--Too Late For Tears So I'll Remember Today--

Like The Silver Strings, most of the bands from the 60s are just as good if not better than many of the groups from elsewhere but they are seldom showcased and many of them do not have the opportunity to entertain an audience that still yearns for golden oldies.

While some of our musicians may be playing at private clubs, functions and shows, others are not actively involved at all. Singapore's pioneers of pop music must not be left to lose themselves in the mayhem of modern society.

Bring back our seniors and allow them avenues where they can walk tall and straddle their guitars again. Shirley Nair, *Dickie Tan (image above), Sonny Bala (Moonglows) and Masrof (Drummer - Sweet Charity) are some of the musicians that have passed on. If nothing is revived now then it'll be 'too late for tears'.

"If you want it here it is come and get it, you'd better hurry cause it may not last... (Badfinger)"

*Dickie Tan (2nd right) replaced David Chan as lead guitarist for the above recording by The Silver Strings.

YouTube: Key in: silver strings singapore band

(Image: Audie Ng Collection)

Manhunt: Albert Louis - Drumming For Health

Mr Albert Louis (image: stage front with drums), former percussionist for Culture Vulture, is now teaching participants in his various courses how "Drumming For Health" will help them live a more fulfilled and healthy life.

It is fun therapy because the belief that when one hits a drum the person triggers the alpha brain waves associated with the feeling of well-being and euphoria. It's positive ageing with a beat. Cool!

For more advice check out Albert's website and to watch the video go to the top right corner of this post.

YouTube: Key in: fun therapy & exercise

Also check out December, 19th and 21st blogs.

(Albert has gone one step further with his career as a percussionist.) 

Thanks Albert! It's defintely my kind of music.

Peter Diaz From The Surfers/October Cherries

The Surfers (image) pressed many vinyl EPs with EMI in the mid 60s and were successful as recording artistes. In 1968 they became October Cherries and recorded under BAAL, their own label.

Peter Diaz ( in brown), lead guitarist and singer of the band, was interviewed by The Straits Times in Singapore on February 26th, 2009 and was asked about busking. He explained, "Street busking was the one thing I never did in my life-long career in music. It's quite challenging, since there's no ready audience, or script or microphone. You really have to deliver the goods as well as connect with the audience."

Peter had started busking in town and remarked that with the downturn in the economy, the situation was depressing and gloomy but music "might take their minds off things."

He is well known in Singapore's music circle and has a blog of his own. As The Straits Times mentioned, Peter played with rock and roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis, ('Breathless', 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On', 'Great Balls Of Fire'), in the West.

So come on everyone, let's give Peter Diaz some support when you see him on the streets of Singapore. Stop, look and listen because he's really great! And don't forget to contribute.

You Tube: Key in: october cherries singapore