Andy 60s Music Folks: Singaporeans n Expatriates: By Horace Wee: Part 2

L to Rt.
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.

Ahmad Daud and Peggy Tann.

The guitarist Ike Isaacs worked here and subsequently left for London/Europe where he worked as a studio musician. He spent his latter years playing with jazz violinist Stephan Grappelli’s band.

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.

Famed local musician Charles Lazaroo [right], with Tony Scott, 

the American jazz clarinetist, whom the author was acquainted with.

Gus Steyn moved to Kuala Lumpur and led the Radio Malaysia Orchestra for a number of years before passing away. Ahmad Jaafar took over the leader’s baton until his retirement. Caesar Alano a Filipino and Les Weddell from Britain both held successively the trombone chair in the radio orchestra. Caesar left for Thailand and Les returned to the UK. Johari Salleh a local trumpet player eventually became the music director for Radio Television Malaysia. Trudy Connor and Eddie Gomez were a piano playing couple popular at hotel lounges.

Saloma, Kartina Dahari and Tony Castillo, trumpetist and screen actor.

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.

Author: Horace Wee.

Jazzistics - Tony Castillo - POSB Show 1985.avi

YouTube Video from: JazzisticsSingapore.

Comments are welcome and photographs too of expatriate musicians. Any reader out there who wishes to 'donate' pictures please write in... 

Google Images:

[Article and photographs in this series, as in other postings on this blog, are Copyrights Reserved by the author and photographers.]

Singapore Andy 60s Music: Horace Wee: Professional Musician, Intellectual, Reminisce

The long hot trip by rail to Singapore. Horace Wee remembers.

The Enigma of Departure: Remembering Singapore’s Railway Lines and Stations | BiblioAsia

Thanks to Horace Wee with his eidetic memory, and a heart to share his stories with me. It's one of 7 to 8 parts in a series. So, sit tight...

A child born in the turbulence of a World War and the Japanese invasion of South- East Asia, time may have dimmed many memories. Yet I still recall short vivid flashes of vision and sound from those early years. Rose syrup sunsets at Port Dickson when my father perched me on the veranda railings and my aunt rattling a bamboo pole to chase away a “musang” (wild cat). The rumbling sounds of British military vehicles on a road in Kuala Lumpur/Malaya after the Japanese surrender and the long hot trip by rail to Singapore.

Returning to the British Colonial administration of Singapore, streets were rather chaotic. Vendors with push carts, makeshift stalls or just baskets were everywhere. The music trends were still reminiscent of the pre-war era. Crooners such as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Dean Martin, Eddie Fisher, cowboy singers Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Rosemary Clooney, Patti Page, Doris Day, Patsy Kline, Loretta Lynn, the Andrew Sisters and many others were popular with songs like Cruising Down The River, Truly Truly Fair, Doggie in the Window. 

Cruising Down The River: Connie Francis. YouTube Video by:

The professional musicians who had joined the Japanese Syonan orchestra returned to playing at live entertainment venues. For cheap entertainment, the public flocked to amusement parks like The Great, Happy World and New World where one would find stalls selling everything from household goods, snacks, and simple games such as an air rifle shooting gallery. Occasional trade fairs offered more choices. At times, a female vocalist singing in Mandarin would permeate through the crowd noise. 

Rojak [Malay Chilli Salad] and a Carbide Lamp

In shopping areas such as Rochor, South Bridge Roads and Chinatown, from dingy shops, one would also hear the sounds of the Rediffusion cable radio network blaring Western and Chinese music interspersed with simple advertising jingles. 

On warm evenings, with the scent of the sea along the East Coast Road, many would head for the seaside at the end of Bedok. Rows of carts lit by hurricane and carbide lamps [image] would be serving local delicacies like “rojak” [image: local shrimp paste tossed salad] and toasted cuttlefish served with spicy sauces.

The playful local civet cat or 'musang'.

Author, Musician: Horace Wee

'My Truly Truly Fair': Guy Mitchell.

YouTube video by: sunryse111

Images: Google.

Andy 60's Music First Time Favourites Since The 50's

COWBOY SONGS

they were once called. Now it's

COUNTRY AND WESTERN

'San Antonio Rose' - Lou Baldino 

(Featuring House of Hamill and Ken Nelson) 

YouTube Video by: House of Hamill.

Here's a video on Lou Baldino's 'San Antonio Rose'. My kinda music I could listen to all day...

When I sent this song around among my WhatsApp connections, they replied with all the support and agreed with my selection of what music was like those years when we were younger. 

Here are some reactions and replies from viewers:

Eddy Eng:

This is music!

Richard Rajoo:

Yes, I really love San Antonio Rose too, because I started learning to play the guitar with an elderly neighbor of Bukit Merah. He plays with the Clan Association in Chinatown. So I sing at all their events, mainly Hank Williams and others at the music sessions. It was a real experience for me to sing to mostly vernacular speaking audiences.

Rickie Chng:

Simply nice and relaxing.

Tan Soo Khoon:

Very enjoyable. Thank you for sharing.

Vincent Tan:

Thanks for sharing.

👍👍👍👏👏👏

Merlin Lim:

Reminds me of the late, great Chet Atkins. Beautiful way of playing; all the fingers and thumb are alive. Played chords instead of single notes; makes the sound whole, complete and rich. Would have loved to learn that style of picking and playing. Had the intention to learn but lacked the motivation. Thanks Andy.

Johnny Yeo:

Nice! Nowadays I also like erhu since I have been attending weekly classes for the past two years. I love the old spaghetti Italian cowboy movies and their soundtracks.

Horace Wee:

Good to know your endorphins are working well.

Not dolphins 😅

Ronald Ho:

Thanks Andy. I listened with my bass headphones. They are excellent musicians. Yes, my kind of music too. I grew up on country music. Thanks.

Cedric Collars [Perth/Aust.]

I remember that song played by Chet Atkins and sung by Willie Nelson. Ah yes, we did enjoy them but nowadays they don’t play that style of music artistry. It has been put in the annals of music history. Sadly, it is we people who lament on their passing.

Richard Tham:

Andy, I love country music. It makes one wanna get up and dance! Thanks for sharing.

Chet Atkins, Willie Nelson.

When Music Hits You, You Feel No Pain.

Jimmy Chng:

Yup, it's all pleasure to our ears! Good morning, Andy.

Wilfred Lim:

Yes, music lingers on momentarily... then it's whisk off like a puff of smoke...  Such is our life span... we're here today... gone tomorrow! Unless our lifetime is recorded in stone or digitally... we sail into oblivion. Cheers.

Merlin Lim:

Music gives you the highs, lows and flats. Without the cravings and withdrawals...

Anonymous: 

I remember calling them cowboy songs, like Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, and China Doll. Later on, we know them as Country and Western songs. Again, lyrics today would be understood differently, "I'm tired of crying, and all your lying. That's why I'm buying a China doll. Her eyes are bluer; her faults are fewer..." Not today's China dolls! Ha! Ha!

More comments are welcome!

Slim Whitman: 'China Doll' [1952].

(Country Music Greats) HQ

YouTube: FromTheBasement.

Images: Google.

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

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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.]

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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

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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.)