A Tribute To The Late Robbie Robertson: By Horace Wee

The late Robbie Robertson.

Credit: Kevin Mazur / WireImage.

Generally when a person passes away, a flurry of tributes and condolences respond to the announcement. I felt emptiness and disillusionment when there was almost a deafening silence in responses on the passing of this man when the news broke on Wednesday the 9th of August 2023 in this part of our world. It seemed like the news of his passing had been hurled into dark cyber space and was lost forever in a black hole.

Robbie Robertson was an iconic guitarist, composer and musician who carved out a niche for himself in the heady days of the 60s and 70s fronting a group named, The Band. This consisted of Canadians Rick Danko on bass, pianist Richard Manuel, Robbie on guitar and Garth Hudson on organ and other instruments and was a principal architect of the group's sound. Levon Helm was the American drummer and vocalist.

The Band: Up On Cripple Creek

YouTube Video from: bluearmyfr111

Helm was known for his deeply soulful, country accented voice, multi-instrumental ability, and creative drumming style, highlighted on many of the Band's recordings. Robbie Robertson being best known for writing the anthem like song The Weight, Up On Cripple Creek and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.

With the deaths of Richard Manuel in 1986, Rick Danko in 1999, Levon Helm in 2012, and Robbie Robertson in 2023, Hudson is the last living original member of the band.

The Band [l-r]: With Richard Manuel, Levon Helm, 

Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Robbie Robertson.

https://www.amazon.ca/Band-Vinyl/dp/B00XX3CR9S

Robbie grew up in a Native American reservation during his youth and learned music from his mother’s side of the family who were Mohawk and lived on the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve. He rose to prominence with The Band backing Bob Dylan when he went from acoustic to controversial electric performances. With The Band striking out on their own, they carved a niche sound that many have not been able to copy. There were elements of folk, rock, country and Southern rock that influenced people as diverse as The Allman Brothers, George Harrison and Eric Clapton.

The very essence of The Band is captured in the classic Martin Scorsese documentary film The Last Waltz.(1978) This was their farewell concert at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. In one instance, Eric Clapton’s guitar strap comes unhinged and Robbie takes over the solo completely unfazed. He maintained a very close relationship with Martin Scorsese over the years and scored several of the films like Raging Bull, The Wolf On Wall Street and completing the forthcoming Scorsese film, Killers of the Flower Moon just prior to his passing.

May Robbie on his journey to the heavens find eternal peace.

(July 5, 1943 – August 9, 2023)

For the love and respect of his Native American heritage, donations may be made to the Six Nations of the Grand River to support a new Woodland Cultural Center.

Written by: Horace Wee

[Many thanks to our own guitar maestro, who wrote this article at the request of rhythm guitarist, Michael Bangar and myself.] 

Robbie Robertson: Somewhere Down The Crazy River

Official Music Video: YouTube Robbie Robertson.

Images: Google.

Article: Horace Wee [Copyrights Reserved]

Andrew Oh: RIP: A Tribute By Horace Wee

 UP TO 900 VIEWS

19 CONDOLENCES,

      COMMENTS      

      COMBINED       

Andrew Oh

Why is it only after you’ve gone, everyone wants to know more. Searching to all reaches of the internet and lamenting for a loss that perhaps we should have appreciated and recognised more when someone was still alive.

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.

Written by Horace Wee 

Images from Horace Wee

The article has been copyrighted.

Connect for another article:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2023/04/rip-world-class-singaporean-born-andrew.html

Andrew Oh: "Heaven" 

YouTube Video by: Andrew Oh

[I have included this lovely instrumental with

Andrew somewhere up there... RIP. Andy.]

RIP: World Class Singaporean-Born Andrew Oh: Saxophonist

The late Andrew Oh, world renowned saxophonist.

[From his Facebook image.]

 UP TO 900 VIEWS

19 CONDOLENCES,

      COMMENTS      

He was a true blue Singaporean but left our shores for Sydney Australia, and, quoting Gail Brennan from The Sydney Morning Herald, "A great deal better than the trillion selling Kenny G. Andrew Oh is an outstanding player at an international level."

Anders Nelsson, from his Facebook page: "I'm devastated to hear that one of my best friends... passed away... Rest In Peace dear Andrew!" An ex-saxophonist with The Establishment Mr. Oh became one with Nelsson's Gingerbread.

Sean Whittington: The Sunday Mail remarked, "Move over Kenny G, there's a new star saxophonist on the block - and he lives down under!"

Mr Oh had performed with international stars like Al Jarreau, The Bee Gees, Cher, Elaine Paige, John Denver, Roberta Flack, Sammy Davis Jr., Tommy Emmanuel, The Supremes and other great names.

RIP Mr Andrew Oh. Condolences to your immediate family.

Andrew Oh: Change The World. 

YouTube Video: by Andrew Oh.

Below: from Andrew Oh Music

http://www.andrewohmusic.com.au/

A special tribute from Horace Wee follows this posting...

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2023/04/rip-world-class-singaporean-born-andrew.html

Cyril Terrence de Souza RIP - A Horace Wee Tribute - Andy 60s Music

Terrence de Souza

UP TO 2,000 VIEWS 24 COMMENTS

He leaves to dance with the flowers and butterflies. To jam with his pals again in heaven.  

Cyril Terrence de Souza was another unsung hero of the Singapore music industry.

He was a warm, kind and generous person and never had a harsh word and always had a calm pleasant disposition. Known by many in the musical circles, he was never one to push himself to the forefront, preferring to diligently play his designated role as a pianist accompanying many of the industry stalwarts.

Over the many years that I’ve known him, playing together in the radio orchestra or meeting him somewhere when  he was playing a solo piano gig or with a small group, it was always - hi, haven’t seen you for ages, how are you and a grin. A quiet man of few words, I never actually engaged in a long conversation with him. When I tried, he always responded in a sentence, probably followed with an agreeable nod or a yes. Very sparing in his words. He did move about with his residences, and I would often ask where he stayed or generally what he was up to. At one time he was staying across the road from me at a house in Gerald Drive.

He was already a working pianist from the 60s but worked in the library of Radio Singapore for many years. It was like he was a pianist-in-waiting for the radio orchestra. The day finally came when he secured the position of pianist. I guess he was really biding his time and jumped at the opportunity.

I would not categorize him as a jazz pianist though he could play in that vein. He could be described as an all round pianist, that could function in any music environment, group or as a solo lounge pianist. There were times I would get up to jam with him if I happened upon one of his gigs. He’d just ask for the tune I wanted to play, nod his head and proceed to play an introduction.

Besides gigging in his later years, he also gave piano lessons. I had heard he was living in Australia these years, and it was a surprise when I found he had returned to Singapore. That was only a few months ago, when his cousin Boni de Souza mentioned visiting him. From the photos, he had aged appreciably and was wheelchair bound.  One never knows the day when life ends and for Terry it was just a few months later. I’m still happy to have recalled some of the times in this quiet man’s company.

Condolences to the family.

Rest In Peace Cyril Terrence de Souza.

16th September 2021.

Written by Horace Wee [Copyrights Reserved].

Image from Val Ortega.

Love our SG musicians, do leave a comment...

Nancy Wilson: Goodbye: 1937-2018 A Lot of Livin' To Do

I'd like to thank Horace Wee and Stephen Han for their constant contribution to this blog. Without them and other contributors, this blog would go off track.

Goodbye Nancy Wilson:

My sister-in-law introduced me again to Nancy Wilson in the 1980s. Her stacks of Wilson's vinyl albums kept me agog for a long time.  Later when she moved out, she gave them away, unwilling to lug heavy-duty paraphernalia.  I was in shock, seeing Wilson's best selections gone to the karung-guni man (rag and bone guy).

Ms. Wilson has passed away at 81 years on 13 December 2018 and we all send our condolences to her family.

She likes to be known as a song stylist although she has other labels pinned on her like a torch singer (a very classic term indeed), the baby, Honey-Coated Voice or a jazz singer. But she is a stylist because, with 70 albums recorded in 50 years, that's a lot of special music by Nancy Wilson.

If I can connect myself to one song, just one, it will be: A Lot of Livin' To Do (Bye, Bye, Birdie: 1960) because it's when I first heard her in a record shop a long time ago in the mid-sixties, way before I remember her again afterward. Not her own original but a lovely song so vibrant and vigorous.

Horace Wee, famed hot rod guitarist from the '60s and afterward has this to say about her when he relayed the message of her passing:

"I saw her in the early years when she broke into the scene. Still, remember she was young and gorgeous in a white frock/dress highlighting her ebony tones. It was a jazz gig (long before her entry into pop) and showed off how good her jazz 'chops' were. I don't remember where it was but only a small jazz club.

The consensus at the time was that she had the potential to follow in the steps of jazz great female vocalists like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn. She remained elegant in her late years, unlike a lot of African-American women who bloat up as they get older." 

Stephen Han, a pop 60's local music enthusiast, who also writes for this blog has witnessed many performances all over Singapore. He writes: "I was head over heels when I was treated to the Nancy Wilson Concert at the National Theatre in the '60s. She was a young and budding singer then, specializing in jazz and pops. Ms. Wilson sang beautifully and I enjoyed every moment of her performance."

RIP Nancy Wilson, you still got a lot of living up there with the other music greats. So a temporary goodbye then. 

Images: Google. 
YouTube Videos.

Blog poster showing Nancy Wilson appeared at the National Theatre Singapore 1960's which was torn down because of structural defects. Stephen Han attended her show.

Julai Tan Violinist National Day 2018: By Horace Wee Part 2

This article is one of many that good friend and guitar legend Horace Wee has written for the blog. He has always obliged me whenever I requested for one, especially if it's about our Singapore musicians.

Once again, thank you, Horace. 

Mr Julai Tan Image from Straits Times 21.7.2017 Thank you.

Julai Tan

A man of slight build but a giant of a musician. Soft-spoken and a wry sense of humour, he has transcended many generations of musicians. With the ability to adapt to different styles of music, Julai would be first on the list if anyone required a violinist. Any superlatives are unnecessary as this man's career speaks for itself.

Our musical paths have crossed many times over the years. Recording programs with the Radio Orchestra, performing at various functions and at the numerous recording sessions for English, Mandarin, Malay music during the heady days of the sixties.

An unknown fact is that Julai's  Spanish wife at that time was the one who coached me for the correct pronunciation for my recording of Guantanamera. I had expressed my desire to Julai as I am very particular when it comes to any detail related to music. There were many visits to his flat at Prinsep Street for these sessions and I have always been thankful.

SAMMIN ANG [with bass], a very dedicated young musician who plays the piano and other instruments, also knew Julai Tan  because of Sammin's own talent and camaraderie.

There was a day at a recording session at the Kinetex Studios when all the musicians had gone for a coffee break. For some reason, I remained in the studio. While messing around, I decided to plug Julai's mandolin (yes he doubles on it) into a fuzz box and wah-wah pedal. I left it that way and waited to laugh my head off when he next picked it up. No drama, he quietly asked what had I done.

In a way, it was also his turn for some "pay-back". He had a series for string chamber music on the radio. He quietly informed me that I was to be in this program. I had asked for my role in this. He said he wanted me to play the bass clarinet and take the place of the cello. 

Profuse protests from me as I explained that I would have to transpose the parts at sight and what a nightmare it would be. Of course, he was not accepting any of this and just informed me of the studio dates. For myself, the sessions were of intense concentration. As for Julai, he just smiled and said it was the right decision.

Horace Wee (image above) needs no introduction. Just click his name under 'Labels' below to read all his articles, which by the way, are copyrighted. 

I pulled another one on him when we had to play at a state banquet with Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew at the front table. As it was a formal occasion we all had to wear white tuxedos. I borrowed mine as all my clothes were black. I had a large hole in the jacket under the left armpit and I indicated to Julai that I was going to raise my arm to show the Prime Minister how lowly paid we were. 
Ha ha ha, it was a very calm but incredulous look from him.

I last had a mini jam session with Julai at his 91st birthday. We ran through some old tunes and he was sharp as ever. Thanks for the memories. It's been a blast!

From:

Horace Wee

A Happy National Day To All Singaporeans Everywhere.

http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2018/07/national-day-parade-2018-julai-tan.html

*The recording on vinyl Horace Wee mentioned. 'Charlie' And His Orchestra was Charlie Lazaroo.

The Colour Purple in Singapore came way before Oprah Winfrey (Colour Purple Movie) and Prince (Purple Rain Song.)

Mr Julai Tan had many violin recording sessions with us at Kinetex and Oscar Studios. Besides the violin, Julai is also good at the accordion. Above is an LP featuring Julai Tan on the accordion (from Randy Lee Keng: Stylers rhythmist.)

Winston Filmer Radio TV Singapore Tribute by Horace Wee

The Late Winston Filmer
Image from: Mun Chor Seng

A time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
To everything, there is a season
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven.

(Words-adapted from The Bible, book of Ecclesiastes)

My time has turned for more than fifty years knowing Winston as a friend. Through all the changes, ups and downs in the world, changes in our lives, we remained friends till his passing on the 12th of January 2018 in Melbourne, Australia.

We were not close as best friends are, but our paths separate as they were, would cross over the years. There were arguments and disagreements over the years, something he said recently was the "foolishness of his youth". I left it at that.

When he left for Australia with his family in the eighties, there were only a few occasions that we came in contact. The last around 2012 when he came back to Singapore for the memorial service for his wife Teresa. Frail and having difficulty in walking, we managed to spend those few days together catching up on past years.

These last few years, we had conversations over the phone probably longer than we ever had in the past. He found it difficult to face the loss of his wife and found in me a willing person and confidant to listen to his outpourings of grief, aches, pains and recollections of all the years gone by.

Winston started his career as a sound assistant for the fledgeling Radio Singapore that operated from the Cathay Building next to Dhoby Ghaut. Later he progressed to selecting records and music for radio programs. As a musician, he had strong associations in the keronchong music community and was in demand to play his guitar for various events. 

Of course, he was also part of the club music scene of the fifties and played the current music then. Later, when he was introduced to his future wife Teresa née Khoo, they would form their own band and hold court at the Adelphi Hotel in Coleman Street.

The Late Winston Filmer is 2nd from left with bass
Image from his Facebook Page.

When I first met Winston, I vividly remember that day when he brought me to his home, one of the two-storey terrace houses along Geylang Road not far from Haig Road. Listened to some of his records and then took a trip to Sungei Road (thieves market) to browse around for electrical parts.

We would be working together many times after that. From the early recording sessions of the Crescendos, Ruby Wah a popular songstress at that time to a variety of commercial sessions at EMI, Kinetex, Reddifusion and Life studios. Not forgetting the various programs and shows on Radio and Television Singapura that included the Talentime series. He would be the bass player in all these sessions. Prior to leaving Singapore, his last stint was a bassist in the SBC orchestra.

He was not active as a musician in Australia, playing only a few occasional gigs. With failing health he spent his years in retirement.

With his passing, I wish him a safe journey to heaven and to reunite with his beloved Teresa.

My prayers are that he finds all the peace and happiness he has wished for.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.

Goodbye Winston.
Sent from my iPad

MR HORACE WEE

Thanking Mr Horace Wee (professional guitarist) who wrote the above tribute to Winston Filmer. Also thanking Mun Chor Seng for the first photograph and Mr Filmer's family (Facebook Page) for the second photograph. 

Article by Horace Wee.
Image from Mun Chor Seng.
The article and images have been copyrighted.

BLOG'S

14 January 2018
1,335 Page Views Daily
A Record High

Winston Filmer RTS 60's Musician Has Passed On

Winston Filmer
(Straits Times Image)

 "Mr Winston Filmer passed away this morning at 11 am. Melbourne time.  May he Rest In Peace."  
(From Horace Wee who will write a tribute. This post is a temporary one. Please check this page again soon.)

"The fact that he was a part of our country's RTS Band during the heyday, he, therefore, deserves our respect for his talent."
(From Blog Reader FL.) 

Condolences to his family.

***********
Teresa Khoo Connection:
http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2012/12/memory-trail-teresa-khoo-music-pioneer.html

Winston Filmer (left)

Images are unclear and taken from Mr Filmer's Facebook page. If anyone can spare some pictures to publish on this blog, it will be great.

Australian Influence: Ray Brown and The Whispers Part 2

Ray Brown and The Whispers: (L-R) John Manners, Pat Jeffrey (seated), Lawrie Barclay, Ray Brown, Al Jackson (line up: 1964).

 2,400 VIEWERS

When 60's Music Friends Had A Get-Together In Singapore (2):

When Dr Steven Farram (Darwin U, Australia) came to visit Singapore recently, it wasn't the first time. He's familiar with a lot of Singaporean activities, its culture and history, especially with the local music 60's scene.

I first met him ten years ago when he introduced himself, all wet and hot, after rockin' and rollin' to Mike and Herb's (Beatles of Malaysia) stage performance in 2008 at the Vivo City Roof Top. We became good friends and he never failed to write an article for the blog when I made the request.

Steve wanted to interview some band boys so I managed the help of Mr Michael Bangar (professional guitarist playing rhythm for Silver Strings) to speak to him. We had our first session and a few days later, a larger group came. 

With Andy: Michael Bangar and Steven Farram during the interview @ a food court.

Our 2nd session ended after Steve interviewed guitar legend Horace Wee, bassist Zainal Abidin, drummer John Cher and singer/DJ Jerry Fernandez (images below).

It was a successful meet when Mr Bangar provided Dr Farram with the necessary information he needed. The interview and informal chit-chat over coffee lasted nearly four hours. The lecturer was satisfied with the outcome.

Steve brought with him some vinyl records. I list the artistes and songs covered on both Side A and B. All artistes were from Australia:

Ray Brown and the Whispers:

Now Is The Time        
In The Midnight Hour (YouTube Video above)
Pride
Say It Again
20 Miles
Devoted To You
Go To Him
Fool Fool Fool 

Normie Rowe:
Ain't Nobody Home 
Ooh La La

Johnny Young (image) Let It Be Me 
Step Back

The New World: Try To Remember
The World I Used To Know 

Col Joye and the Joy Boys: (Rockin' Rollin') - Clementine 
Fools Like Me

Clockwise from left: Zainal Abidin (Dukes), Michael Bangar (Silver Strings); Pete Hanoken (CD Producer, Helsinki); Jerry Fernandez (Neu Faces); Andy Young (host); John Cher (Writer, Silver Strings); Horace Wee (Guitar Legend, Radio/TV Singapore); Steve Farram (Lecturer, Darwin U, Australia).

Here's a list of Australian pop stars on the international scene that I am familiar with:

Slim Dusty,  John Farnham, Olivia Newton-John,  Rick Price, Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia, Rick Springfield, Tina Arena, Tommy Emmanuel, Johnny O'Keefe, The Seekers, Men At Work, The Easybeats (YouTube video below), Air Supply, AC/DC INXS, Little River Band, Savage Garden,  Keith Urban, Helen Reddy and of course, The Bee Gees. And the names go on...

It's time we have some writing about pops Down Under since we're neighbours but I am not an expert with 60's Australian pops so I have left Steve to elaborate on the records he provided. 

But that's Part 3 in this series.

RICK SPRINGFIELD, HELEN REDDY, LITTLE RIVER BAND, OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN

Images: Steven Farram, Personal Collection.
YouTube Videos.

Wes Cossacks Singapore band covered Sorry under a Singapore label. Video from The Garage 1966. Thank you.

Read connection below about humble George Chew who used to play lead guitar with Wes Cossacks and in recent years, The Burns. Wes Cossacks had recorded a few instrumental numbers in the mid-sixties and The Burns in the 2000's which has disbanded since.

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2009/07/quiet-unassuming-but-friendly-george.html

Andy's 60s Music Influencers Meet Dr Farram & P. Hakonen From Australia, Scandinavia: Part 1

Music influencers: 

Little Ong, Daniel Abidin, Michael Bangar, Peter Hakonen, 

Jerry Fernandez, Dr. Steven Farram, John Cher, Horace Wee and Andy.

    UP TO 2,400 VIEWS   

25+ CHATS, COMMENTS

When 60's Music Influencing Friends Had A Get-Together In Singapore: Part One.

The Music CD:

The Sleepwalkers are a Scandinavian, instrumental, rock n roll group that combine the Euro sounds of the Shadows with the American twang of Duane Eddy. 

According to the promotional literature on its website, The Sleepwalkers, a Finnish group, play brilliant early 60's style rock 'n' roll guitar instrumentals as they provide lots of original material, crystal clear production, and perfect musical arrangements and performances.

The band included: Ben Engblom (rhythm), Jan-Eric Saine (lead), Mikko Lund (drums) and Taito Ikavalko (bass).

"The members are strongly influenced by the great instrumental guitar bands, performing with character and originality and guaranteed to keep you awake -
Fat City Cigar Lounge."

If you like it laid back and twangy, then you've come to right place. The music is both exotic in imagery and easy on the ear.

The Sleepwalkers with 'Too Young' 

YouTube Video from TRR 25.01.2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA4IVaI5DuI&t=14s

Some melodies in the selection include Sleepwalkers' Theme, Twisting Tango, Mr Z, Too Young, Shazam, Twisted Fate, Cossack, Golden Earrings, Riding Guitars and six others.

From other groups, I heard about 25 more guitar instrumentals and thought these well-produced CD's deserved an airing. You can find them on YouTube. 
These groups are The Quiets, The Dangermen, NoNo Soderberg, The Atomic Blast and The Youngers.

Horace Wee (local guitar legend) has this to say when I sent him the video, "Nice. Well played and great tone 👍."

For Horace to say that...

Andy Young with Pete Hakonen from Helsinki, Finland @ Bras Basah Book Place.

The Music Friends:

This recording and a few others from the same European connection were introduced by a Helsinki friend, Pete Hakonen (image above). Pete wrote to me just two days before coming over to Singapore last week. His speciality is rockabilly.

Pete has been reading my blog for a few years, finds Singapore and its music an interesting holiday idea. He decided to come here, away from everything else.

He had to buy his own beer when we met because I bought him only coffee and tea. Seriously though, I am glad to have met the Finland connection.

Zainal Abidin (Dukes), Michael Bangar (Silver Strings), Pete Hakonen (guest), Jerry Fernandez (Neu Faces).

This is Part One of a music connection and together, a group of 10 Singapore music influencers met for a chit-chat about international 60's music. Pete and Steven provided some insights about music from their countries.

Watch out for Part Two next when Steve, Michael Bangar and I got together to discuss Australian pops.

John Cher (Silver Strings), Horace Wee (guitar legend) and Dr Steven Farram (Darwin U).

Disclaimer:
This posting does not, in any way, promote the music CD's nor their production.