Yusnor: 250 Songs Prolific Talent Heartfelt Lyricism

Young Yusnor

Yesterday:

In 1963, Mohammed Nor (Yusnor) and I used to take a chartered bum-boat every week day from Changi jetty to Pulau Tekong and back . He taught in a Malay primary school and I in a Chinese one.  L2 was so important those years and many teachers were picked to teach English, Malay or Tamil as a 2nd Language in most government schools all over Singapore including the off-shore islands.

In the boat Yusnor would relate to me how he became P. Ramlee's student and learnt the art of movie making from the legend himself.  The stories he told made our 40-minute boat-ride seemed shorter and the sea could sometimes  be rough during stormy weather.  Yusnor was also writing songs for our local pop bands, all 250 and more. That's a lot of songs!

A Changi Bumboat.

After some years as a teacher he was transferred to the Curriculum Development Institute of  Singapore (CDIS) to write text-books, lyrics and produce school documentaries during his ETV (Educational Television) years.   I went abroad but we kept in touch... 

On New Year's night 2014 we shall be watching a sell-out concert in honour of  this quiet and humble gentleman: 

*Di malam itu engkaulah bintang
Ramai yang datang bertepuk riang
(That night you are the star
Many who come will applaud with joy)

He is a true bintang (star) and hero indeed, a hero who uses his pen, which is definitely "mightier than the sword."  

Today:

"Since the ’60s, one Malay music songwriter has stood out in Southeast Asia for his prolific talent and heartfelt lyricism, having lent his magic touch to hundreds of songs by artists such as P Ramlee, Saloma, Ahmad Jais and Anita Sarawak. Till this day, the songs of Singapore Malay music pioneer and Cultural Medallion recipient, Yusnor Ef, continue to be performed and enjoyed by many.

                               You Tube: Saloma: Aku, Dia dan Lagu. Yusnor Ef.

 

Enjoy an evening of songs specially selected by Yusnor Ef, including Gelisah (Restless), Taj Mahal and Joget Malam Berinai (Wedding Night Dance) to be sung by ’60s and ’70s songbird Sanisah Huri, in a rare appearance, joined by other well-loved veteran artists Maria Bachok, J Mizan, A Razak, Zamzam and Rahimah Rahim.

Popular young artists Imran Ajmain, Sezairi, Maya Rahman and Zaibaktian will also grace the concert together with a special guest appearance by Malaysian singer, A Rozaini, who will be singing songs by A Ramlie such as Kasih Sayang Suami Isteri (Love Between Husband & Wife) and Hancurnya Istana Cinta (Broken Love Palace).

Accompanied by Orkestra Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru and guest musicians from Orkestra Melayu Singapura, this special evening features music arranged and conducted by renowned Malaysian composer, Datuk Suhaimi Mohd Zain, affectionately known as Pak Ngah.

For one night only, immerse yourself in beautiful songs that owe much of their appeal to Yusnor Ef's evocative lyrics."

Content from: http://www.esplanade.com/whats_on/programme_info/pentas_aku_dia_dan_lagu/index.jsp

Date: lst January, 2014, Wednesday.

Time: 8pm

(2hrs without intermission. Performed in Malay).    

Venue     Esplanade Concert Hall.

Images from: Google.

Read more about Yusnor by clicking his name under Labels below:

Is Sakura Teng Really Quitting The Stage?

Rita Chao

Sakura Teng.

Is it true? Is Sakura Teng really quitting the stage? She said that it will be her final performance this Sunday where she will appear at a theater in Singapore.

Whatever it is, *read about this lady who sings in so many languages that she became a sensation in the 60s with another petite and cute singer called Rita Chao.

Can singers ever quit the stage? Many of them are still performing their routine and singing ever so gladly the tunes they love.

The Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, Lulu, Engelbert Humperdinck, Paul Anka, Tom Jones, Tony Bennett, Chaka Khan and locals like Poon Sow Keng, Ling Xiao and Matthew Tan are some artistes who are already in their 60s and 70s but still doing their thing.

Bennett is in his 80s and he's still one of the best. Even Glen Campbell was lead to the stage not too long ago to sing his hits with his family members. He said the same about quitting but then Campbell has Alzheimer's.

                       

I have a feeling that Sakura will not sing her last but I am not certain because it looks like more male singers are still active and the ladies aren't. Now is that true?  Anyone?

*Connect: 
http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/search/label/Rita%2FSakura

Images from personal collection.
Original article.

X-periment, Mandarins, Tokyo Square Get Together

 

 

The Greatest Thing

 My Christmas Posting

Tony Fonseca: Tokyo Square

*There's a new world somewhere
They call the Promised Land
And I'll be there someday
If you will hold my hand.
I was thinking what I could post this Christmas season. Not another album from the West nor a Yuletide list of songs from the past.  Combing the vinyls in my little record cupboard I found an LP I had purchased not too long ago.

A group of late 60s and 70s Singapore musicians got together and recorded on Polygram ten songs in praise of God. It was, according to the sleeve back-cover, "a Gospel music adventure to spread His Word through a variety of popular music rhythms." It's no Christmas album but polished enough to be on that special list.  If you can find a copy around it's a great gift for someone on this special occasion.

Derek Danker: The Mandarins

This project together with the 5 locals had inspired 5 female singers who had, "never experienced the rigors of recording ... to lend their lovely voices" for the Lions Studio Polygram Singapore get-together.

This unique encounter had two (Matthew) Mandarins guitarists, two X-periment synthesiser, Fender Rhodes experts and a Tokyo Square percussionist to press songs by Dusty Springfield, Dion DiMucci, Mark Tendergrass and other pop composers from the West.

The result was a one-off gem of a vinyl piece called, He's The One. Wonderful Encounter (front sleeve cover below), by Derrick and Richard Danker, Mervyn and Dudley Nonis and Tony  Fonseka.  The female vocals included contributions from Wendy, Grace, Linda, Judith and Sharon.


Mervyn Nonis: The X'periment

It's a long, long, journey
So stay by my side
When I'll walk through the storm
You'll be my guide, be my guide.

A host of people helped in this project and would include Patrick Cheong, John Herbert and Eddie Seet from Polygram. Nearly twenty other people were involved and according to the sleeve that spoke, they thanked the "Lord for allowing it all to happen."

Finally the choice of songs. The tracks included the big hit, I'll Never Find Another You (New World Somewhere), The Greatest Thing, Welcome to the Family, Daddy others like Centre of My Life, I Put away my Idols, and an original by Mervyn (right), My Song to You (Jesus).

Image from: glowingguitars.com

As is always in local music folk-lore, Singapore 80s usually showcased the 60s and 70s. This recording was done in 1985. That's nearly 30 years ago.

It is a well-thought out and recorded piece.  Vocals by the ladies especially, New World Somewhere could have hit the top charts in the 60s.  Tracks by the guys were similarly well recorded with great voice quality but it would have been convenient for a reviewer if the singer's name was provided after each song for easy identification of artiste.

But if I should lose your love, dear
I don't know what I'd do
For I know I'll never find another you...

A Blessed Christmas to my friends, supporters and readers for a new and peaceful 2014.


Record Front Cover by Courtesy of Polygram Records.

*Lyrics by Tom Springfield: Seekers - I'll Never Find Another You
Images: Blogger's Collection. With thanks to Polygram Records.
Art Direction n Design: Patrick Low n Bernard Holmberg.
Photography: Henry Wong, Patrick Low.
Art Work: Vincent Ng, of Vin n Art.

Thunderbirds, Silver Strings, The Dukes, Checkmates Together National Theatre and Boys Town

Front Cover of Souvenir Programme: From Boys' Town Facebook.

47 Years Ago Today:

In the 60s when a variety show was held, either at the most popular venues like the National Theatre at Tank Road, Victoria Theatre at Stamford Road or in smaller venues like the FnN Hall at Kim Seng Road or SJAB Hall at Beach Road, the souvenir magazine was usually a simple 8 to 10 page booklet made out of typing paper.  At times it consisted of an A4 size paper folded and stapled into place to form the evening's programme.

The Early Bird Line-Up of The Thunderbirds

The inner pages were usually printed in black and white with a mildly colourful cover page done using silk-screen printing in two colours and the paper's white background (image one). Graphics could be quite attractive depending on the amateur artist's ability and committee in charge.


Personally David, Merlin and Danny Boy (Osman) were the nicest guys ever!

The rest of the pages would be filled with pictures and write-ups of our local pop stars while the centre-fold revealed the programme for the evening.  It was standard procedure.

The Surfers from album cover.

The printing would usually be done manually using a *Gestetner duplicating machine.  Such a procedure saved cost but with a little more financial backing the organisers would have the programme printed professionally by a company as the Peep Pop Show programme (image 4) shows.

A Typical Pop 60s Show.  The Best There Was, And Well Worth The Entrance Ticket.

Again the choice depended upon the organisers' financial situation and whether there were advertisements between pages. These advertisements from sponsors would certainly have covered part of the cost.


Siglap Five With Jeffridin.

The above show sponsored by Boys Town OBA could have been less expensive to produce in the 60s where bands performed because they loved the glamour and glory of being pop stars.  Some bands were also eager to help out with the charities that needed assistance.  Mostly the boys and girls who participated were doing the gigs for fun and enjoyment while earning an honorarium.



Checkmates - Without Doubt In The Top Five Category.

This particular charity event showcased the best of the guitar groups from the 60s. It could have had attracted a large audience at the National Theatre seeing that it was held on 9th December 1966, exactly 47 years ago since it was a time of year-end festivities like Christmas and New Year. It was also the school holiday season.  Boys Town had organised successful shows like this one to help raise funds.



From Velvetones To Firebyrds. Recorded too.

The bands featured that night need no introduction. Except for one or two, the line-up of artistes were the best from our local 60s stable. They were well-represented with an array of top singers and guitar personalities from Singapore. Even bands from the UK were participating and included singers like Brian Neale, Leroy Lindsay and Winston Walters. Terry Marsden compered the show.

The National Theatre Singapore (1963-1986).

If you had attended this particular show 47 years ago please write in because it would be exciting to have you bring back memories that happened nearly half a century ago. You don't have to give your name. Would really be great cause I know hundreds of people would have been involved in planning and executing such a large happening.



*A Manual Office Duplicating Machine

Images: From Boys' Town Facebook and Bloggers' Collection.

50s, 60s, 70s Music Everywhere, But Where? Ambassadors Of Music.

Commuting by Space Craft

The cliche goes, "A thousand words are not as good as one seeing."  A young lady reporter from a popular youth magazine who met me for an interview commented on the blog and asked for more images to be posted when I write an article.  So here it is folks. Lots of pictures and not too many words. But can you guess the venue?

The week-end was spent on a flight beyond the horizon where the alien-blue spacecraft (image above) journeyed us to a place where music was present every time and everywhere.


We Soar Into Alien Skies

The poster lit-up in this community of about 5,000 people revealed an all night party with more than five music groups performing, not at the same time but within a period of 72 hours.

 

 Tis The Season To Meet Mary?

Music Connection I:

During the day there was George the  keyboardist who wooed and wowed the crowd with his versatility on the instrument. He played on Shop Street as the passers-by went on their Christmas gift hunts. Saxy reveals, jingling bells and soothing strings filled the air. And the fanfare came from George alone using his gadget. "Trumpets sound and angels sing, listen to what they say..."

You Tube Bee Gees Saturday Night Fever



Addicted To Dance

Music Connection II:

When night fell , there was this big 60s guitar group playing in the ballroom that had patrons shouting, Let's Twist Again and warming up to Saturday Night Fever. Hovering around I saw celebrities from the past under the disco-lights. Shades of Chubby Checker and John Travolta! Were they really on the floor? And Olivia Newton John?  "On the waves of the air,/ There is dancin' out there./If it's somethin' we can share,/We can steal it."

Disco Fever Givers

Music Connection III:

Meanwhile on Shop Street, when keyboardist George left to put on his suit and bow-tie to join the jazz group, the moon peeked down and witnessed that another party had gathered under the bridge. Five people were on it and dressed smartly in different uniforms, they screamed the letters Y.M.C.A. many times from the bridge singing Village People's famous hit and other 70s disco-pops.

Young  Men  Can  Activate!

Still cannot guess where we were?  As usual there are no prizes for your answers since it's all in fun and games.

You Tube The Shadows: Theme from Deer Hunter

Songs Of Silence By Soloist On Strings.

Music Connection IV:

Some guests who preferred a quieter venue went upstairs to listen to a lone guitarist's version of the haunting Cavatina, theme from the movie, Deer Hunter. I sat enhanced, watching and listening to this soloist on strings.  After a while I realised I was the only person sitting at the lounge for more than an hour enjoying the tranquil music being played. The few who came left after a while. Perhaps they preferred rap or do they understand music when they hear a piece? One man's meat...

Jeepers Creepers Take A Look At Those Peepers!

Music Connection V:

A change of scene at daybreak and sexy singer Savanna (hope I got her name right since we met in the evening) sang her hotties on Shop Street.  On the left is the bassist who also contributed many songs for the afternoon's mall scene.  His rendition of Billy Ray Cyrus'  Achy Breaky Heart drew a large crowd.

One of the best jazz bands ever.

 Above is one of the best jazz-band there is on Shop-Street.  Playing many big swing band numbers, they came on with 40s and 50s hits like Chattanooga Choo Choo and Take 5. Every member provided a solo piece and that included melodies played on the trombone, trumpets, saxophones, guitar, keyboard, bass and drums. Name the hits and they would have played them.

This gentleman sings the blues but all in Chinese. Unique indeed.

Music Connection VI:
Some patrons who were not into Western pops wandered into another lounge  where a gentleman sang the blues in Chinese. So he pleased this community with choices from Teresa Teng and other Mandarin singers from the 60s and 70s.



She's With Heels, Remember? Jokes she's 7 feet tall.

I had my date with the lady in black but only for a brief moment because she had to hurry, change her garb and charge into the discotheque to do her numbers in tight blue jeans.  Savanna was pleasant indeed to chat with.

And that sweet city woman,/She moves through the light,/Controlling my mind and my soul./When you reach out for me/Yeah, and the feelin' is bright..."

Six to eight music happenings day and night in 72 hours but all within the confines of a little planet no bigger than a small town. *Do you know where we were? Please write in.

This posting is not an advertisement but one to highlight how important musicians are as ambassadors of entertainment.  Since there are many musicians most names have not been mentioned.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

*We were on board Mariner of the Seas from The Royal Caribbean Liners fleet of mega-ships. (Answer given on Wednesday, December 4th, 2013 by Peter Chan. Thank you sir.

Images: Blogger's Collection and Kvaerner Masa-Yards.

Lyrics from song, Saturday Night Fever by Bee Gees.



Airport Song: from 'Magna Carta' Refers To Singapore Flight [by Allan Thompson RAF 1964]

'Airport Song' by Magna Carta from You Tube: Producciones Cinico. 

The song refers to a flight to Singapore.

I had to give this posting its own space because of Allan's nostalgic note below and the song he introduced. As I mentioned on the comment page, it's a new song for me. Thanks Allan.

Dear Andy,

I suppose you know this lovely song which refers to Singapore. It reminds me of a day in late October, 1964 (almost 50 years ago now) when my flight from London to *Changi was delayed overnight due to thick fog. (I had been in the UK for an aircrew selection board at Biggin Hill and was returning to Singapore to resume my tour of duty there).

Changi Air Base 1966. With thanks to singas.co.uk

Later on in years whenever I hear the song, I am reminded of that day, and of the following day when the aircraft finally landed and I was enveloped by the heat, the smells and the sounds of the island I had grown to love during the previous 15 months. Happy days indeed. 

*Possibly Changi Airbase.

Allan Thompson RAF.

Magna Carta is a Progressive rock group
originally formed in London in April 1969.
With Chris Simpson (guitar, vocals),
Lyell Tranter (guitar, vocals), and Glen Stuart (vocals).

'Airport Song' by Magna Carta

Sitting in the airport lounge
I'm waiting for a plane
Everything is grounded
For the fog is down again
I should be leaving in the morning
On a flight for Singapore
With a guitar and a suitcase and a face
In a photograph

Dozing with a coffee and a drooping cigarette
And the dog eats Sunday supplement
And still I can't forget
I should be leaving in the morning
On a plane bound for the sun
With a guitar and a suitcase and a face
In a photograph

The hands on the clock
Turn around and around
Dragging past the hours
'till the dawning of the day
And the girl in information
With her eyes on confirmation
She's turning with a smile to break the news

I cannot quite believe it, but I thought I heard her say,
'The customs all have woken up, the fog is on it's way'
So I'll be leaving in the morning...

Images: from Google.
Changi airbase image from: http://www.singas.co.uk/HTML/changi.html

Singapore Airport voted the best airport 

in the world for 3 consecutive years.

https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-trb-singapore-best-airport-skytrax-20150312-story.html

The Silver Strings Rocked Orchard Road Central

Images are not very clear.

The Silver Strings.

It was a large crowd indeed at the Platinum Music World Disco Venue at Orchard Central but more importantly they were very supportive, singing and clapping to the performance that evening.

Rickie Chng highlighted as he plays FBI.

The mostly silver tsunami Silver Strings supporters who came were re-living the 60s Orchard Road  phenomenon with sounds from the Shadows like, Apache and FBI played by lead guitarist Rickie Chng (image above - with silver mop) who won over the audience with his professional finger gallops.

Singapore's Chuck Berry Patrick Chan with Johnny B. Goode.

Rhythm guitar Patrick took over the microphone and enthralled the crowd with Johnny B. Goode, the Chuck Berry classic.  Great rocker Pat!  He came on again later in the night with a tribute to Keith Locke and the Quests singing, You Lied. The applause was deafening.


Audie Ng always has a smile for his audience as Nick concentrates.

Audie was in the spotlight when he went solo with bars from Elvis' Mean Woman Blues.  He looked resplendent carrying his white bass guitar and charismatic smile.

Silver Strings fans in the front row seats.

Guardian Angel Rickie makes sure I do it right.

The band accompanied me with My Hometown, Diana, Red River Rock, and Mean Woman Blues while pop singer Irene Yap saved me with her beauty and graciousness when I went on the aisle. The other pretty lady (sorry didn't ask her name) helped me with my awkward dance steps.



At the drums, Oliver Bala with My Lonely Heart.

Drummer Oliver Bala, who had a percussion hide-away all to his own at the back of the stage was finally in the limelight with his tribute to local band The Thunderbirds singing My Lonely Heart.  Later on and in contrast he screamed the night away with the Beatles' top hit, I Saw Her Standing There.


The youngest one, keyboardist Nick.

Keyboardist Nick was next with Cliff's Young Ones. The audience connected when he sang, "And some day, When the years have flown,  Darling, then we'll teach the young ones, Of our own." The crowd repeated every line.  We rehearsed Stoney but Nick who is Singapore's Lobo did not perform it.

Crowd enjoying the show.

By about 9pm the house was packed and nobody moved as the Strings played The Ventures' version of El Cumbanchero.  Lead Rickie completed the instrumentals with Midnight in Malaya from Boy and the Rollin' Kids.  The crowd was melted by nostalgia magic.



Veronica Young, Singapore's Millie Small took over the stage. And the crowd burst with energy again as she thrilled the audience with My Boy Lollipop, Stupid Cupid and Hippy Hippy Shake.



Powerhouse Veronica Young with Connie Francis', Where The Boys Are.

Her rendition of My Happiness, Frankie and That's All I Want From You subdued the crowd as they listened to her sing about 15 hits altogether that included Too Late For Tears, Silver Threads and Golden Needles and Happy Birthday Baby, tributes to Shirley Nair, The Crescendos and Naomi and the Boys. She ended the evening's gaiety with Gronloh's Burung Kakak Tua and sang an encore, You Mean Everything To Me.  




Fans from all over Singapore.



Andy and Veronica with house boss Marissa after the show.

Eddino Abdul Hadi  Recommends: Straits Times LIFE Happenings article - 15.11.2013.

Images from The Straits Times Press, Marissa (Sweetymariz), Audie Ng, Veronica Young.
Check their FB pages for more photographs.

Apologies to Merlin Lim (original rhythm guitarist and Philip's recording artiste) who went to the club but could not get in touch with me. I had invited him personally to come.