ROCK GUITAR LEGENDS

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

An outstanding, stripped-down, intimate production which oozes musicality, soul and panache. (Review by Keith Millar)

The Reals keep it real!

In a down to earth, no frills display of musicality, Durban’s marvellous showband, The Reals, take the Rhumbelow Theatre at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof by storm with their latest production, Rock Guitar Legends.

Paying homage to the legendary rock guitarists of the 1960s, 70s and 80s they create a flat-out, full-on, high energy rock and roll party of considerable note. The synergy in the band was palpable, and the exhilaration from the knowledgeable audience was tangible, resulting in a fantastic and exciting vibe enveloping in the venue.

The show features the great variety of playing styles of virtuoso guitarists from Hank Marvin of the Shadows to the legendry Jimi Hendrix, and many in-between.

All are performed by Durban’s celebrated rock guitar maestro, Barry Thomson.

Thomson displays consummate skill and considerable talent in delivering the wide variety of styles. All the riffs, all the licks and all the solos are there. All in all, it is a masterful display of guitar playing.

Thomson provides the majority of the vocals while also chatting to the audience in-between songs in his usual disarming style – giving some insight into the guitarists featured and into the art of playing the guitar.

However, The Reals is no a one-man show. There are three other accomplished musicians who play their part in this excellent production. The tremendously gifted Dawn Selby on keyboards is her usual commanding presence holding everything together.

On bass is the rock-solid Jason Andrew – also contributing to the vocals and on this occasion showing his chops with a bass solo during Santana’s Soul Sacrifice.

On drums is the inimitable Mali Sewell proving once again with this performance that he is Durban’s premier rock drummer and truly The God of Thunder.

The show starts with The Shadows classic Apache, featuring Hank Marvin and then moves on to the music of the great Eric Clapton. The only man to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on three occasions (with the Yardbirds, then Cream and most recently as a solo artist). Songs featured are Who Shot The Sheriff and White Room.

From Queen and guitarist Brain May, the band performed the intro and solo from Bohemian Rhapsody and Tie Your Mother Down, while from Guns and Roses (guitarist Slash) we heard Dawn Selby sing the beautiful ballade November Rain.

Also in the first half were the aforesaid Santana’s Soul Sacrifice as performed at Woodstock, (one of my highlights of the show) along with Samba Pati, and Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits’ Sultans of Swing.

The magic keeps coming in the second half with Pink Floyd’s (David Gilmour) Another Brick In The Wall, Deep Purple’s (Richie Blackmore) Smoke on the Water and their rock version of Beethoven’s masterpiece from his Ninth Symphony, Ode To Joy.

The great Rock Blues guitarists are not ignored with the late Stevie-Ray Vaughn’s Pride and Joy and Gary Moore’s Still Got the Blues also in the show.

ZZ Top is celebrated with Sharp Dressed Man and Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) with the Whole Lotta Love riff and The Immigrant Song.

To round the whole celebration off, Thomson performs his memorable rendition of the guitar guru, Jimi Hendrix’s Voodoo Chile and Star Spangled Banner. A real showstopper and a fitting ending to a quite magnificent production which must rate as one of the best tribute shows ever seen at a Rhumbelow Theatre.

Rock Guitar Legends with The Reals is an outstanding, stripped-down, intimate production which oozes musicality, soul and panache. Don’t miss it! It is Highly recommended!

Performances take place as follows.

March 15 to 17: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday shows at 20h00 and Sunday at 13h45.

March 22 to 24: Friday and Saturday shows at 20h00 and Sunday at 13h45.

March 29 to 31: Friday and Saturday shows at 20h00 and Sunday at 13h45.

(Due to possible load shedding – Sunday shows will start at 13h45)

(The theatre venue opens 60 minutes before show for drinks)

Tickets R150 (R130 pensioners) and tables seat 6. Discounts apply for the first week only. No alcohol or food may be brought on to the premises. Tickets are cash or EFT only. Secure parking is available. Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland (also for large group booking discounts of 20 or more) on 082 499 8636 or email: roland@stansell.za.net or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

(For Restaurant reservations contact 031 764 7843)

Tina’s Hotel is situated at 14 Beryldene Road in Kloof. - Keith Millar