Rose and The Avengers were one of the best groups in Sarawak and had performed successfully in Brunei and other S.E. Asian cities. In Sibu they had performed at the Palace Theatre. The band at that time comprised two brothers, Peter and Jimmy Ho, lanky James Ong and percussionist Jalek Zula. According to the sleeve (image), Zula "has thrilled many an audience with his violent drum solos." In later years one of the boys joined Malaysia's Radio TV Orchestra.
From articles on the web, Iwanaga's father has been described as a friendly man of Japanese descent who once worked in Kuching and accompanied the group to Sibu for their performances. She is currently still very popular and singing with some bands that play evergreens. Since her time there have not been any English Language artistes who recorded in Sarawak.
Two of Rose Iwanaga & The Avengers' hits, I'll Never Find Another You and You Belong To Me are on the first Singapore 60s Definitive Collection.
Some of them are still around as the letter from Janice Wee to garagehangover shows:
ReplyDeleteSubmitted by Janice Wee (not verified) on October 10, 2009 - 11:07pm.
"Hello This is Janice Wee. Thank you all so much for keeping this alive for Rose and myself. I am both astounded and so touched that we are still remembered. It was a great time, an enjoyable time and we had lots of fun (bar a family tragedy).
I saw Jimmy in Kuala Lumpur two years ago. He is happy and well. Still playing for the fun of it ...lucky man. He can still be contacted through the family grapevine from Kuching."
(The letter is in reply to Steve Farram's posting about Rose & Avengers on garagehangover by Chas Kit.)
The 'Jimmy' mentioned by Janice Wee is 'Jimmy Ho', guitarist for The Avengers.
ReplyDeleteHello! Thanks for the links to my blog... They still get a lot of air play on the local radio stations (Kuching's RedeFm). Good thinsg never fade away. Like old wine, they get better.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sir for responding. They are all a terrific lot and it's a great pity I never got to meet them in the 70s.
ReplyDeleteOn record they sound good. I would love to meet Jimmy Ho and Janice Wee if I could get the connection with my friend BCTeoh from KL.
Cheers.
Andy, will hunt for this joint, Titanic at Taman Tun Dr. Ismail one of these days.
ReplyDeleteThanks BC. Perhaps we could all meet one day in KL and enjoy some 60s music together.
ReplyDeleteCheers.
Been scrutinizin' and you been emphasizin' the important areas. keep bloggin'
ReplyDeleteThank you surfer. Glad to know there are interested observers who can provide original comments and compliments.
ReplyDeleteCheers.