Shows
AlmaCastAlmaCast 2.3: Genesis of a Genius - In Conversation with Steve NewmanIn this third AlmaCast episode of 2024, Jono and I sit and discuss the early years of Steve Newman's career. As one of South Africa's virtuoso guitar players and a member of several renowned bands, most notably Tananas, he has many a story to tell in this in-depth reflection on a truly remarkable career.
He reflects on his journeys between the UK and South Africa in the 70s and then how things started to really pick up between Johannesburg and Durban in the 80s at Tansnas forms with Ian Herman and Gito Baloi.
In the hour...2024-03-1549 min
AlmaCastAlmaCast 2.2: Goddank (still) vir Klank! Nude Girls Hit the AlmaIn May last year Jono, Sarah and I had the chance to sit and discuss the music business, life and everything pre-, post and during the Springbok Nude Girls with Arno Carstens.
The interview was a whirlwind of thoughts, memories and perspectives on one of the most acclaimed South Africa.
When Jono told us he and founding band members and producer-in-chief Theo Crous were coming for a double-trouble acoustic show revisiting more than 30 years of the Nude Girls we simply had to revisit Arno – this time in tandem with Theo.
And what an aft...2024-02-1547 min
AlmaCastAlmaCast 2.1: Intense and "In Tents" - Inside the wonderful minds of the Wonderboom duoWelcome to our first AlmaCast recording and episode of the year.
We kick off 2024 with a bang and the wonderfully mercurial musings of Wonderboom duo, Cito Otto and Martin Schofield.
Prior to them playing a stripped-down - but nevertheless electrifying - set at the Alma, the dynamic duo reflected on a career that spans almost three decades, numerous albums andSAMA nominations and a reputation as being one of the hardest working and hardest rocking bands in the country.
It was Wonderboom's very first night playing at the Cape Town's Premier Live Music Venue, b...2024-01-151h 05
AlmaCastAlmaCast 1.7: Starry, Starry Nights - The "Lost" AlmaCast Episode with Family Tait discussing the names, faces and nights that shaped the Alma CafeWe close out 2023 with a "lost" episode of the first AlmaCast recording sessions - recorded in April 2023.
Listen on for a trip down memory lane from the Alma's Royal Family Tait. Led by the master historian Retha we hear about the day Bruce Springsteen's backing singer knocked on the Alma's door and when one artist's "one night Royal Albert Hall, the next, the Alma" rang true! When PJ Powers reduced the room to a sea of (joyful) tears and on and on it goes...
This was the second part of the interview we recorded in June 2023. It's chaotic, fun and...2023-12-0948 min
AlmaCastAlmaCast 1.6: Tour de Force - In Conversation with Arno CarstensArno Carstens should need very little introduction to most South African listeners of the AlmaCast.
As the front man for the Springbok Nude Girls, he and his band led the line of the new wave of South African alternative music in the 1990's. We met at the Alma Cafe three hours before his latest show there. What followed was a whirlwind of perspectives and anecdotes. From the halcyon days of the mid to late nineties, to the doubt of his early solo career and his future aspirations.
From the...2023-05-2956 min
AlmaCastAlmaCast 1.5: "The Gunslinger Cometh!" - In conversation with Albert Frost Welcome to the latest episode of the AlmaCast, our regular deep-dive into the people behind Cape Town's premier live music venue and the guest musicians who grace the Alma stage.
In this episode, we are back to a guest artist profile: our guest SA "king of the blues" Albert Frost, prior to another of his stripped back solo shows. It would prove to be another unforgettable night where pedal loops abound, and the sweat was coming off the ceiling! It's a wonderful chat covering Albert's three decades of professional music. There's plenty to marvel at and reflect on...2023-05-0448 min
AlmaCastAlmaCast 1.4: Queen of the Alma - Retha SpeaksAs our Easter gift to our listeners, this episode takes us down memory lane and behind the kitchen door as we hear from the Queen of the Alma: Retha Tait.
It's a wonderful tale and insight into the history of the building, neighbourhood and venue. The story begins with tragedy and trauma, skirts disaster and ultimately ends in the Alma magic we've come to love.
The AlmaCast - Monthly Podcast of Cape Town’s Premier Live Music Venue
Good Coffee, Good Food & Good Music!
2023-04-0744 min
AlmaCastAlmaCast 1.3: King of the Alma - Richard Tait in conversationA wonderful deep-dive of the development of The Alma Cafe and the transition from corner shop to music venue! Owner and mainstay of the front of house, Richard Tait, talks about the formative years, the people and nights that have shaped the Alma. It's a charming and frank conversation that highlights passion, sacrifice and hard work. It's a special 30 minutes. Hope you enjoy!
The AlmaCast - Monthly Podcast of Cape Town’s Premier Live Music Venue
Good Coffee, Good Food & Good Music!
The Alma Café: Live Music Ven...2023-04-0736 min
AlmaCastAlmaCast 1.2 In Conversation With James StewartIn this episode the AlmaCast we check-in with regular guest artist, James Stewart.
James reached the top of the charts back in the day with SA band, The Usual and continues to perform and collaborate across genres and continents.
His reflections will delight those who grew up with the local music of the 90's and the SA music scene.
His description of The Alma - from a performer's perspective - is worth the download alone. Enjoy!
The AlmaCast - Monthly Podcast of Cape Town’s Premier Live Music Ven...2023-04-0746 min
AlmaCastAlmaCast 1.1 - In Conversation with John EllisA warm and insightful conversation with Alma "newbie" and SA music legend John Ellis forms the basis of our second AlmaCast episode. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did recording it!
Listen & join us on our monthly "deep dive" into the guests and stories behind the renowned live music venue in the heart of Rosebank, Cape Town: The Alma Cafe.
The AlmaCast - Monthly Podcast of Cape Town’s Premier Live Music Venue
Good Coffee, Good Food & Good Music!
The Alm...2023-04-0731 min
AlmaCastAlmaCast 1.0 - January 2023 Pilot Episode - "Jono’s World View”Our Pilot Episode - testing the levels and seeing if there was a spark!
Hear from Jono Tait - the young Tait and bearded musical wonder of the Alma.
He skims over the Alma’s past and looks ahead to the future!
Listen & join us on our monthly "deep dive" into the guests and stories behind the renowned live music venue in the heart of Rosebank, Cape Town: The Alma Cafe.
The AlmaCast - Monthly Podcast of Cape Town’s Prem...2023-04-0733 min