I'll be the first to admit that these are new tastes to a tongue largely spoilt on jazz and its variations. "Transmigration Man" is from the Sheer Music stable, and is in keeping with the small Johannesburg-based independent label's commitment to South African music. Sheer has already established itself with releases from Paul Hanmer, McCoy Mrubata and more recently Gloria Bosman as a name to be reckoned with in the local jazz market.

Landscape Prayers is not new to the local music scene, having first thrilled Durban audiences as far back as July 1992, when guitarist Nibs van der Spuy led to the formation of the outfit which based its influences on progressive rock bands of the 1970s and the 1980s (like the Allman Brothers Band, the Dixie Dregs and even guitarist Steve Morse). Or they could possibly be likened to a cross between John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu and the Tananas, but the classical, folk influences are evident.

The music of Landscape Prayers reflects a restless and creative spirit that is in most of its members, most notably van der Spuy, who, to little surprise, does most of their compositions. This is in between composing and arranging his material for his own solo projects, and not forgetting making guitars and lecturing in music.

Van der Spuy is ably assisted by Ant Cawthorn-Blazeby on violins, winner of the Spleshy Fen fiddle contest in 1996 and drummer Bruce Baker, who also works with popular rock band, Squeal.

As one looking in from the outside the South Africa folk/rock scene, music like Landscape Prayers is a breathe of fresh air, and makes me a potential convert, mostly because of its originality. In as far a making "new" music, they offer hope to the sometimes barren musical playgrounds I sometimes believe young musicians find themselves in. (Psss, musos. Don't give, it's as if journalism is any better!). I suppose, this is what made Landscape Prayers such a good listen. They have no boundaries, and have not been shy to experiment the music, not to mention their intruments, played in unusual styles.

Two notable tracks from "Transmigration Man" are "14 Years Ago" and "Nomads", with the former leaving me with the lingering feeling that I would like to listen to bassist Logan Byrne on his own, if not performing his own compositions. The latter invokes the wind, freedom that is synonimous with the music of Landscape Prayers.

Landscape Prayers: Transmigration Man (Sheer Sound, 1999)

Music

01: Transmigration Man (N v/d Spuy);
02: 14 Years Ago (3rd Movement) (N v/d Spuy/A Cathorn-Blazeby/L Byrne/B Baker);
03: Nomads (N v/d Spuy/D Chiorboli); Juksei (N v/d Spuy);
04: Liza's Waltz (N v/d Spuy);
05: Skeleton Coast (N v/d Spuy);
06: The Cheerful Pillowcase (N v/d Spuy/A Cathorn-Blazeby/L Byrne/B Baker);
07: Sleeping in the Gutter (N v/d Spuy/A Cathorn-Blazeby/L Byrne/B Baker);
08: Ancient Boundary Stones (N v/d Spuy);
09: Chevin Grange (N v/d Spuy)

Musicians

Nibs van der Spuy (guitars); Ant Cawthorn-Blazeby (violins); Logan Byrne (electric and accoustic bass); Bruce Baker (drums, percussions). Guests are Nina Sugden (cello) on "Transmigration Man", "Liza's Waltz", "This Cheerful Pillowcase" and "Ancient Boundary Stones"; Maggie Deppe (oboe) on "This Cheerful Pillowcase"; Angus Kerr (additional violin) on Chevin Grange; Cuan Boake (harmonica) on "Sleeping in the Gutter"; David Burch (recorder, vocals) on Chevin Grange

Discography

Landscape Prayers discography:
Landscape Prayers (1992)
Mush Telegraph (1997)
Transmigration Man (Sheer Sound, 1999)

Nibs van der Spuy discography
solo: Lines On My Face
with Landscape Prayers: Landscape Prayers (1992)
Bush Telegraph (Sheer Sound, 1997)
Transmigration Man (Sheer Sound, 1999)

Thobela Mmiroa
Geoff Mmiroa Mapaya (1999)
Naledi; Rebone; Y'a Warang; Hush, My Baby; Re Tlo Felela Kae; Ikageng; Cheri ya Ka; No Idea; Maekhele; Kwaito in the Mix; Re a Ratana; Friend