When it comes to iconic South African rock bands,
there are few to beat Rabbitt. During their heyday in the 70s, the group inspired the same frenzied devotion in South Africa as The Beatles did in the UK. But, like that great UK band, Rabbitt's hype was matched by songs that still stand the test of time.
Capitalising on the success of number one song, "Charlie" and the platinum album, BOYS WILL BE BOYS, Rabbitt returned to the studio in 1976. Overflowing with a wealth of creative ideas and fuelled by the unbelievable fan hysteria they recorded their follow-up, A CROAK AND A GRUNT IN THE NIGHT, with co-producer/writer Patric van Blerk, in record time.
The album sold gold on advance orders ahead of its release.
Fan reaction was immediate with the songs "Hold On To Love" and "Sugar Pie" racing to the top of the charts while "Dingley's Bookshop" was the first South African sitcom theme by a rock group. The album continued Rabbitt's reputation for innovation with scorching versions of anarchic poet Ramsay MacKay's "Tribal Fence" and a stunning duet with then Lady Africa, Margaret Singana.
This album, and the chaotic, sell-out tours they played all over Southern Africa to promote it wound up the deal that the band had with the then Satbel Records and shortly thereafter Trevor Rabin left the band to work on his debut solo album. This in turn led him to the UK and US where Trevor won his Grammy for the 1983 rock classic "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" as guitarist and producer of Yes.
Nowadays, Trevor composes the soundtracks for mega-budget Hollywood movies, enhancing the performances of stars like Will Smith, Nicholas Cage, Denzel Washington and Samuel L Jackson.
Released for the first time in South Africa on Retro, and officially sanctioned by the band members, A CROAK AND A GRUNT IN THE NIGHT has been remastered for CD and is boosted by the addition of a bonus track from Rabbitt's rare 7" vinyl EP "Morning Light".
The extended artwork includes rare photos and an 'I was there' account of Rabbitt in 1975-77 by noted writer Doug Gordon.