Dan "Socks It" To The Aussies On Clegg Tour!

[Pete (RIP)]

Heartfelt African rhythms
Mark Coughlan | May 26, 2009
Article from:  The Australian

Johnny Clegg. Perth Convention Exhibition Centre, May 21. State Theatre, Sydney, tonight. QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane, May 28.

JOHNNY Clegg is a performer with a big voice and a big heart. This concert, at the start of his Australasian tour, was a high-energy event from start to finish, the infectious rhythms of the music enhanced by onstage dancing and a passionate delivery.
Clegg's musical roots are in the Zulu street music he encountered as a young child in South Africa.

His early fascination with African music, and subsequent interest in pop and world music, has created an eclectic musical style. Close vocal harmonies and strong, throaty singing are purely African, whereas other songs evoke a crossover feel reminiscent of artists such as Paul Simon and Sting.

For someone who has been in the game more than 30 years, his voice is still strong and vibrant. Throughout this long set, Clegg's vocals were consistently balanced in the middle of the sound mix, emphasising the instrumental colour and strong rhythmic nature of his music. Also a published anthropologist, Clegg is a born story-teller, interspersing his performance with long, detailed explanations of various songs and dances and of events that were seminal in his development, both artistically and as a social commentator.

Clegg's band is excellent. Dan Shout on keyboards and saxophones made some impressive contributions, especially his sax solos. Drummer Barry van Zyl ensured the feel stayed upbeat all night, and there was strong vocal support from guitarist Andy Innes, bassist Trevor Donjeany and back-up singer Mandisa Dlanga.

Dancer Sabelo Qoma added a compelling visual aspect, whether dancing alone or with Clegg. This very physical dance component, which included Dlanga at times, provided fascinating reinforcement of the music's cultural origins, especially coupled with Clegg's introductions. Clegg mostly held his own with the much younger, physically lithe Qoma and it is testament to his commitment to the show that he worked so hard on stage.
A large and enthusiastic crowd lapped up Clegg's hits, Impi, Kilimanjaro and Scatterlings of Africa. It must be said, this was also a very respectful audience.

In the first set, those who wanted to stand and dance politely moved to the back of the venue so as not to obscure the view of those who remained seated. However, two songs into the second set, Clegg had the whole audience on its feet.

It's also worth arriving early to hear the support act, brilliant South African crossover flautist Wouter Kellerman.

[Billy Struthers]

Fantastic    I am going to see him tomorrow night ( 28 may ) in Brisbane and was worried it wasnt the same old Clegg I knew back in South africa in 93  , he is well into his fiftys now and was a bit concerned abiut him bringing a full band to Aus ,but the coment in the paper sound fantastic , it will be great to hear december african rain again !   

[Pete (RIP)]

So, Billy, how was the concert?  Please don't think you're obliged to be complimentary because you're NOT!!  The newspaper reviews have been, generally, good.  One of the Sydney newspaper reviewers was a bit critical but he/she's entitled to their view.  Would value your constructive comment on the show as you saw it.

[Michael Alexander]

Pete, response has drifted to this topic..

http://www.oranjemundonline.com/Forum/index.php?topic=3164.msg65213;boardseen#new

[Billy Struthers]

 the concert was ok I guess ,I got the impression he was hurrying throught his songs a bit and The last time I saw him was about 15 years ago in Joburg, He seemed  to have no euthusasium on stage and the african  spirit he used to have dissapeared,It looked like he was just going throught the motions so too speak !maybe be its all the touring he has done ..its was a bit dissapointing as I am a huge fan of his and was waiting for months to see him driving my Aussie mated nuts ... for $ 220 I paid for the tickets well a bit expensive,I guess he is getting a bit on in years now ,he must be in his mid fiftys ,as he was puffed out a bit as well ,anyway maybe I am being a bit  too critical he still one of the best things to come out of south africa !

ACDC in Feb 10 can`t wait for that one ! 

[Michael Alexander]

AU$ 220.... Gee! is that the norm for concert tickets over there?

[Billy Struthers]

tickets for the Johanny Clegg concert sold out months in advance ,but we were 5 rows from the front !

for Andre Bocelli tickets you would pay up to $1000 .00 for good tickets