…………………………………….…………………………………………………………
BY BILLY SUTER
DURBAN singer, guitarist and songwriter Rowan Stuart had a special launch of his fifth studio album, Faraway (Deluxe), in his home city on March 23, but if you missed it you have another chance to catch him in action.
Stuart is the headliner at the next fortnightly Music in the Hills (MiTH) event, scheduled for this Wednesday, March 28.The venue is a former barn at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Knoll Road, Hilton.
Stuart, who will entertain from 9pm as part of his national tour, has released a new single, Survivors, which is already receiving rave reviews and radio play across Southern Africa.
The performance will include material from Faraway (Deluxe), as well as a songs from Rowan’s previous albums. He will be joined by bassist Josh Engelbrecht. The evening will include performances by the trio Cravan at 7pm and Mbijana Sibisi (reminiscent of a young Vusi Mahlasela) at 8pm.
Rowan Stuart has previously collaborated with artists such as Tresor, Just Jinjer and Nibs van der Spuy, and has opened for many of South Africa’s top pop music acts.
His sound was motivated by a search for something deeper and more soulful within the landscape of modern pop music. Inspired by the rich storytelling of Sting, the intricate tapestry of African and World rhythms, and even the soundtracks to his favourite classic video games and movies, he learned that music was his best tool in sharing the inner worlds of his imagination with other people.
With his pure voice and virtuosic guitar playing as the vessels, Rowan sails through soundscapes both organic and electronic.
His single Silver Balloon, which played across South African radio in 2016 and 2017, hit the sweet spot with its modern production, yet lyrically, spoke of a fable involving the Earth and the Moon in an eternal dance.
The songs from his latest album tell tales of the complex and chaotic modern world from which the protagonists dream of places ancient and free.
With titles such as The Kingdom of Leave, An Island and Faraway, the songs encapsulate Rowan’s passion for creating music that is a sanctuary from the harshness of modern life. His latest single, Survivors, depicts a post-apocalyptic landscape where just one true ally can be a rare and priceless treasure.
MiTH is a semi-open0mic music club allowing musicians to share the joy of their music with a friendly audience which includes fellow musicians – who have all “been there” too. (Non-musicians welcome too!)
Whether you’re a newbie looking for your first opportunity to perform publicly, or a more experienced.mature musician simply looking for people who are as passionate about music as you are, pop along.
Take your own booze. Food and soft drinks are available for sale.
Musicians who want to play at MiTH, should contact Charles Webster (082 331 7271) or Doug Borain (072 340 7034).
.....SoSuterBill..... 