The National Research Foundation grant for 3rd Ear Music's Hidden Years Music Archive Project was officially signed at the University of KwaZulu-Natal on October 3.

“Thanks to the director of the Campbell Collection, Dr. Dale Peters & the HYMAProject Committee - most notably Prof Michael Green & Prof Chris Ballentine (who will direct the HYMAProject for the National Research Foundation) - for their patience & assistance in helping navigate the paper trail,” says David Marks of 3rd Ear Music.

“To those who have provided us with services - in particular Broll Properties who donated the HYMAProject offices & archive storage when we had to move from Currie Road earlier this year - not to worry; the project officially began on the 1st January 2005. Thank you for your hanging in there with us,” adds David. “And to all those who have contributed - in words, music, kind, cash, support and encouragement over the past 30 odd years - this nine month delay should be seen in perspective.”

Some 17 years ago, the then director of the Campbell Collection and Professor Jurgen Brauninger of the University of KwaZulu-Natal approached 3rd Ear Music and suggested that what it had been recording and collecting since the 60's could be a national hidden treasure. They suggested that the HY Archive collection should become part of a major academic institution.

“3rd Ear Music and friends had always thought that those times were worthwhile recording, documenting and sharing with people who couldn't be there at the time ... despite the apparent 'commercial non-viability,’” David goes on to say. “This hobby - some would say passion or obsession (if it murmured or moved, we taped it) - has gone far further than personal preference.”

The HYMAProject does not aim to recreate the past. It is a reflection or a recollection; a tribute to some remarkable and resilient hidden talent whose words and music and the context in which they were produced and presented, still have a role to play today.

Further information from David Marks on e-mail: thirdear@iafrica.com