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| David Kramer headlines Karoo Kitaar Blues David Kramer headlines Karoo Kitaar Blues, a performance that puts the hidden culture and song of the Karoo into the spotlight. This show is the product of Kramer's musical journey into the heart of the Karoo and Namaqualand where he encountered eccentric musicians with a unique variety of music. Kramer first met these musicians while making a documentary on the subject in 2000. The guitar styles of the Karoo musicians were so unique that he decided to give them a platform to showcase their talents at the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees in 2001. The shows received an ecstatic response from audiences and were sold out. They also received the De Kat Slurpie Award, their first award, at this festival. Kramer headlines the Karoo Kitaar Blues with local Karoo performers such as, Tokas Lodewyk, Hannes Coetzee, Dawid van Rooi, Siena and Jan Mouers and Helena Nuwegeld. The musicians will be accompanied by David's long-time band including guitar virtuoso, Gammie Lakay, bass player, Howard Links and drummer, Danny Petersen. Tokas Lodewyk is a sheep-shearer from Richmond in the Karoo. He was born into a musical family and he plays his own percussive style, which he has coined 'Karoo Blues'. This style involves a combined effort of plucking the bass strings with his thumb while picking the melody with his fingers. This is alternated with percussive slaps on the sounding board. This finger-picking style is known as 'optel-en-knyp'. Hannes Coetzee is an aloe tapper and self-taught musician from Herbertsdale in the Klein Karoo. He plays traditional and original compositions using a teaspoon in his mouth to slide the melody on his guitar. The only known practioner of this style, he is able to play the melody and the accompanying chords at the same time creating the sound of two guitars with one. A retired couple from Victoria West in the Karoo, Siena and Jan Mouers create their own music. They harmonise by tuning and playing their guitars differently. Jan strums the rhythm of the song while Siena plays melodies of hardship and loneliness. Siena's sister, Helena Nuwegeld is the creator of many of the family songs. She offers her own unique contribution to the eclectic mix of musicians on stage. Her songs expose raw emotions and deal with the harsh realities of her family life. Karoo Kitaar Blues is described as a wholly South African production, which will elicit laughter and tears simultaneously. The show is complemented with songs from David's most recent CD Huistoe, which have never been performed in the Cape. Joining the band will be the Sonskyn Susters who provide the back-up harmonies for David's new songs. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |