Thursday, November 21, 2019

Singapore 60's Music: Silver Strings New Line-Up 2019

These pix were taken by Andy at a private 
music studio during practice sessions.
Silver Strings from left: Audie Ng, Nick Stravens, Andy Young (blogger), Michael Cheng.  Seated: Johnny Yeow, Peter Han. Pix was taken by Percy DeSilva.
'Silver Strings' Change Guards:

We were all in casuals during a practice jam session (above picture). It's the changing of the guards for the Silver Strings and to keep band names going, 60's guitar groups have new members when previous ones leave. 

Similarly with the Silver Strings: new members with guitarists cum singers and an elite drummer boy. All at ease and relaxed, check the new A Team out before their International Hotel appearance soon.

This write-up consists of only Silver Strings members who were together during a jam session at a friend's studio in October, 2019 Singapore.
Above is veteran old guard and band leader Audie Ng, who has led the band for 55 years and plays the same Fender original bass. He's changed its colour though. Always the boss, he handles any observations without qualms. "It's a tough business, music," he stressed. "But as a hobby, it's more relaxing."
Then, new guard Peter Han, from the internationally well-known group Tokyo Square,  plays lead, rhythm and sings. Quiet and unassuming he plays his guitar without flinching an eye-lid. Watch him, he watches you. "Play the game, keep the flame, burning brightly ever..."
Second new guard Johnny Yeow, who was from The Flying Phantoms, doubles with Peter, playing lead, rhythm and sings. Always smiling, Johnny is amicable and pleasant, proud of the fact he was from elite school R.I. (Raffles Institution). And his Bahasa Indonesia is impeccable.
New drummer, Michael Cheng, percussion sounds ring high as he uses every cymbal, cowbell, tom-tom, bongo and drum-type without any fear or fall. Very good with his chopsticks indeed. Watch out for his elegant pony-tail, a true band-boy with black leather jacket to match and a superb solo to match.
Nicholas Stravens, from The Shangs, is still with the band.  He is as unique as his European name and heritage. With a wide repertoire, he covers Queen (70's) as well as Bobby Darin (50's) Baby Face from Andy. His keyboard wizardry secretes New Orleans jazz, rock, exotic kronchong ones, whatever.
Percy DeSilva provides better Tom Jones renditions in Singapore than those I know. His power vocals and superb harmonica control attract audiences to his performances. Percy has been in music for years and was a leader and drummer of the band Blackgold; performing at the defunct Ladyhill Hotel opposite today's Shangri-la.


The changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, London, England. The phrase just means "replacements" within a group.

This posting is about personal friends of mine who accompany me for a gig.

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2019/12/andy-60s-music-silver-strings-55th_3.html
Images from Andy Young Collection.

13 comments:

  1. Silver Strings new line-up. Thanks guys for photos taken.

    ReplyDelete
  2. TERENCE LEE24.11.19

    Excellent. Have a good show.

    ReplyDelete
  3. YEN CHOW24.11.19

    Interesting facts to learn the challenge faced in order to keep silver strings for 55 years.

    ReplyDelete
  4. FREDA HANUM24.11.19

    Indeed very interesting on the new Silver Strings line up, and wishing Audie & Silver Strings a great 55th Anniversary coming show time, and you too Andy 👏👏👏

    ReplyDelete
  5. FOO JONG FOOK24.11.19

    Wow new lineup for the show next Friday. Keep the music going and rocking and wish SS the very best in local music

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you guys for the congratulatory comments for the boys.
    They are a fantastic group, with new ideas and interpreting pop classics.

    ReplyDelete
  7. STEPHEN HAN24.11.19

    New guards look impressive with lots of singers.

    ReplyDelete
  8. facebook chats24.11.19

    Thanks to Blog/Facebook followers

    Freda Hanum
    Hiroshi Deguchi
    Yen Chow
    Yip Dick
    Ho Victor
    Joycelyn Leong
    Davy Chan
    Chen Hui Si
    Tan Andrew
    Chynna Lee

    For supporting the new Silver Strings line-up

    ReplyDelete
  9. JOHNNY YEOW (SILVER STRINGS: ONE OF TWO LEAD GUITARISTS & SINGER)24.11.19

    Superb brother.
    Very well written.
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Best wishes to the Silver Strings with the new line-up. Keep the music going. I have grown up with your band since the 60s, and also not forgetting Shirley Nair with a wonderful singing voice ! Thank you for the music.

    ReplyDelete
  11. facebook chats24.11.19

    Thanks to the following for support

    Jimmy Appudurai-chua
    Lim Tin Leong
    Koh Sui Pang
    Ann Rowena Lim

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks FL, Stephen Han and Facebook friends for support and Johnny Yeow too, from Silver Strings.

    Thank you all.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Cogratulations Silver Strings for keeping the 60s Music Rockin' n Rollin' !!!

    ReplyDelete