The Raiders - Geraldine Vastrap скачать в хорошем качестве

The Raiders - Geraldine Vastrap

Killer “Vastrap” guitar instrumental vibes by The Raiders - a Durban-based South African instrumental band formed in the early 1960s. They became one of the most popular dance bands among Indian, Coloured, and African communities. Their sound cantered on guitar-driven instrumental pop inspired by British groups like The Shadows, with touches of local and occasional Bollywood-style melodic influences. Unusual for dance bands of the time, they performed without a horn section, relying on electric guitars, bass, drums, and occasional vocals. Their clean surf-rock/rock-’n’-roll tone was sometimes enhanced with effects such as the fuzz box. They performed at clubs, hotel dances, weddings, and community events in and around Durban, operating within apartheid’s segregated venue restrictions. Their energetic performances earned them a strong following, and their repertoire crossed cultural lines—for example, their instrumental of the boeremusiek “Vastrap Polka.” They became one of Durban’s best-selling bands, with records popular locally, in Johannesburg, and even among South African expatriates abroad. The Raiders were founded by lead guitarist Danny Harris, with Dennis “Gunman” Franks (rhythm guitar), Deva Rungan (bass), and Selva Rungan (drums). This four-piece format, with no horns or keyboards, became their signature early sound. By the late 1960s the lineup shifted: Harris left temporarily and was replaced by Eric Gabriel (lead guitar/vocals). The group expanded to include—Eric Gabriel, Kenny Mentor (lead vocals), Don Alexander (rhythm guitar), Eugene Thompson (12-string lead), Deva Rungan (bass), Selva Rungan (drums), and percussionist Mohan. This lineup remained together for 3 years. The Raiders performed mainly in Durban dance halls, hotels, community functions, and segregated band competitions, sharing stages with other well-known South African-Indian bands at the time. The group disbanded in the mid-1970s as members pursued other paths. Danny Harris later released solo and gospel guitar albums and credited the Gany brothers of the Raj label for launching the Raiders’ recording career. Surviving members occasionally reunited for nostalgia events, and the group remains celebrated in Durban’s 1960s music history. Interesting foot note: An unknown act by the same name charted on the official Rhodesian singles chart Lyons Maid Hits of the Week, with the track “Some Girls” with the John Paul Young penned cover of “The Day That My Heart Caught Fire” on the flip side, released on the obscure Rhodesian M0D label, MD 001, reaching No. 1 in 1979 and remaining in the charts for 5 weeks, from 6 October to 3 November 1979. This version of unknown The Raiders seems to be none other than the U.K. act Racey who entered the South African Springbok charts on 22 June 1979, peaking at No.1 and remaining in the charts for 19 weeks. The single was released in South Africa on Mickie Most’s (the Brit who set the South African music scene alight in the 50’s and early 60’s with his Playboys) RAK label, RAKJ 1065. Mickie also discovered the band signing them to his label and also producing their debut album “Smash And Grab”. I have this The Raiders single in my collection and can confirm it is indeed the same band. Why this happened, one could speculate licencing or publishing issues or simply a way to avoid paying royalties. The Raiders – “Geraldine Vastrap”. From the album, “Dance ‘69”. Released on the RAJ label, RAJH 006, 1969. Line up: (unconfirmed): Eric Gabriel - Lead Guitar Don Alexander - Rhythm Guitar Eugene Thompson - 12-String Lead Deva Rungan – Bass Selva Rungan - Drums Side A: Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da Argie Raiders Cha Cha Fluffy (Kwela) Picking Up Pebbles Voyage To The Bottom Of The Bath Side B Geraldine (Vastrap) Call Me Christine In The Chapel, In The Moonlight Bandolero Soul Limbo Produced by A Joosub Ahmed Publisher: Plymouth