(Marion Loudon & Colin Peddie. Pic by Sharon Watters)
If you are a rocker from the 80’s or would just like to learn more about this genre of music - the Rhumbelow is the place to go to enjoy a very well-put-together show. (Review by Keith Millar)
And now for something a bit different.
It is still a tribute show, but possibly as much as much a tribute to a genre of music as to a particular act. This is particularly true to those, such as me, who does not know this music very well at all.
The genre is electronic music and the act, the very popular Synth-pop duo Yazoo.
In the late 1970’s and in the 1980’s, a new musical style took the world by storm. The development of synthesizers, drum machines and sequencers spawned techno or synth-pop acts such as Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, A-ha, Erasure and of course the popular Yazoo.
Yazoo, which only had a life span of 18 months and in that time only released two albums, perhaps stood aside from the rest as it blended the technical genius of Vince Clarke (who had come from Depeche Mode and moved on to Erasure) with the powerful blues voice of Alison Moyet, She, of course, moved on to a successful solo career after the breakup of Yazoo.
The technical nature of the music must be quite complicated to re-create. So, who better to tackle the task than Durban musician, sound engineer, producer and owner of Sonic Studios, Colin Peddie? And who better to join him than Durban’s fabulously versatile and honey-voiced songbird, Marion Loudon.
Peddie has done a superb job in re-creating the hard driving, relentless sound and feel of Yazoo. His efforts are really a celebration of hard-work, research, creativity and passion. His performance, on a stage laden with keyboards, computers, and other technical gizmos, is on par with his usual energetic enthusiasm and flair.
Marion Loudon seems capable of performing any genre of music. But on this occasion, she is in particularly good voice and brings an air of charm and elegance to her re-creation of Alison Moyet’s memorable style.
The lighting for this show needs special mention. With equipment provided by Brandon Bunyan of Black Coffee Sound Hire and design by lighting guru Michael Taylor-Broderick, it is both dramatic and atmospheric and, in fact, very special.
The sound mix is in the hands of the skilful Andre Norden, and as usual is spot-on.
AV forms an important part of the show with fairly constant images of rather eccentric modern dancing. I am not convinced that this really added much to the production.
As mentioned earlier, Yazoo only lasted 18 months until irreconcilable differences forced a break-up. During that time, they produced two albums, Upstairs at Erics and You and Me Both.
Songs heard from these albums include Just Can’t Get Enough, Only You, Anyone, Mr Blue, Tuesday, Ode to Boy, Nobodies Diary, In Your Room, Bad Connection. Softly Over, Bring Your Love Down, Walk Away from Love Don’t Go and Situation.
So, if you are a rocker from the 80’s or would just like to learn more about this genre of music - the Rhumbelow is the place to go to enjoy a very well-put-together show.
Performances take place from August 12 to 14 and again from August 19 to 21, 2022. Shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 19h30 and on Sundays at 14h00. (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)
Tickets R180. Booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za or through Computicket.
Picnic baskets may be brought to the venue, or food can be purchased onsite – burgers, wors rolls, chicken pops and chips, cheesy Russians, snack baskets etc. A full bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). The venue opens 90 minutes before each show for snacks/drinks. Limited secure parking available.
For more information contact Roland Stansell on 082 499 8636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/
Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Umbilo, Durban. - Keith Millar
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