*Silver Strings 50th Anniversary Artistes: 1964 - 2014

In this posting artistes are featured in random order:

Larry Lai (Guest MC) and Jerry Fernandez

                                                    

 Ernesto Valerio (Guest Artiste)

 Mike and Herb:

                   Silver Strings - Mike and Herb - Video by wak jono.

                                            Let 'Em Come!
                       
                                Yes, to our Concert at RELC.

Most of you know Mike and Herb (image above, holding mics). They have been back in Singapore these last few times to perform. Known as the Beatles of Malaysia, the brothers migrated to Australia years ago.  

In the 60s they recorded some songs under the Philips label backed by the *Silver Strings. They had successful gigs here, appeared in night clubs everywhere and had tours to Malaysia and surrounding countries with Shirley Nair and other local recording artistes.

Two very nice guys, Mike and Herb are quiet during rehearsals but dynamite on stage. I remember the concert we had at Vivo City in 2008 November where they rock n rolled themselves from the stage to the audience, dancing with a bevy of pretty but sweaty ladies and a professor friend who followed them all the way from Australia just to hear them sing (scream).

They still haven't lost their edge today.

Mustapha Al-Johary

After performing for a show sponsored by a New Zealand brewery in the early 70s, Mustapha Al-Johary decided to stay put on the paradise island after falling in love with the lovely Maori people, Kapa Haka, poi and kiwi bird.

It was a contract he would never forget. Mustapha has stayed there ever since.

During Singapore's golden age of music, he flew with The Jets, was taken by the Hi-jacks, baited by Flybaits and was finally tied-up with the Silver Strings to perform in Hong Kong.

Known as Al Santos today, he still performs occasionally in NZ  and had appeared in gigs in Bali and other parts of Indonesia. Elvis Presley, Tom Jones or Engelbert Humperdinck, Mustafa can sing like anyone of them.

Currently he is in Djakarta playing under the NZ Embassy banner at a concert where singers are backed by a 27 piece orchestra.

Si, chap looks a bit like Antonio Banderas? No?

Rickie

Rickie puts friendship before music and homework before rehearsals.  He is polite, respects views and discusses with his group the list of songs before committing them to music scores. 

In the forthcoming concert, it will be his second time around playing under the Silver Strings banner. 

Rickie prefers to remain under the radar and explains that he's in the band to play lead and accompany the singers.  "Please do not write anything else about me..." 

We respect his wishes. Below is an edited extract from a previous posting:

"He has been with Shadows' styled groups since the 1960s. During practices with him Rickie has provided strong and confident backing. His prowess as a guitarist shows when he tackles with ease the opening bars to each number rehearsed.
 
Rickie played for a while with The Trailers during Singapore's golden music years and has been within the guitar circuit since. A regular at the Tanglin Community Club he is currently playing with another band, The Esquires.  He believes in Fender and owns a Stratocaster 40th re-issue."

Bobo

Bobo plays rhythm for this gig.  He is one of those artistes who does not only perform but entertain on stage. 

Heavy metal, Latino, rock, Bobo is always there to lead with an instrumental number or accompany his singers.  Still in the music circuit, he has been playing with his own group, Los Bobos for many years.

His real name is Abdulah Yusof Nawawi and was once with The Neu Faces or Muka Baru. They did an LP, Muka Baru, which featured the sound of a motor-cycle and Bobo had brought his own bike to the studio to record the sound of its engine.

Four of the tracks on the album had lyrics and music by Bobo. They are Hari Minggu, Gadis Manis, Joget Jual Beli and of course, Motor with original sound effects.  

Nick

Another quiet but alert music man is Nick whose nifty fingers move along the keyboard like no other local player that I've seen. Known as Singapore's Lobo he has teamed up with many bands and known guitar groups, playing professionally.

Like the rest of the Silver Strings line-up, Nick's experience shows when he is able to harmonize and blend with the group playing any pop piece under the sun. Sing, strum or blow a false note and he is able to correct but advice immediately.  So no fooling around with this veteran who's been playing since the 70s.

We last met after the show at the Nightclub in Orchard Road's Lucky Plaza on a November night in 2013.  He doesn't reply to SMS's much but does his best when he accompanies the singers on stage. 

Everyone will be glad to team up again with Nick. Like Danny Boy he's another cool cat. Truly.

Danny Boy

I have known Danny since the band started in 1964. He works hard at his drums and doesn't miss a beat. A number of percussionists have played with the Silver Strings but Danny's the original and the best. 

He knows his rock, blues,  jazz, Latin and has never failed with off-beat chacha nor bossa-nova. Listen to him at Orange Grove Road in Orchard when he hits the skins on 16th August at 7.30pm. 

"The drummer boy from Eunos Side went crash, boom, bang, The whole rhythm section was the Silver Gang."

                                   Veronica Young with Frankie

Andy

Will be singing my usual songs for fun and our loving fans.

Veronica Young

She needs no introduction having sung in Singapore for the past 45 years and more. Veronica is so popular that she is lovingly known as, "Ah Soh".  She has performed all over Singapore, Malaysia and overseas, even on cruise ships that ply Europe. 

With a rich, vibrant voice Veronica can sing any number you choose. She rocks the deck with, Hippy, Hippy Shake; calms your nerves with, Where the Boys Are, makes the ladies happy with, Lipstick on your Collar and brings the house down singing, My Boy Lollipop.

She's the concert highlight and will end the Silver Strings Anniversary gig with more than a dozen songs.  

                                                             Audie Ng

Last to be announced, he is the top man actually.  Financier, planner, strategist and melody-maker, Audie does them all.  With more than 50 years of experience this man can make or break any gig so watch it.

He is as old as his Fender bass-man and together with the rest of the group plans the performances on stage. Word has it that he intends to sing during the concert. That's a good move so if Andy decides not to appear that night, the stage is clear for Audie and The Silver Strings.

*The Silver Strings family comprises 10 members, 5 band folks and 5 vocals.

(Some information has been written in jest.)

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