Hiervandaan CD launch a special affair

The setting for the launch of the new Les Javan CD could have been right out of a song itself. The Dorpstraat Teater is out of town, on the Stellenbosch- Klapmuts Road, and reminds me “Hernando’s Hideaway.” Remember the lines? “I know a dark secluded place….where no-one knows your face…it’s called Hernando’s Hideaway! Ole!” 

In spite of appearing to be in the middle of nowhere, it’s a great music venue. The  auditorium has a wide stage, excellent acoustics and a lot of space for candle-lit tables of food and wine. A good place to enjoy music.  The warm-up acts reminded us all of the richness of rural music talent in the Franschhoek Valley. However a lot of this talent will never be heard if these musicians are not supported and given exposure by projects like the Solms-Delta music training programme and events like the Oesfees. Even the creation of the “Hiervandaan” CD has given much deserved publicity to local musicians.

First, Oom Frank Papier, leader of the well-known Franschhoek Papier family band, drew heartbreaking sounds from his piano accordion as he played some traditional Boeremusiek pieces. He was followed by the legendary Oom Seppie Andries and his daughter Priscilla, who live in Grabouw. Oom Seppie is the composer of the hit song “Franschhoek-toe vanaand,” which is featured on the CD. The couple followed with some more of Oom Seppie’s wise, and sometimes tragic, songs about life in the Boland.

Then, the “Hiervandaan” CD stars assembled on the stage. Adriaan Brand opened the show with his youthful Langbroek Band, bristling with trumpets, trombones, ghoema drums and a big, big tuba. It is still difficult to believe that they were just farm kids a short while ago. They lifted the roof with their sounds and got the audience onto their feet and dancing. Then they were joined by the Soetstemme choir, and for the first time, band and choir performed together. As someone said, “This is not just a konsert, this is a show!”
Then Les Javan came on and enchanted the crowd with his wonderful songs, from the hit love-song “Met jou aan my sy” to the slow waltz of “Gemoedsrus” by way of “Ouma se Kind” and the whimsical “Heuningkrans.” It is easy to see why Les has such a devoted following, his songs speak to the heart of his audience, and he has that wonderful laid-back delivery of a singer-composer who truly has lived the content of his songs.

It was a highly successful launch of an immensely popular CD.  Click here for more details and for info on how to purchase.                         

By John van Zyl
 

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