. Eventually,
Rodriguez gave up on his music career and became a house renovator and builder
in his hometown of Detroit.
Meanwhile, copies of his music arrived in South Africa
where his anti-establishment lyrics resonated with the young people of this
country who were protesting against the apartheid government. He soon became a
cult figure who, at times, was more popular than Elvis Presley.
The royalties from the sales of his albums were
misappropriated and Rodriguez remained a poor and humble man, completely
unaware of the fame and respect he enjoyed in this country.
That is until the 1990’s when a group of South African
fans, ignoring rumours that he had died from a drug overdose or by suicide,
found him alive and well and living in Detroit. Since then he has enjoyed a
revival of his music career and has achieved a measure of fame and fortune. The
search for Rodriguez is documented in the award-winning movie, Searching For Sugarman.
Rodriguez’s music is difficult to categorise. It fuses
elements of folk, rock, jazz, soul and blues. He is often compared to other
anti-establishment singer/songwriters such as Bob Dylan and Cat Stephens. South
African audiences have always related to his heartfelt lyrics and honest music
which is as pertinent today as it was when he wrote it.
Cold Fact is mainly
about the music. The Reals perform
most of the songs from the Cold Fact album
as well as a few from the second album, Coming
From Reality. All his best known and loved songs such as A Most Disgusting Song, I’ll Slip Away, I
Wonder, Establishment Blues and Sugar
Man are included. The music is only occasionally interrupted by sound clips
of interviews with Rodriguez and by Barry Thompson who in his usual charming
style imparts a few insights into the personality of the man.
The Reals consist of Dawn Selby and keyboards, Barry
Thompson on guitar, Jason Andrew on bass and Mali Sewell on Drums. In Cold Fact, the vocals are shared by all
three men. The band puts in its usual impeccable performance. They display real
sincerity and warmth on stage.
The informal Rhumbelow Supper Theatre is the perfect
venue perfect for this intimate show and the result is a very enjoyable and
entertaining night out.
The next three shows
take place on December 13 and 14 at 20h00 and on December 15 at 14h00 and
18h30.
The venue opens 90
minutes before show for picnic dinner. Take along food picnic baskets and
braais will be available. There is limited secure parking and booking is
essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the
premises). Rhumbelow Theatre is situated in Cunningham Avenue off Bartle Road.
Tickets R100 (less
25% pensioners and tables of eight or more) booked through Computicket or
contact Roland on 031 205 7602 (h) or 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net or visit www.rhumbelow.za.net - Keith Millar
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