(Richard Haslop, Will Wallace & Mike
Raftery)
Highly entertaining and filled with interesting
music which is performed with skill and fervour. (Review by Keith Millar)
Sub-titled Songs
Of Protest, Persuasion & Politics this show, which is playing at the
Rhumbelow Theatre at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof, is a little bit different from
usual fare seen at this venue, which are usually tributes to the giants of the
rock music world.
While there is definitely plenty of merit to the
music and the performance, the content of the songs goes beyond that. They are
much more lyric-bound and offer fascinating insights into the world of protest
music and the influence this genre has had over many years.
The music ranges from a song from the Jacobite
rebellions in Scotland in the 1700’s with words by poet Robbie Burns right up
to date to the delightfully titled Full
English Brexit by Billy Bragg.
On stage, performing with enthusiasm and aplomb, are
three very experienced Durban musicians.
Multi-Instrumentalist, music journalist, lecturer
and radio presenter Richard Haslop, is a leading expert in blues and roots
music as well as modern African music. He plays a variety of stringed
instruments, including the dobro,
mandolin, resonator, weissenborn and bouzouki and adds to the vocals
with his rasping voice.
With his roots in folk music, the golden-voiced Mike Raftery plays acoustic guitar and
provides most of the vocals. His unique baritone voice with its rich and clear
resonance must be one of the best around.
Completing the trio is veteran blues guitarist Will
Wallace of Wills Blues Band and Bobby and the Dynamites fame. He contributes as
lead guitarist and on vocals.
Included in programme are a few songs from well-known
artists such as Bob Dylan whose Chimes Of
Freedom provides the title of the production and Paul Simon with American Tune, which he wrote after
Richard Nixon was re-elected as American President. Also included are Joni
Mitchel’s For Free which is about a
busker playing brilliant music in a New York park, Crosby, Stills, Nash and
Young’s Ohio composed by Neil Young
in reaction to the Kent State University shootings of 1970 and Jackson Brown’s
The Rebel Jesus.
However, much of the music is by lesser-known and
even obscure songwriters. Much of it American folk/blues from the earlier years
of the last century.
Most of the songs come along with an explanation
putting them in historical and geographical context.
As mentioned, Chimes
Of Freedom is a little different to the usual Rhumbelow fare. It is more
cerebral and offers the audience plenty of food for thought about a world in
constant conflict.
However it is highly entertaining and is filled with
interesting music which is performed with skill and fervour.
Chimes Of Freedom:
songs of Protest, Persuasion & Politics has two shows left
at the Rhumbelow Theatre, Tina’s Hotel in Beryldene Road, Kloof. Today at 20h00
and tomorrow (October 14) at 14h00. Venue
opens 60 minutes before show for drinks.
Tickets are R150 pp (various discounts are
available) and can be booked at Computicket or from Roland on 082 499 8636 or
email roland@stansell.co.za. https://events.durbantheatre.com/
- Keith Millar
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