David Shapshak Live in Johannesburg
There’s something electric about the way Kaolin Thomson performs. She does very little dancing around — she’s surrounded by a keyboard, flute, saxophone and various percussion instruments, all of which she plays — but still manages to convey an explosiveness. She’s like a panther on stage.
After all the hype around Thomson, one wants to find out if she and her band Naked are really any good. The answer is yes. Currently performing at the excellent Jargonelles, they are one of the most exciting local acts of the last few years.
Naked’s style is a kind of new-wave acid jazz/soul — or like Maria Callas on amphetamines, according to Benji Mudie, MD of Naked’s label, Fresh Music.
The innovative use of scratch-DJ Pierre, a well-known name on the local rave circuit, gives the band an added depth. Although it’s still early days for Naked, they show a professionalism and brashness that have the makings of greatness. Their music is innovative and exciting, covering a range of moods and subjects. The multi-talented Thomson, who is also a triathlete and the infamous vagina-ashtray artist, has the voice of an angel. One of their songs, Wash Your Hands, has a piercing quality, giving her a chance to stretch her vocal cords. I had goosebumps on my arms.
Thomson has grandly and deservedly found herself in the limelight after doing backing vocals for Wendy Oldfield and Henry Ate as well as performing with Tananas and with Oldfield and Steve Newman in an ensemble called Man Walking.
The ballad-ish Naked, the band’s first single, to be aired at the end of the month, is aurally splendid. Thomson, the group’s main songwriter, has a deft touch and an insightful lyricism. Freedom, written by guitarist Krallen Potgieter, is another fine single you’ll hear on the airwaves in the next few months.
While the stage at Jargonelles seemed a little cramped for five musicians and all their equipment, the band should give some thought to a less traditional format than having the drummer at the back and guitarists either side of the lead singer. Perhaps the imposing six-foot Thomson could stand on a raised platform behind her colleagues.
Thomson, Potgieter, drummer Sean Outim and bass guitarist Darrell Moerdecia can expect great things to come their way if they continue to perform like this.