(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