UNDER THE COVERS

(Mali Sewell, Jason Andrew, Dawn Selby & Barry Thomson)

If you are a fan of excellent rock music superbly played, there is no reason not to go to this. (Review by Keith Millar)

Currently rockin’ the Rhumbelow is Durban’s premier rock outfit, The Reals. In a programme entitled Under the Covers, they play an eclectic selection of music which includes everything from their own original compositions to cover versions of the scintillating music from some of the greatest rock artists of all time.

All the music has a personal meaning to members of the band and comes with an anecdote. The band certainly needs to be complimented on their taste in music

In an exciting and jam-packed line-up we heard The Real’s versions of hits such as Jimmy Smith’s Eight Counts for Rita with keyboard wizard Dawn Selby providing the stirring Hammond Organ sounds, Neil Diamond’s Heartlight from the movie ET, Robert Plant’s moody cover version of If I was a Carpenter, Heart’s Barracuda excellently sung by Dawn Selby and George Harrison’s As My Guitar Gently Weeps.

There were also songs from Supertramp, The Eagles, Cream, Dire Straits, Jimi Hendricks and the South African super group, Rabbit. To round it all off, there was, believe it or not, a brilliant hard-driving rock version of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy from his Ninth Symphony.

The band’s original compositions, Walk a Mile and Stride by Barry Thomson and a thoughtful song called For the Children by Dawn Selby were also very well received. They were in no way out of place in the programme of international hits.

With four gifted and experienced musicians The Reals is a quality outfit and certainly a group that should be treasured. They play with passion, intensity and sublime skill. They always provide excellent entertainment.

Musical Director Dawn Selby is on keyboards and vocals while the rock steady Jason Andrew is on bass and Mali Sewell is on drums. On this occasion he used an electronic kit. I was a little disappointed with the sound and would have preferred a standard drum kit. The front man is one of South Africa’s leading guitarists, Barry Thomson. Some of his work on both electric and acoustic guitar on the evening was nothing short of breath taking.

Together they owned the stage and had the rustic Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo hopping.

If you are a fan of excellent rock music superbly played, there is no reason not to go to see Under the Covers by The Reals at the Rhumbelow Theatre. There can be few better ways of spending a relaxed evening than by visiting at this informal supper theatre venue and rocking the night away with The Reals.

There are performances of Under the Covers this afternoon (December 7) at 14h00 as well as December 12 and 13 at 20h00 and on December 14 at 14h00 and 18h30. The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner. Take along food picnic baskets. Braais will be available.

Tickets R120 (R100 pensioners). Booking can be done through Computicket or Roland on 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net or visit www.rhumbelow.za.net There is limited secure parking and booking is essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Rhumbelow Durban is situated in Cunningham Avenue off Bartle Road in Umbilo. – Keith Millar