Gus (pianist/leader); Caesar Alano (trombone); Joachim Suares 'Joy' (double bass); Reynaldo Lachica (alto sax/clarinet); Ahmad Jaafar (tenor sax/clarinet/flute); Val Ortega (alto sax/clarinet); Olympio Galaura (trumpet); Rufino Soliano (drums, vibraphone). Photo taken at Studio A Radio Singapore.
The Expatriates
The island’s ambience at the shipping crossroads was certainly a lure for many visitors to stay. Slava Tairoff a White Russian, came via Peking China. He was the bandleader at then exclusive British Tanglin Club as well as the President of The Musicians Union in 50/60s. After many years he left for Australia. Louis Moyser a Hungarian, played in the Radio Malaya/Singapore orchestra and gave violin lessons at his flat in Eu Court. So did Dirk Kalf a violinist and Dutchman who lived at then distant Serangoon Gardens. Dan Hopkins was a drummer who also worked in the Radio Orchestra
Filipinos also came and many were prominent in music circles. The Anciano family formed The Far Eastern School of Music successfully teaching many students. There was also Fred Libio, Villanuevas, Buenaventuras, Bacsafras, Lachicas and music powerhouse the Solianos. Others such as trumpeter Olympio Galaura’s family were apparently from a visiting circus.
Dick Abel, a guitarist of Dutch descent, hailing from Indonesia led the Radio Malaya (Singapore).Orchestra after the previous leader Cor Rife. He moved to London, after which Gus Steyn a pianist and Dutchman who also came via Indonesia succeeded Dick Abel as the orchestra leader.
Many local musicians and performers made their mark. Violinists Susheela Devi, Clara Verghese, Alphonso Anthony, Julai Tan, pianists Theresa Filmer (nee Khoo), Charles Lazaroo and trumpeter Tony Castillo were among them. Singers Saloma, Julie Sudiro, Kartina Dahari, Peggy Tan and Ahmad Daud were popular during those days.
Comments are welcome.
More than a dozen comments below. Do click n check.
Author: Horace Wee.
Excellent article by Horace Wee. Andy, I have passed to several whatsapp Chats n friends whom I think would appreciate such a article
ReplyDeleteAndy, pls send my best regards from BAHAMAS, CARRIBEAN ISLAND NORTH OF CUBA
ReplyDeleteHi JIMMY. Thanks for support. Hopefully the Caribbean islanders appreciate such news pieces. They have their own music too, just as good if not better.
ReplyDeleteThat was fast
ReplyDeleteYou should know our famous JIMMY
ReplyDeleteYes. Sings his way around the world.
ReplyDeleteGood, better, best
ReplyDeleteNever let it rest
Till your good is better
And your better, best.'
Yes. One of the numerous campaign jingles by the government. This one to promote productivity.
ReplyDeleteRecorded/produced at my studio
Thanks RICHARD. You are really good. How did you know about the jingle?
ReplyDeleteA theme song composed and arranged by Charles Lazaroo.
ReplyDeleteThe music scene in early Singapore was indeed colorful and vibrant, thanks to the many musically talented persons who graced our shores. Trudy Connors, Eddie Gomez, Gus Steyn and Soliano are some of the names I remember. However, I do remember all of the local musicians or performers mentioned in the article. There's one other local performer who goes by the stage name Alias Congo. I don't know his actual name but he does comedy and I remember listening to a song of his which has lyrics that goes something like this:-
ReplyDeleteAiyah (or aiyoh?) Cik Siti,
Perumpan banyak lawa,
Anak banyak, susah,
Jalan tutup mata !
Wow! Thanks Jimmy. An interesting personality you've brought in. He was a great comedian and like you mentioned, he sang as well. Will try to check out the song and readers are welcomed to identify it too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Andy and Horace. Good memories. I have performed with all of the singers in the blog. May their souls RIP.
ReplyDelete🙏 Keep music live 🎶🎶🎶
Hello Danny, thanks for sharing. You must have great memories! And you're still as active as ever.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Horace.
ReplyDeleteI love these sort of memories of Singapore's vibrant musical past. You have so many stories, man.
Best
Hope Horace reads your comment. He's not only a great guitarist but a superb story teller. Thanks Steve. How' the teaching going on at the University?
ReplyDeleteA ‘GEM’ to be able to present such a nostalgic article. It was great of Horace to painstakingly collect such memoirs , without knowing that his hobby would one day appear on your blog. Well done Andy n great foresight Horace!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laurence. You are a GEM too with your singing as a hobby with a pop band called THE TREBLES. We should all meet one of these days.
ReplyDelete