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Farewell concert for Dave Plod Tarr | |
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Hidden Years: Where are they now SAfrican Reissues: Jannie Hofmeyr Brian Finch David Marks Roger Lucey Azumah Bill Knight John Oakley-Smith Colin Shamley Sipho Mchunu News Forum: Mbube - feedback Paul Erasmus Russell Means Music and Censorship Copyright & Media Issues
Everything you ever knew about copyright is wrong: Questions or comments? |
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David Replies - Thanks for the visit & the comment. We would like to post that piece in the new update if that's OK? Edition 12 should be up next week with some photos of Plod, Stella & the girls. Sent: 07 July 2002 09:25
Farewell concert for Dave Plod Tarr & a fundraiser for Stella & the children
SIPPIES BLUES BAND SYD KITCHEN TONY REZAC & BAND RICHARD HASLOP LEN DOWNING WILL'S BLUES BAND KEN E HENSON & RICHARD ELLIS ROLLY (from Butternut) BROOKLYN DAVE BIRCH STEVE FATAAR SALTY DOG SCOOTERS UNION Looking back in dearness and 'dank' (Joubert Malherbe / Pretoria News) The other day I was driving to go and relieve my local off-license of a quantity of some liquid matter. I was approaching a four-way stop at a corner cafe near my house when I spotted a number of young people in high spirits in the road. All fresh-faced and as sunny as the day was long, they were running across the street badgering drivers while shaking collection tins at them. They were Tuks students collecting for the rag. Blimey, I thought. They are keen: I mean, venturing forth into deepest Doringkloof to raise funds for charity. In my day, the students only really stuck to intersections of major thoroughfares when they were collecting money or selling rag mags. So it was with a happy heart that I took out my wallet and parted with a modest sum. I told them that I was an ex-Tukkie myself. The one guy seemed to be of a rock 'n roll disposition. I was just about to tell him my favourite band of the time was Led Zeppelin (still is, actually along with the Beatles and a few others) when he said, apropos my donation, "dankie oom". I smiled, nodded politely and in time-honoured fashion made my excuses and drove on. I recalled the sage advice of old John Lee Hooker: "Don't look back, look on/into the future, the past is gone/it's gone" However, I had reason to look back in fondness recently when I heard the news that erstwhile Silver Creek Mountain Band member and fiddle player extraordinaire Dave Tarr had died. I can recall how excited I was when I heard the original Silver Creek Mountain Band for the first time. I'm sure some readers will remember their sterling performances, night after night, in what used to be the Keg and Tankard at bottom of the then SAAU building on the corner of Schoeman and Andries streets. I was already pretty versed in the ways of rock 'n roll, but I had at that point - circa 1977 - never actually seen a South African band that was playing that kind of music. I always used to think of bluegrass as "railway music". Anyway, Dave succumbed to cancer late last month. He was always the "quiet" one, standing stage right, if memory serves - behind Rod Dry and Dennis Schultz et al - playing swirling riffs on the fiddle, which would have made Paganini stand in awe. Dave played a total of 23 instruments, including the Appalachian dulcimer whose wonderful sound he unleashed on us crazy barn dancers. Given his extraordinary talent, he later ventured into jazz, rock and experimental music and he played with such local legends as Tony Cox, Steve Newman, Syd Kitchen and Paul Clingman, to name but a few. He was also an accomplished yachtsman. So yeah, you people who can recall those halcyon days - and nights - of beautiful music; spare a thought for Dave, his wife, Stella, and their two daughters. I don't think we need to mourn: rather, let's praise the light he showed us through his music. A friend of Dave's, Mel Futter sent me some information about him. I told her I think old Dave and the recently departed George Harrison were probably providing glorious musical accompaniment to the angels and the choir invisible. As Creed sings on the current album Weathered: "Just give love to all". 
We have had a wonderful response to our request to assist musician Dave Tarr. Thanks to you all; it's amazing how people's generosity at times like this can heal & spread much needed hope. Week physically, but in great spirits & extremely positive - due largely to the encouragement & support from his many music friends - Dave visited 3rd Ear Music yesterday to collect a Violin from Ken E Henson & Arlene. Arlene had heard that Dave was having problems with his legendary (heavy) 5 String Barcus-Berry, so she & Ken kindly donated their own lighter 4-string Yamaha for his trip.
All transactions will be strictly confidential & a summary of deposits / donations into the Trust will be posted on the Website in edition 10 (February/ March 2002). NOTE: If you do not request anonymity, we will assume that you have no objection to being mentioned as a donor. Account Name: Stella Tarr Fund The Signatories are: Subject: Dave Tarr - Violinist Supreme Many of you might recall how Dave Tarr never thinks twice about jumping into a session or a gig with his violin; to enhance a concert, add texture to a recording session or create magic at a festival in countless show bands. Dave has been diagnosed with Melanoma - skin cancer - and he is in need of urgent (expensive) treatment. Dave has been plying his fiddle / violin trade since 1965 & as a Master Yachtsman / Skipper, from East London, he is known around the world in many Ports as the Fiddle Skipper. Music first - Plays now, pay later. Dave has played on more recordings, festivals, films & sessions than any other SAfrican violinist we know of - often free of charge. So now it's our turn to help him. In 2000 / 2001 Dave sailed over 26 000 miles delivering yachts around the world - not to play music, but to help pay the rent & to contribute toward the fund sent up by Jackie Hubert & Lyn Palmer & collected by the Community in Park Rynie. Stella has now almost been cured & Dave will be treated by the same physician in Johannesburg. As musicians we are (usually) all in the same financial boat - but collectively we hope to come up with the required amounts David Marks Urgent appeal - medical attention for Stella Tarr
When a great musician is in trouble they can turn to their comrades for help. Stella Tarr - Violinist Dave Tarr's wife - who lives in Park Rynie on the South Coast KwaZulu-Natal - is extremely ill & needs urgent medical attention in Johannesburg. It's going to cost a lot of money. Since the 60's Dave has traveled the world with his Violin - never thinking twice about waving his magic bow & enhancing a stage show or recording session - more often than not free of charge & without credit. Dave has played for many of the legendary Rock & Folk groups in this country for over 30 years - from The Silver Creek Mountain Band & Freedom's Children - to the South Country Band & Wildebeest with Colin Pratley. Now it's our turn to jump in & help. You can contact Stella at (039) 976-0318 or leave a message further down on this page in the comment box.
Dave has threatened to sell his very expensive Barcus-Berry Electric Violin; & we have asked him - pleaded with him - to hold on; to see what money or assistance can be raised. Earning his keep, as a master violinist hasn't always paid the rent - no matter that Dave Tarr is one of the finest Rock, Jazz & Folk Violinists around; between his pub gigs, in various bands & sessions, Dave plies his trade on the high seas as a Master Yachtsman; he delivers Sailboats around the world. He has become known in many foreign harbours & ports as the Fiddle Captain - just making music with the locals. If you can help him - just as he has helped & entertained so many with his Fiddle; we'd appreciate that.
If you have any comments about this article, please drop us a line. |
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Thanks to Ken E & Marlene & all our music friends - the evening turned into an amazing success for Dave - multi instrumentalist & Violinist supreme. Musicians came out of the woodwork - literally speaking - to pay homage & tribute. The concert was initially going to be held at The Durban Music (Folk) Club's Tusk Inn - but as contemporary tradition would have it somebody else decided that what's there is theirs - so they raided the place & helped themselves. Last minute arrangements were made & somehow, Ken E managed to get this top-secret & obscure venue in Springfield Park.
