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I lost another old friend today. Andrew Oh, an extraordinary saxophone and flute player passed away from a heart attack in Sydney this morning the 28th of April 2023 whilst going for a cup of coffee. He was also dubbed the “Kenny G” of Australia. We last met for lunch at New Town, Sydney when I was attending my son’s graduation and have kept in touch.
An affable person, who went to St. Patrick’s school in Singapore and was in the school band. During those heady days in the late 60s he played for a number of bands like, The Establishment and in my memory a stint at the Rasa Sayang room in the Tropicana at Scott’s Road. He later left our shores and worked with Anders Nelsson’s band in Hong Kong before making Australia his home.
He once told me that I was his inspiration to become a good musician when he used to watch me play when he was just starting out and opened his mind to modern sounds when he heard my early efforts at amplifying my saxophone, flute and adding effects. His continuous search for new ideas and confidence left him at times frustrated and he confided to me on some occasions. Why did some established musicians keep playing the same old material?
Performing once in Japan, he was very flustered when his band’s vocalist refused to perform because Alicia Keyes was sitting at the corner of the club. He couldn’t understand the lack of confidence.
As he was annoyed, when he had a gig for a few nights at the now defunct Jazz at South Bridge - Singapore. He had sent his material in advance for the local backing musicians. When he arrived he found they had not bothered to prepare for his sets.
Despite his huge reputation in Australia, between performances and recording sessions, he supplemented his income giving lessons. As we all know, a musician’s career does not guarantee a luxurious life and Andrew was a professional in the best of traditions.
Most local “authorities and experts” wouldn’t realise the talent that has been lost and left the country. Of course talent can’t be recognised if you only know what’s within your little box! Disillusioned by the lack of support and opportunities. Andrew was one of those talents.
We will miss you Andrew. Rest In Peace.
The angels are going to love your music.
PS: He joins another illustrious pianist and music arranger Michael Tseng originally from Singapore, who passed away in Sydney earlier this January. Michael was a founder member of Australia’s pioneer rock ‘n roll band fronted by the late singer Johnny O’Keefe. He’s in Australia’s Rock Hall of Fame.
Divine Music Pty Ltd.
237 Miller Street North Sydney.
NSW 2060 Australia.
Images from Horace Wee
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Connect for another article:
Andrew Oh: "Heaven"
YouTube Video by: Andrew Oh
[I have included this lovely instrumental with
Andrew somewhere up there... RIP. Andy.]
