Date : 21st February 2005
Time: 19h30
Venue: Global Music, Illovo, Johannesburg

Attendance 62 plus:
Sean Liebenberg, Stephen Liebenberg, Steve Crozet, David Houghton, Lionel Naidoo, Johannes van Heerden, Phil Raath, Arlyn Culwick, Quinn Hawley, Lex Futshane, Concord Nkabinde, Kerry Hiles, Doggit, Bruce Hyland, Denny Lallouette, Graeme Currie, Croje van Niekerk, Melissa, Glenn Haggis, Michelle Ohlhoff and husband, Dylan Wassersal, Kai Horsthemke, Jurgen Risse, Lucas Senyatso, Tlale Makhewe, Carlo Mombelli, Basil Byrne, Kate Hill, Anilia Reddy, Bruce McLachlan, Marcello Aramu, Peter Miller, Ike Onwuagbu, Elaine Michell, Cathrin Cumming, Roche Fecre, Darreth Fourie, Rob Farragher, Darryl DuPlooy, Gregory Oliver, Vaugh Michell, Avzal Ismael, Neill Ettridge, Sheldon D’Aubrey, Nick Gibbs, Eladio Gasper, Craig Son, Philip Kraft, Dave Askes, Franco Magongwa, Sylvester Majola, Mlungisi Gegana, .Sinta Spector, Martin Simpson, Anthea Buys, Justin Taylor, Trevor Muller, Marius (Global Music), Nippy Cripwell, Justin Maree, Gerhard Kok, Gerrie Lubbe and a few others who’s names on the register were illegible,
Apologies : Glenn Veale

As always, Martin Simpson was there, at the door, to welcome everybody. He also distributed past and new newsletters of SABPC. The turn out was great and there were many new faces. Global music guys had prepared the place very well for the meeting. Thanks to them for letting us use such wonderful space.

Concord welcomed everyone to the South African Bass Players’ Collective for 2005. He explained the purpose & goals of the SABPC. We then looked back at 2004, at the bass players who passed away and observed a moment of silence for them : Gito Baloi, Biza Maphumulo, Sipho Gumede, Eddie Jooste and Art Kelly.

Kerry Hiles then came up to talk about the “Strings for Africa” project. She explained how SABPC is collecting bass strings (even guitar strings, drum sticks,etc.) to donate to musicians in serious need of them, both locally and in our neighbouring countries like Mozambique, Zimbabwe, etc. Kerry also mentioned that for Mozambique we now have a contact person (Nuno Maia) who frequents South Africa, and is willing to take the strings over. So if anyone knows of musicians who could benefit from this initiative, please let us know.

Gerrie Lubbe from the South African Guitar Players Association, came up as well to share about their programme. He mentioned how they have enjoyed interacting with SABPC and trust that we will continue to work closely. Gerrie then distributed their newsletter for free, so everyone could get an idea of what the guitarists are doing.

Concord then introduced the guest for the evening, Denny Lalouette. Denny is a highly in demand bass player in South Africa, in all types of music. He has performed and/or recorded with many well respected artists such as Andy Narell, Trevor Rabin, Louis Mhlanga, Shirley Bassey, Joe Henderson, Izio Gross, and many more. Denny, who is originally from Mauritius, has lived in South Africa since 1970. You can hear in his playing that he has embraced South Africa whole-heartedly. We were very honoured to have Denny come and do a workshop for us.
Denny invited two musicians he works with regularly to be a part of his workshop: On Keyboards - Avzal Ismael and on Drums Neill Ettridge.
Denny covered a whole lot of issues that are of concern to many musicians, especially young musicians. He talked about:
- Attitude: Understanding your purpose (Foundation & Inspiration)
- Reliability: Time, proper arrangements, not just pulling out of gigs.
- Technology: Embracing it.
- Aural Development: Copying recordings and help develop your ear.
- Reading music: Learning to play by ear first, get basic reading knowledge
So you can figure charts out, develop it over time.
- Practice: What to practice, Posture
- Studio: Submitting, giving ideas, honesty with your recordings (takes),
What’s right for versus what’s right for the producer/artist.

Denny actually covered more issues as there was time for questions at the end. We really benefited much more from this workshop. This was only the first one for 2005. We surely will have more during the year.

Concord then thanked Denny, Neill & Avzal for a great workshop and a great evening. He then talked a bit about membership and benefits for joining up. The meeting was then officially closed, even though many stayed to chat to Denny and to interact with other members.