Genre: rock
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: Celebration
Company: Jo'Burg
Catalog: TJL-13015
Year: 1977
Country/State: South Africa
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: gatefold sleeve; original inner sleeve
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 4453
Price: $25.00
Cost: $66.00
I'll have to admit that my knowledge of South African music is largely limited to the likes of Johnny Clegg and Ladysmith Black Mombasa. As such, Julian Laxton is/was an unknown entity to me.
Turns out that though he's virtually unknown outside of his native South Africa, Laxton is quite an accomplished guy. As a guitarist, his resume includes stints with such South African bands as Freedom's Children, Hawk, and Mel, Mel and Julian. He's also worked as a producer, written commercial jingles and scored movies.
So what's 1977's "Celebration" sound like? Co-produced by Laxton and Patric van Blerk (who co-wrote most of the six tracks), the predominant sound is conventional 70s-styled rock, complete with synthesizers and occasional dance moves ('Man to Man'). As a non-singer, Laxton's a decent guitarist, though there aren't many solo spots which means he's largely relegated to the background. Eugene Havenga's a competent singer, but he has one of those falsetto's that stands as an acquired taste. Imagine Yes' Jon Anderson or perhaps Barry Gibb deciding to rock out and you'll get a feel for tracks such as ''Blue Water' and 'Man To Man'. At least to my ears, the set's somewhat saved by the fact it incorporates some distinctly South African twists including interesting tribal percussion moves ('Celebrate') and subtle touches such as the vocal grunts that pepper tracks like 'Johannesburg'. It probably won't change your life drastically, but is worth a spin (if you can find it at a reasonable price).
"Celebtration" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Blue Water (Patric van Blerk - Julian Laxton) - 7:17
2.) Johannesburg (Patric vvan Blerk - Julian Laxton) - 5:00
3.) I Get High (Patric van Blerk - Julian Laxton) - 4:08
(side 2)
1.) Celebrate (Patric vvan Blerk - Julian Laxton - Trevor Rabin)
2.) All I Need is You (Patric vvan Blerk - Julian Laxton) - 5:20
3.) Man to Man (Patric vvan Blerk - Julian Laxton) - 8:40
From what I can tell, Laxton's still active. He owns and performs at a restaurant/club he owns - Julian's Bistro and Music Theatre. Here's a link to his website:
http://www.at.artslink.co.za/~julian_laxton/MoreAboutJulians.htm