Raymond busks for a living and plays at home gatherings, weddings, etc for a fee. He can entertain anywhere, anytime with his guitar and gear that includes a battery pack that lasts 7 hours.While basking one day a well-known Singapore musician took over and played beautiful classical music on his guitar. Raymond and the crowd were fascinated.
If you happen to see Raymond, spare your time and listen but don't forget the tip. He deserves it. As he contemplates I saw his fingers and realised that it's not easy to sing so many hours a day. The fingers and throat hurt.
I sat with him for an hour and listened to his stories about the sarabat stall at Farrer Road where he frequently visited in the 60s with other band boys. Anyone remember 'Metro' the sarabat stall owner?
Don't forget to listen to Raymond because he's worth that amount you give. Be generous.
(Another manhunt completed for this blog.)
Image: by Andrew Lim.
(Another manhunt completed for this blog.)
Image: by Andrew Lim.
There are more who bypass these buskers than those who contribute. If they are in need we need to provide. It is not a natural thing amongst human beings to help others who sincerely try to earn an honest living.
ReplyDeleteMusicians in Singapore, no matter where they sing and play, contribute to the cultural evolution of this country. There may come a time when our future generation may ask how we had come about in the music scene. What had happened in the past is the answer and must be documented. This blog is my simple way of doing it.
ReplyDeleteWhat simple bits of information there is now must be recorded. The history of a country is the story of that country and isn't it true that we live by those stories? 'HISTORY' comes from two words: 'HIS' and 'STORY'.
BTW, where does he usually stake out?
ReplyDeleteThe airconditioned tunnel between VeloCity and Goldhill Square.
ReplyDelete