I've had a blast working with these really battle-hardened veteran musicians. Truly an honor for a young man like me.
Chris Rodrigo, the supporter of local music and truly unbridled facial hair, stands tall and was the manager of the band for the day. Thanks Chris!
Ivor Lesslar is a tall Eurasian man who is much kinder than he looks. I swear he belongs to an ancient and rare breed of electric guitar players who is able to wield a Fender Stratocaster and coax beautiful and musical tones out of it. The other person whom I know belongs to this breed is of course Mr. Latiff Jalil with his fat Strat!
Nick Osman plays a mean drum groove and its truly amazing how such loud and accurate tones can come out of such a small man. Standing in front of his drumkit, I felt my cranium almost explode from the tremendous volume of his kick drum. He's also the only drummer I know who walks around 24/7 with a metronome and headset and I am curious to know if he's also keeping time when having a conversation with people.
A hardcore music/jazz lover and representative of the Indian ethnic group in the band, Ravi Coopusamy seems to be the baby of the band even when I am around. His childlike demeanor means that he is instantly forgiven on the occasion he tinkles the wrong notes on the ivories.
Maestro Victor Pillay calls himself an Indian Peranakan. I am completely blown away by his splendid piano technique, restraint and easygoing character. A gem in Singapore and hands down the best piano player I've personally worked with.
Newer is not better. Different, yes. The old school cats are incredible team players in a band and they definitely have much to pass on.
Written by: Clarence Chung
18th January 2013.
Thanks so much Clarence. Hope you still remember this article you wrote some years ago. If you are still out there and reading this post, do write in again.
Andy.
22nd August, 2025.
Unfortunately I don't know these fine musicians but I'm sure that if they feel the same sentiments as I do in the world of music then they are truly amazing and gifted people with a passion in their soul.
ReplyDeleteMet him once or twice, pre-Covid. Other than that, no clue... Well brought up young chap.
ReplyDeleteI must have met them in the dim distant past. But my memory's not as good as before...
ReplyDeleteThanks Cedric, Ivor and Larry for the comments made. At our age we are forgetful but appreciate that you are all so frank. Yes, Cedric, they are: "truly amazing and gifted people with a passion in their soul."
ReplyDeleteA well-remembered group of Singapore musicians who gave what they have, each with a talent of his own. Clarence Chung too. Salute.
ReplyDelete👍👍👍
ReplyDeleteI know Ivor.
ReplyDeleteHe was with 'Cells Unlimited' in the late 60's and played with 'The Quests' too.
[edited]
From what I gather, these music gentlemen are from a younger lot of folks that we from the 60s might not be familiar with but if you are, as a reader, know any of them, please feel free to write... Thank you. [Again appreciate those who responded.]
ReplyDelete"Newer is not better. Different, yes. The old school cats are incredible team players in a band and they definitely have much to pass on." Clarence Chung.
ReplyDeleteDuring The Days Of
ReplyDeleteGolden Venus, Celestial Room, Etc.
Those Musicians Have An Outlet To Perform Almost Regularly n There Will Be Other Band Members Who Are Invited To JAM With the Resident Band. That's So Good n Wonderful To Play, Learn n Refine Their Skill, Inorder To Broaden the Musicians Horizon.
All Musicians Hve Their Own Style of Playing n By Mixing n Playing With Different Ppl., That Can Only Be Helpful By Enriching Each Other's Musical Journey. Hope All Those Young Musicians Can Hve A Regular Place To Play, Practice, Learn From Various Other Band Mates So As To Progress Further In Their Endeavors, By Being Better Musicians.
Ours Are " The Days Of Wine and Roses. "
Theirs, Are The Best That They Can Be n
The Skies the Limit.
Good Luck Guys, Dolls, Happy Playing n Enjoy.
It's Better To Have
Loved n Lost, Than
Not To Hve Love At All.
Thanks Merlin, that's a beautiful piece coming from a 60s musician like you who had done vinyl recordings in the 60s for Singapore music. Truthful and sincere, we hope the way musicians connect with each other will increase with leaps and bounds...
ReplyDelete