Julai Tan Violinist National Day 2018: By Horace Wee Part 2

This article is one of many that good friend and guitar legend Horace Wee has written for the blog. He has always obliged me whenever I requested for one, especially if it's about our Singapore musicians.

Once again, thank you, Horace. 

Mr Julai Tan Image from Straits Times 21.7.2017 Thank you.

Julai Tan

A man of slight build but a giant of a musician. Soft-spoken and a wry sense of humour, he has transcended many generations of musicians. With the ability to adapt to different styles of music, Julai would be first on the list if anyone required a violinist. Any superlatives are unnecessary as this man's career speaks for itself.

Our musical paths have crossed many times over the years. Recording programs with the Radio Orchestra, performing at various functions and at the numerous recording sessions for English, Mandarin, Malay music during the heady days of the sixties.

An unknown fact is that Julai's  Spanish wife at that time was the one who coached me for the correct pronunciation for my recording of Guantanamera. I had expressed my desire to Julai as I am very particular when it comes to any detail related to music. There were many visits to his flat at Prinsep Street for these sessions and I have always been thankful.

There was a day at a recording session at the Kinetex Studios when all the musicians had gone for a coffee break. For some reason, I remained in the studio. While messing around, I decided to plug Julai's mandolin (yes he doubles on it) into a fuzz box and wah-wah pedal. I left it that way and waited to laugh my head off when he next picked it up. No drama, he quietly asked what had I done.

In a way, it was also his turn for some "pay-back". He had a series for string chamber music on the radio. He quietly informed me that I was to be in this program. I had asked for my role in this. He said he wanted me to play the bass clarinet and take the place of the cello. 

Profuse protests from me as I explained that I would have to transpose the parts at sight and what a nightmare it would be. Of course, he was not accepting any of this and just informed me of the studio dates. For myself, the sessions were of intense concentration. As for Julai, he just smiled and said it was the right decision.

Horace Wee (image above) needs no introduction. Just click his name under 'Labels' below to read all his articles, which by the way, are copyrighted. 

I pulled another one on him when we had to play at a state banquet with Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew at the front table. As it was a formal occasion we all had to wear white tuxedos. I borrowed mine as all my clothes were black. I had a large hole in the jacket under the left armpit and I indicated to Julai that I was going to raise my arm to show the Prime Minister how lowly paid we were. 
Ha ha ha, it was a very calm but incredulous look from him.

I last had a mini jam session with Julai at his 91st birthday. We ran through some old tunes and he was sharp as ever. Thanks for the memories. It's been a blast!

From:

Horace Wee

A Happy National Day To All Singaporeans Everywhere.

http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2018/07/national-day-parade-2018-julai-tan.html

*The recording on vinyl Horace Wee mentioned. 'Charlie' And His Orchestra was Charlie Lazaroo.

The Colour Purple in Singapore came way before Oprah Winfrey (Colour Purple Movie) and Prince (Purple Rain Song.)

Mr Julai Tan had many violin recording sessions with us at Kinetex and Oscar Studios. Besides the violin, Julai is also good at the accordion. Above is an LP featuring Julai Tan on the accordion (from Randy Lee Keng: Stylers rhythmist.)