Monday, May 23, 2022

Singapore Musician Ivor Lesslar Compared To Scotty Moore & James Burton

UP TO 400 VIEWS

I thought it important that our Singapore artistes be highlighted on this blog, so when accolades poured in after Ivor's performance I thought it best to post these comments.

REFERENCE

Hilary Francis Concert Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, 20th May, 2022.

SUBJECT

IVOR LESSLAR, SINGAPOREAN GUITARIST - A GIANT!

[1] ANONYMOUS:

I saw Hilary Francis and the SINGAPEACE band yesterday at the esplanade. Never seen any of the band before. I was blown away by Ivor's tone... Brilliant tone that clearly was down from fingers and not pedals. Economical but swinging guitar lines that clearly had drunk from the well of *SCOTTY MOORE.

I had to look him up and search for him... thank you for this background.

[2] UNKNOWN:

Thanks Mr Bangar for the write up of Mr Lasslar. I came to music very late but glad to know that he was from Cell Unlimited Unlimited. Mr Lasslar a very humble man, but when he is on the guitar, he becomes a giant, yes, truly professional, made me feel very comfortable when singing with him playing lead, hope to meet you again Mr Lasslar, cheers n God bless 🙏👏👏
ANDY:

Thank you both for writing to make your comments. I have already sent your mail to them. Also the comments are on Facebook under SG pianist, Mr Jalani Mohd's postings.

I try to promote our local musicians and music. The world will listen if we make our voices heard. So sing louder in a more melodious voice. And like IVOR LESSLAR, play like the great masters. But he's original too.

Cheers to Ivor and Michael.

Then the third letter came...

[3] JIMMY PRESLEE
:

Thank you Mr. Michael Bangar for your true to life persona of Mr. Ivor Lesslar and thank you for the details of his younger days and I didn't know he was a member of the popular CELLS UNLIMITED. He is humble and lets his 'fingers do the talking'. You too Mr. Bangar share the humble and friendly character.

Yes, Mr. Lesslar reminds me of *JAMES BURTON backing Elvis and Ricky Nelson. I have the honour and pleasure to jam and share with Mr. Lesslar on stage twice.

Thoroughly enjoyed them. All the best to you both Mr. Lesslar and Mr. Bangar.

Cheers and God Bless.

And a fourth...

[4] FRED CHING (Facebook):

I can’t describe how lucky I feel because I have had the opportunity of a lifetime: seeing and hearing James Burton and Ivor Lesslar perform in Singapore. Incidentally Burton was here with all the original band members and singers to perform “Elvis The Concert” at the Indoor Stadium and Ivor, when he performed with The Quest Band at Queenstown Community Centre Auditorium during My Queenstown Festival. I had goosebumps pretty much during the whole show and Ivor makes anything look sexy with that hot red guitar. Here’s the homegrown band that once knocked The Beatles off the charts👍❤️🥰…

More about Ivor: 

NB:

It's good to know that at least now our local audiences and music fans have a platform to comment. We never had one...
 
*Scotty Moore and James Burton:

They were both powerhouses with the guitar, the former was with Elvis Presley most of the way during the King's career and performances. 

James Burton too, like Moore was one of the leading pop guitarists those years, backing Ricky Nelson, Johnny Cash and even Frank Sinatra.

Here's an article on Scotty Moore written by Henri Gann from California.
Click below:

Both guitarists: one a lead, the other the rhythmist: 
Ivor is on the left, Michael on the right.

Images: belong to Ivor Lesslar's and Michael Bangar's Collection.

7 comments:

FRED CHING said...

I can’t describe how lucky I feel because I have had the opportunity of a lifetime: seeing and hearing James Burton and Ivor Lesslar perform in Singapore. Incidentally James was here with all the original band members and singers to perform “Elvis The Concert” at Indoor Stadium and Ivor, when he performed with The Quest Band at Queenstown Community Centre Auditorium during My Queenstown Festival. I had goosebumps pretty much during the whole show and Ivor make anything look sexy with that hot red guitar. Here’s the homegrown band that once knocked The Beatles off the charts👍❤️🥰…

JOHN CHER said...

Great versatile musician. Without doubt one of Singapore's most brilliant guitarists!!

STEPHEN HAN said...

Most wanted guitarist.

TERENCE LEE said...

AWESOME.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

FRED CHING,

thanks, a great tribute indeed to a very distinguished artiste. Appreciate you took some moments... I have just added it on the main posting.

And to the others thanks again, on behaalf of IVOR LESSLAR.

FACEBOOK said...

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Elston Gunnn said...

Sir, Thank you. im the guy quoted above who is a Scotty Moore/DJ Fontana fan, and really enjoyed the roots of what I heard of Ivor. Could I also ask of the legacy/know more about the bass player of the Singapeace band. He played with great poise and chosen restraint