Indonesian/Dutch Influence: Boy & Rollin' Kids, Tielman Brothers, Willy n Giants

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Through my own blogging experience I found that some local musicians are not familiar with the Indo/Dutch invasion in the 60s. It's simply what it means... We had the familiar Blue Diamonds [two brothers], pretty Anneke Gronloh and the well-known Shadows group from Holland, Johnny Lion and the Jumping Jewels visit us in Singapore. [This article has been updated: 5.06.2024 from 1.07.2009]

The song titles are familiar and the band names are fantastic. The titles are from an album, The Very Best Of Indo-Rock:

1 Pretend / The Dakotas
2 Let's Have a Party / Black Dynamites
3 Once / Hurricane Rollers
4 Mama Papa Twist / Crazy Rockers
5 Smokey Mountain Boogie / Ricky & The Rhythm Strings

6 I'll Never Let You Cross My Mind / The Hot Jumpers
7 Ajoen Ajoen /Willy and His Giants
8 Any Time / Rockin' Shadows
9 Should I / Electric Johnny & His Skyrockets
10 Ole Sio / The Entertainers

11 Twist in the Mood / The Black Dynamites
12 I Go Ape / The Hot Jumpers
13 Carioca / Fender Rollers
14 Rosalie / Tony Light
15 It Keeps Right On Hurting/ Boy & His Rollin' Kids*

Ajoen Ajoen /Willy and His Giants

Youtube Video from: Sam Sam Music

16 Memories / Emeralds
17 Raindrops / Explosion Rockers
18 Mukwai Hula / Tielman Brothers
19 Bumble Boogie Woogie/ The Desmounts
20 Slippin' and Slidin'/ The Fire Devils

21 Ling Ting Tong / The Javelins
22 You Win Again / The White Waves
23 Sweet Malaya / The Rollers
24 What'd I Say / Rock of Ages
25 Little Bird / Sebastian

Image: from rateyourmusic.com
List: from http://www.tunesbag.com/

*Boy & His Rollin' Kids. 

Midnight in Malaya [Malaysia]

YouTube Video from: Herecomesshariss.

*In memory of Boy Jansen (1935-2006), composer/lead guitarist of Boy & His Rollin' Kids. They are an Indonesian/Dutch pop group from Zaandam, Holland. Their instrumental, Midnight In Malaya (318 869PF), was released in Singapore and Malaysia and became a hit. The flipside, China Rock, was also written by Jansen.

I am not too sure here but noted the big drum sound in the accompaniment. Could it be the big gendang used by Asian musicians. If you are familiar...?

NB:

Images below show some of the most popular Indonesian Dutch bands that had their days in the 60s carrying songs with rock n roll Western beats, mostly following Cliff and the Shadows tradition... 

Images from Google.

'Gado Gado': Spicy Indonesian Salad And Song

Gado-Gado The Dish

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Originally from Indonesia or Betawi, it is a spicy Indonesian salad of raw and also slightly boiled, steamed vegetables and hard-boiled eggs. The boiled potatoes, fried tofu and tempeh, with rice wrapped in a banana leaf, called lontong, are served with a peanut sauce dressing. The sauce can either be poured over the entire dish or dipped according to the diners' wish.

Gado Gado The Song:

It is traditional or folk song that centers around the home and family, is common in Asia. Indonesia is no exception. Gado-gado is a very popular dish from the kitchen tables of the thousands of islands in the Indonesian Archipelago. It is the first song with a food theme that I learnt as a child of the 40s in Singapore.

The other popular one with a similar theme is Rujak Uleg (Indonesian Salad) with lyrics in Javanese. The ingredients for both include fresh and boiled vegetables like long beans, bean sprouts, sliced potatoes, tame-pay (fermented beans), fried tofu and prawn crackers. The gravy is pound fried groundnuts with chilli sauce.

Keroncong Instruments with Indonesian musicians.

https://www.nowjakarta.co.id/kampung-tugu-the-identity-of-keroncong/

Gado Gado The Lyrics [with English interpretation]

Gado-gadonya, Bung, dari Jakarta

(Gado gado brother, is from Jakarta)

Sangat digemari rakyat jelata…

(Loved by citizens in the country)

Satu bungkusnya, Bung, sa-tengah rupiah, Bang Achmad pulang, Bung sudah sedia…

(A packet costs half a rupiah, when husband Achmad comes home his gado2 is ready)

Gado-Gado Jakarta - Orkes Keroncong Rumput

Screen Shot from YouTube Video by: RUMPUT

Jika Mpoh minah, Bung malas ke dapur

(If wife Poh Minah is too lazy to go to the kitchen)

Semua ada: tahu goreng, kerupuk udang,

campur-campur… tahu goreng, kerupuk udang,

(Everything's in: fried tofu, fried prawn-crackers, a good mix,

Bila Mpok Minah, Bung malas belanja

(When wife Minah is too lazy to market)

Beli gado-gado dari Jakarta 

(She buys gado-gado, Jakarta styled).

Gado-Gado Jakarta - Orkes Keroncong Rumput

YouTube Video by: RUMPUT

Lyrics: http://lirik.kapanlagi.com/artis/mus_mulyadi/gado-gado_jakarta

Images: Google.

Interpretation: Andy.

[This article is an expanded re-post from 23rd July, 2011.]

Krontjong Indonesia Yang Tulen - Sajekti & Sam Saimun Dengan Achmad And His Band.

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This posting has been revised.

During my chat with *Brian Richmond on 'Music and Me' [SG. Vintage Radio], I explained how my father introduced me to the lovely kronchong music he loved when he would listen to them on the Indonesian radio broadcasts in Singapore in the 50's. 

*Connect later to listen to interview:

https://podcasts.radioactive.sg/?id=a8df8621b326ba5992d4c6d735439d3f&track=34

SONGS I LOVE: 

Another friend, with lots of records to give away, called me a few days ago and I came home with a box of beautiful krontjong (Indonesian spelling) vinyl. Since I grew up with this music, it was elation undescribed. One of the pieces found is this fantastic vinyl by Sajekti and Sam Saimun with Achmad and his Band (Record detail: Orkes Krontjong Asli XCSV 94824).

The songs, 12 in all, include an English explanation for each krontjong. What more can anyone ask for? The titles on Side One include: Krontjong Rindu Malam, Rangkaian Melati, Krontjong Penawar Duka, Krontjong Hanja Untukmu, Krontjong Sapulidi, Krontjong Telomojo.

On Side Two: Krontjong Senjuman Chandra, Bengawan Solo, Krontjong Air Laut, Krontjong Mawar Sekuntum, Krontjong Hanya Engkau, Krontjong Senda.

'Bengawan Solo': Chan Yung Yung.

*YouTube Video from: MUdotcom

As a sampling of the quality and details given on the back sleeve to explain the lyrics, Bengawan Solo (internationally popular) is presented thus: "The story of a river in Solo (Central Java), made famous in song and story, that during the dry season is almost empty of water but when the rainy season comes overlflows its banks, bearing the prahus of merchants with their wares. (above video is from You Tube and not from the vinyl record mentioned).

Originating in the Seribu Gunung (Thousand Mountains), the river flows turbulently at times, quietly at others, till it empties into the ocean beyond. The melody became famous during the Revolution of 1945." (Composer: Gesang; Singer: Sam Saimun)

And this piece of information is only one of 11 others. Another favourite, Krontjong Air Laut has a shorter piece, "Ocean Water, the title, is like other pantun songs, for improvisation, the name being just a name." (Improvisation, where singers 'battle' their wits with on-the-spot lyrics, is common in Indonesian, Malay and Peranakan pantun, a form of verse in the Indonesian/Malay language).

Comment anyone?

Original article/Image: Andy Lim Collection.

You Tube: Bengawan Solo - Chan Yung Yung by MUdotcom

Terry Offord (YouTube Comment:)

This beautiful song brings back happy memories of Ambassador Hotel Katong, Singapore, where I listened to this and many other Mandarin Singers, that was back in the early 1950's, I have many CD's of Mandarin and Keronchong Music which I adore. It is tranquil and pleasant to listen to.

'Krontjong Moritsku': 

Sam Saimun (1924-1972). 

YouTube Video from: Johny Damar.

One of the first few kerontjongs I listened to were 'Moritsku', 'Jembatan Merah' and of course, 'Gambang Semarang.' My father would be all ears to the radio frequency on Republic Indonesia listening to them. Beside these songs, my mother listened to the Shanghai divas like Chou Shuen and others to listen to her favourites. 

When it came to my turn, Elvis would break the hotel and rocked the jailhouse while the Beatles and Tom Jones screamed their lungs out calling to Jude and Delilah!

'Jembatan Merah' - Sundari Soekotjo.
YouTube Video from: Sundari Soekotjo.

Image: from a Private Collection.

Krupuk, Si Jali Jali, Gambang Kromong = Cap Go Meh

                                                emping = fried padi-oats.

INDONESIAN FOOD AND MUSIC:

What's a food posting doing on a music blog again?  They connect; but here's a vocabulary list before proceeding, just in case:

Indonesian to English:

krupuk udang = prawn crackers (from Indonesia).
emping belinjo = smashed and fried gnetum or padi oats.
goreng krupuk = fry crackers.
garing = crunchy/crispy.
kwali = a wok (a large Asian frying pan).

si jali-jali = a traditional folk song from Betawi (Batavia/Jakarta), a tropical plant.
gambang kromong = a Betawi Orchestra.
chap goh meh = end of Chinese New Year on 15th day. Chinese Valentine?

                                 krupuk udang = Indonesian prawn crackers.
Krupuk:

It's called finger food today and taken with wine and beer. But emping and krupuk udang have been on the dinner table as part of Indonesian meal appetisers a long time ago.  They are also eaten with gado-gado (salad).  It's still a delicious diet for many Asians. And they are everywhere during the Chinese New Year festivities.

My own household in the 50s always connected the Indonesian music coming from the Pye radio in the hall with the frying of krupuk udang or emping in the kitchen.  Our domestic help was a very plump but short and tanned Indonesian lady who would do her frying with the large wok or kwali filled with ten gallons of oil, accurately heated to a certain temperature. She had to make sure that the krupuk udang would drip out of the kwali light brown, dry and most importantly garing.

                                                  wok = kwali

I never waited for dinner time and would snatch two or three of these hot and oily krupuk from the shallow flat basket, where she placed them, and run out of the house sinking my teeth into the very tasty and garing prawn crackers as I swallowed them quickly.  My mother would hear her screams and shake her head muttering, "He knows he'll get a bad sore throat..."

The krupuk udang those years was very much larger than they are today and I never believed that they should be broken into pieces and placed in jars only to be eaten during meals. I would just take bites from the large pieces that Piah (our domestic help) had fried and enjoy them whole.

Si Jali Jali:

  Modern Jali Jali Dance (griyawisata.com)

                                          

The Jali-jali coming from the radio was a testimony of our helper's love for the music.  She was allowed to tune in to Indonesian stations any time she had to goreng krupuk.  Piah, jovial and warm, came from Betawi and the crackers she fried and music she listened to were part of the culture brought over from Indonesia.

These songs have become the anthem for the indigenous people of Betawi in general.  This particular music is still being practised by art groups today in the Indonesia capital and has helped to preserve the culture.

Gambang Kromong:

Apparently, Jali jali was born, developed and popularized by the Chinese peranakan in old Betawi using accompaniment from gambang kromong.  It is a traditional orchestra originating from the same city, blending western music and Chinese-style pentatonic base tone. It was popular in the 1930s.

Nie Hoe Kong, a musician and leader in the Chinese Betawi community, saw to the development of this orchestra type. In the late 30s, there was a group called the Gambang Kromong Goh Hong Lao that consisted of only Chinese members. In fact, they played for parties and celebrated Cap Goh Meh in style singing these melodies.

 Singer Tuti Trisedya with Jali Jali is on the right bar of this page --)

A HAPPY CHAP GOH MEH, EVERYONE!

                                                  Gambang Kromong 

Images; Google and YouTube.
An original posting.
Information: Wiki.

Impian Semalam: The Dream Last Night: Encore!

SONGS I LOVE:

This posting is a repeat from Tuesday and Wednesday Dec 1st and 2nd, 2009.  I found the You Tube video of Impian Semalam above by the Ohello Sisters after it was deleted for some time. This Indonesian song is so popular it has been covered by many singers in Asia. It has also been translated into Chinese in the 60s. If you know the title in Hanyu Pinyin and are familiar with the two singers please write to this blog.


Ohello Sister 1 (You Tube Gundulero)

1st Posting on Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Impian Semalam                                  

Waktu semalam bung, aku bermimpi   

Bertemu ular bung, besar sekali         
Ular menggigit bung, jari kaki ku       
Suda mengiggit bung, ular berlalu     
Ku picit, picit, darah keluar               
Aku menjerit, "Adu!" hingga tersedar 
Apa kah itu bung, erti maksud-nya?   
Impian semalam, sangat seramnya?   

The Dream Last Night

Last night dear/brother/lover, I had a dream
Was confronted by a snake, a very large one
The snake dear, bit my toe
After doing so, the snake moved away
As I pressed and pressed (the wound), it bled
I screamed, "Ouch," as I woke up
What does it mean dear
This dream last night, a most frightful dream?

A few months ago, while looking for my favourite Indonesian pop song Impian Semalam, I chanced upon the You Tube version, was mesmerised by the sex appeal of the singers and their interpretation of the song.

These singers are the Ohello Sisters, as in 'Oh hello!' not 'Othello' (Shakespeare's Moor). The accompaniment uses modern and traditional instruments and is in Indonesian Malay, so if you understand the language it's a plus, otherwise just enjoy the music and the ladies! They are fabulous and very cute!

It is a well-known fact that some songs in the Indonesian Malay language were penned by the Chinese in Indonesia. Impian Semalam was written by Indonesian Chinese composer, Oei Yok Siang who lived in the 1930s. More about this great man in another posting. I know there's a Chinese version of this song too. Anyone?

2nd Posting on Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Interpreting the lyrics:

The symbolism is obvious. The song depicts the expeience of a pretty young maiden within the confines of flora and fauna. In her dream, the snake appears, bites her and disappears. As she relates her dream to her mother or friend, depending whether it's "bu" ("ibu" - mother), "bung" (brother/lover), the interpretation is clear. 

Among Christian friends I spoke to, they felt that it talks about the Garden of Eden and the first Sin. It is obvious to them that the lyrics tell of the pricking of the finger or toe with blood oozing and and a feeling of pain, 'Aduh.' And the snake that bit the girl's toe, if that isn't the symbolic snake, then what is. It is definitely the loss of innocence, with Satan around. Ooooh.

YouTube: from Gundulero.
Original Article: Andy Lim

Mencari Ohello Sisters. Kalu mampir di blog ini, sudi menulis...

http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2009/12/impian-semalam.html
http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2009/12/jangan-bimbang-dek-jangan-risaukan-dont.html

'Kopi Susu' With 'La Colegiala' Sandra Reemer

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She is of Dutch, Chinese and Javanese extraction and born in Bandung, Indonesia on Oct 17, 1950. Barbara Alexandra (Xandra) Reemer loved to sing as a child but it was only after the family moved to the Netherlands (Holland) in 1958 that she started to participate in singing competitions.

Her chance came when young Sandra (X became S) appeared on the famous Katholieke RadioOmroep (KRO) show in April 1962. Her performance was quickly noticed by well-known bandleader and talent scout Frans Kerkhof who took her to Philips Records for an audition.

By the middle of 1962, the twelve-year-old Sandra shot to stardom with her Dutch version of Al Di La. She also became popular with her extensive repertoire which included Indonesian Malay songs. When she recorded some of these folksy favorites, listeners took an immediate liking as they became very popular.

Sandra has made herself known more as a songstress from the Netherlands than one from Indonesia, having represented the country three times at the internationally famous Eurovision Song Contest. The years were 1974, 1976 and 1979 and she sang, When It Comes To Love (in Dutch), The Party's Over and Colorado respectively during the shows.

Her hit songs that had spread far and wide in Singapore, Malaya and the Far East included songs in Dutch and Indonesian. Some of the Indonesian Malay titles are: Kopi Susu (Coffee And Milk), Nona Nona Djaman Sekarang (Today's Modern Ladies), Kapal Ladju (Speed, Boat!), Indonesia and Singapura.

As the years rolled along, successful Sandra stood tall and was soon in the same league with countrymen and stalwarts Anneke Gronloh, The Blue Diamonds, Johnny Lion and The Jumping Jewels. The Indonesian and Dutch invasion of Singapore had begun. 

The maturity, style, and sophistication are evident in Reemer's voice. The La Colegiala has gone a long way since Kopi Susu. This 'nona' is truly 'zaman sekarang.'

Comments are welcome.

Sandra Reemer died of breast cancer

on 6 June 2017 at age 66.

1962年 桑德拉 (Sandra Reemer)

「Kopi Susu 」(马来語)

YouTube Video by: ZUUL AZIIZ

Images: Universal Music, Singapore/Google images.
Information: Wikipedia and Questing Bandstand.

(Check Wikipedia in Dutch: Reemer's biography after the 70's.)

Edited by: Andy Lim.

Lokananta Studio: Indonesia's Abbey Road: 4th Asian Games Souvenir Vinyls Feature Moluccas Songs

(Images: a 10-inch LP, one in a series of 4 distributed during the 4th Asian Games in Djakarta in 1962.)

The present South East Asian Games in Vietnam now in 2022 reminds me of this posting, which is a reprisal from 31/1/2011.

Lokananta:

While I was posting the last few articles about Jimmy Linchong and a song from the Moluccas, I remember my few pieces of 10-inch Long Play records that I have, pressed by the famous Lokananta (literal: heavenly gamelan without drums) label. 

They are precious and not easily available in the market. And as I rummaged again feverishly through my cupboard I found four. One of them (image 2) contains the song Ajo Mama (j is pronounced yerh in Indonesian).

According to a website (internet address below), the Lokananta studio (image 3) in Indonesia is as famous as the one in Abbey Road, Westminster, London. It is the first Indonesian music label, founded in Solo, Central Java. Since its inception, Lokananta has been producing and duplicating records and audio cassette tapes.

https://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Asia/Story/A1Story20121203-387259.html

When it started in 1958, the records were marketed through the RRI (Republic Ra'yat Indonesia). As the label reached its state enterprise status, the company activities included: administering, recording, broadcasting, printing and publishing. Lokananta has thousands of songs from all over Indonesia in its treasure trove and its vast collection encompasses folk, ethnic, world and pop music. So there is keroncong, Javanese gamelan, Balinese, Sundanese, Batak (North Sumatra) and other regional music.

This vast music collection includes many recordings of famous singers from Indonesia. Master tracks in the studio contain songs from legendary composers and singers like Gesang, Waljinah, Titiek Puspa, Bing Slamet, and Sam Saimun. Lokananta has more than 5,000 such track recordings of local songs. Besides songs, state speeches of the late President Sukarno are kept. 

Rasa Sayang Eh!

Aside: Controversies abound regarding the well-known song Rasasayange. According to the same web-site, this song, together with other Indonesian folk songs, can be found on a single master-track in the Lokananta studios. It is claimed by a certain country as its original folk song but is actually an original from the Moluccas.

Record Detail:

Part One - Tracks on Side One: Dari Barat Sampai Ke Timur, Ba Bendi-bendi, Seringgit Dua Kupang, Ajo Mama, Side Two: Potong Bebek Angsa, Sarinande, Lenggang-Lengang Kangkung, Kaparinjo. Orkes Lokanada, pimpinan B. Y. Supardi.

The original and detailed version can be found in the website below: http://www.reviewing-blogs.blogspot.com/2010/05/lokananta-indonesian-abbey-road.html 

Record Cover image: Andy Lim Collection.

Comments and articles are welcome regarding this topic. Thank You.

(Because of copyright, I have deleted the two photographs showing the recording studios and replaced them with the image of my own personal copy of the album I discussed. You can see the studio images on JGP 4838 Flickr.)

Soekarno Beatles Music Censorship In Indonesia 60s: By Dr Steven Farram, Darwin Australia

If you are into a serious study of past pop music from this region then Dr Steven Farram is the person to check out on Google. I quote his credentials, as he is "a Research Associate in the School of Creative Arts and Humanities" at Charles Darwin University in Australia.

"His main research interest is the history and politics of Timor-Leste, Indonesia and the Northern Territory. He has authored books, book chapters and journal articles in all three areas, including his paper, Wage War Against Beatle Music! Censorship And Music In Soekarno's Indonesia (published in RIMA in 2007)."

I was first introduced to Steve and his wife at the end of our Silver Strings performance (2008 VivoCity gig, Reunion Of The Sixties). They were both rockin' and rollin' with the crowd to the beat of Mike and Herb's songs.

When the music finally stopped, his handshake was wet as he was hot and perspiring. They had to hurry home the next day and came to Singapore just to see the Beatles of Malaysia perform. However, we promised to meet again.

We did meet again and, with email exchanges, became good friends when he returned to Singapore in April 2009. Even with the dinners, coffee breaks and discussion about 60s music, he never told me about himself.

It was only after reading the novel, The Year Of Living Dangerously by Christopher Koch and looking around for articles to write for this blog, that I chanced upon his name while googling for Soekarno and the Beatles.

Steve has been providing many comments and insights on this blog and interested parties can also read his articles at garagehangover.com

I know you don't need this publicity Steve but I hope more research can be done on Asia's 60s music and with your help!

Image: Charles Darwin University Australia Website.

The Beatles suggested to discuss the matter and to work it out? Not true, it's just another love song by the four lads from Liverpool and had nothing to do with the situation in Indonesia then.

Check Dr Farram out:
http://www.cdu.edu.au/creative-arts-humanities/staff-profiles/steve-farram

Date of Publication: 2007
Publication Year: 2007
Document Type: Journal Article   

Subject(s): CENSORSHIP.
Abstract: Indonesia's President Soekarno declared the Beatles' music as 'a form of mental disease' and urged his people to 'wage war against Beatle music'. He also moved to ban rock and roll but it was increasingly popular with Indonesian youth and many Indonesian bands played in the rock and roll style. 

Soekarno's war on rock and roll and the case of one of the most popular bands 'Koes Bersaudara (Koes Brothers)' is discussed. Music and censorship in post-Soekarno Indonesia are also discussed.
Language: English
Geographic Location: Indonesia  ISSN: 0815-7251

URI Indicator: No
PI Indicator: No
Full-Text Indicator: Yes
Full Text: 
http://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=966976083163051;res=IELIND

Original article: Andy Lim.

Pan Wan Tjing, Rebecca - Sings, Acts, Travels

Pan Wen Tjing or Rebecca Pan, born in Shanghai, China, is possibly one of the top divas from the 60s who still enjoys the privilege today, having accumulated about 50 years of show business experience.

In 1957, she began as a singer in a band at Hong Kong Caesar's Palace Nite Club where she replaced a friend for a few weeks. She gained a following, had the first ever fan club formed for her in HK and Nie, Nie, Wo, Wo became the theme song, written specially for her by Diamond Records where she cut her vinyls after going solo.

As she is able to sing in many languages namely: French, Italian, Arabic, Indonesian, Thai, Japanese, Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, Pan was able to tour the world. With her multi-lingual singing ability she recorded the international evergreen, Rose Rose I Love You (1961) in both Chinese and English. Another hit, Second Spring (1965) by Yao Min, followed. Pan also recorded Ding Dong Song with the success of the musical, The World Of Suzie Wong by Lionel Bart.

In 1972 when other singers were still struggling to achieve stardom on stage, Pan had already formulated her own Broadway-styled movie musical and acted in Pei Niang Niang. She even directed this movie which is better known as Madam White Snake among her English speaking fans. It is a modern interpretation of the classic Chinese folk tale and the fusion musical proved a controversy, but it drew crowds. If Loving You Means Hurting You became the most successful song from the show.

She had starred in more than half a dozen art-house films and won a Golden Horse Award (equivalent to the Hollywood Oscar) in a Hong Kong production called, Days Of Being Wild. Pan is so popular that her music can be heard in many Hong Kong films. One movie is In The Mood For Love with her interpretation of Bengawan Solo and another movie is Flowers Of Shanghai.

According to some websites, she was credited with introducing Mandarin songs to an international audience, became Hong Kong's biggest music export and had performed in Singapore, India, Thailand, Israel, Australia, England, France, Spain and the U.S. She is still known as the Travelling Star.

Did she sing her swansong in Singapore and retired afterwards? Anyone?

Edited articles from 2 websites: Andy Lim.

Image/Information: http://www.cutsleeveboys.com/music.htm

Information: http://www.simonyam.com/hkmw/actors/rebecca-pan-wan-ching/

Gesang Martohartono - Riwayat Mu Ini, Sedari Dulu Jadi, Perhatian Insani...

GESANG MARTOHARTONO (image) has passed on at 92. One of the more familiar Indonesian composers, the song Bengawan Solo (inspired by the River Solo in Java) was penned by this gentleman in the 1940s.

It has been sung by numerous artistes and these include, Rebecca Pan, SK Poon, Waljinah, Toshi Matsuda, Frances Yip, Anneke Gronloh, Sam Saimun, Sajekti and many others. English versions are by Hong Kong pop star Mona Fong and The Sundowners, a Singapore vocal group from the 60s, sing it in their own easy style. Instrumental ones are too many to mention. One of the better interpretations of the melody comes from The Stylers. And it's hot. (Check side-bar) >>>>>

The song's bigger than the composer. It has brought Gesang lots of royalties and for a song that was composed on a bamboo flute in keroncong style, it has been translated into a dozen languages. In 2009 Gesang said, "Unfortunately (the river) is not as beautiful as before..."

"Air mengalir sampai jauh/Akhirnya ke laut..." May you rest in peace pak!

Image: bocahiseng.blogspot.com/2010/05/gesang-mening...

Original article: Andy Lim.

Information: Internet.

Bengawan Solo And Foreign Songs (Part III)

FOREIGN SONGS BECOME ENGLISH HITS (3):

ITALIAN: Nel blu dipinto di blu, known also as Volare is Domenico Modugno’s signature song. It is the only song ever by an Italian artist to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts. His recording won the Grammy (1958) and is the only foreign-language recording sung entirely in Italian. Written by Modugno himself and Franco Migliacci, it came in third in the 1958 Eurovision Song Contest. But only Dean Martin's version (1958) made its way into the hearts of many Singaporeans. Beats even Bobby Rydell's more upbeat version!

PERUVIAN/ANDEAN: El Cóndor Pasa or Flight of the Condor (1913) is a song by Peruvian composer Daniel Alomía Robles based on traditional Andean folk tunes. It is popular worldwide because it is covered by Simon & Garfunkel in their Bridge Over Troubled Water album (1970). This cover version is called El Condor Pasa (If I Could).

When Simon heard a version called Paso Del Condor by Jorge Milchberg, he personalized it by adding his own English lyrics. They are all listed as songwriters in this version. Perry Como released a cover of Simon's English version on his album It's Impossible. Simon & Garfunkel did release their version as a single in the U.S. and it reached 18 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart.

SPANISH: Singapore guitar groups are familiar with Perfidia (1939), The Ventures classic. It means faithless, treacherous or false and was written by Alberto Domínguez in the 1900s. Aside from the original Spanish, other renditions exist, including an English version by Milton Leeds.

The song became a hit for Xavier Cugat in 1940 and used by Chinese director Wong Kar Wai in some of his movies. Perfidia has been recorded by many artistes as early as the 50s, including Gene Autry, Charlie Parker, Mel Torme, Glenn Miller, Nana Mouskouri, The Shadows, The Ventures, Linda Ronstadt, Nat King Cole, Lawrence Welk, The Four Aces and Perez Prado.

INDONESIAN: Bengawan Solo (1940) in Bahasa Indonesia is by Gesang Martohartono and sung in kroncong style, a popular folk music with influences from the Portuguese. The Japanese, who occupied the country during World War II, brought the song to Japan afterwards. It has become an international hit since.

The song became popular amongst the Chinese community in SE Asia after Malaysian singer Poon Sow Keng recorded it in Mandarin for Hong Kong Pathe (1957). It was further boosted by Ms Koo Mei, who sang her version for Philips Records. Many Chinese language singers have written their own lyrics for the tune, making it one of the greatest classics in S.E. Asia.

The English recording of Bengawan Solo is called, By the River of Love from an early 60s Hong Kong record sung by Rebecca Pan. Sakura Teng and Mona Fong (image) sing it both in Chinese and English. While Teng heats it up, Fong gives it a cha-cha-cha beat!

And so this short journey ends in Asia again. We have come one full circle. If you happen to know of pop songs that have been translated into English, please write in.

Image: You Tube

Information: Wikipedia Songs

Original article: Andy Lim

2) Indonesian Folk Music: 30's Impian Semalam Lyrics

           

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20 CHATS, COMMENTS

The original song has two verses, the first sung by a female and the reply by a male. In this instance, it is sung by Uji Rashid. The other version has only one verse and, in this instance by the Ohello Sisters.  It is a livelier one, with hip-shaking gyrations by the two lovely sisters.

I sing it time and again with The Silver Strings. We shall be performing it again on the 18th September (Sunday 3 - 4 pm), at the National Library Ground Floor (Hans Coffee House), at North Bridge Road.

Impian Semalam
The Dream Last Night

Written/Composed By Oei Yok Siang (Indonesia)
Translation by Andy Lim LA (Singapore)

You Tube video from:  Siaran Radio Malaya

(1)
 Waktu semalam bung, aku bermimpi       

Last night dear/brother/lover, I had a dream

Bertemu ular bung, besar sekali
Was confronted by a snake, a very large one

Ular mengiggit bung, jari-kaki ku
The snake dear, bit my toe

Sudah mengiggit bung, ular berlalu
After doing so, the snake moved away

 Ku picit picit bung darah keluar
As I pressed and pressed (the wound), it bled

Aku menjerit "Aduh!" hingga tersadar
I screamed, "Ouch," as I woke up

Apa kah itu bung, erti maksud nya?
What does it mean dear?

Impian semalam, sangat seram-nya?
This dream last night, a most frightful dream?

(2)
Jangan bimbang 'dek, jangan risaukan,

Don't worry dear, don't be too concerned

Itu hanya mimpi, cuma khayalan,
It's only a dream, just an illusion

Bila malam datang, bulan pun terang,
When night comes, the moon shines bright

Bintang pun bersinar, kelip-kelipan,
The stars too shine with twinkling lights

Kuntum yang di taman, sedang berkembang,
One flower in the garden, is in bloom now

Harum baunya aduh, sungguh menawan
Fragrant smelling, oh, it is most attractive

Dicium dipetik, bunga di taman
Kissed, then plucked, this flower in the garden

Itulah ertinya, impian semalam.
That's the meaning of your dream last night.

Version sung by: Uji Rashid.

You Tube video from: Siaran Radio Malaya

by Uji Rashid.

The symbolism is obvious. The song depicts the experience of a pretty young maiden within the confines of flora and fauna. In her dream, the snake appears, bites her and disappears. As she relates her dream to her mother or friend, depending whether it's "bu" ("ibu" - mother), "bung" (brother), the interpretation is clear.

The interpretation is only one of many. Others believe it is just a song about a girl who had a nightmare that turned out to be a pleasant experience when she woke up in the morning.

This song is still very popular among the Indonesians, Malaysians and Singaporeans too, a classic which needs revival for its kampong and traditional beliefs and folklore.

My other interpretation is obvious, that it discusses the Garden of Eden and Adam and Eve. Let me know if I am too far-fetched because there are Christians among the Chinese in Indonesia. Some folks say the song is also symbolic of a girl's innocence and her first sin. Sin I am not sure but definitely, she's innocent no more. And the presence of the snake biting the girl, she felt it, as the blood oozed a little and she yelled, ''Aduh,'' [Oh]... I leave the rest to the listener's imagination.

Great composer Mr. Oei.

Out of a list of about 77 Indonesian composers found on its *website, one name stands prominent because Oei Yok Siang wrote three of the Indonesian songs I am familiar with. They are Impian Semalam, Aksi Kucing and the very well-known Gambang Semarang. The other two are Idaman Gadis Teruna and Djaka Lodang. Comment anyone?

Silver Strings with Nick, Andy, Audie, Rickie, John and Mike

the group that accompanies Andy singing 'Impian Semalam'.

*Reference: Pt. Penerbit Karya Musik Pertiwi - Katalog Komposer. It is a music publisher at Jalan Kebon Jeruk No. XV. 13, Kelurahan Maphar, Kecamatan Tamansari, Jakarta Barat 11160.

Image: Indonesian singer Anggun, who does not sing this song. http://discover-indo-tierranet.com/

Impian Semalam by The Stylers 

时代乐乐队 2020

YouTube Video from: Alvin EH Tan

Recommended by Fred Ching, 

music and concert enthusiast.

Original article: Andy Lim Collection.
Translation is also original. 

Please credit writer if you copy it.

(1) Ervinna - Penyanyi IndoPop Dan Keroncong.

ERVINNA is an exceptionally talented and popular songstress in the late 60s, 70's and 80's. Her repertoire includes Indonesian songs that cover keroncong, dang dut, jawa or indo-pop. She has been known to have recorded over 160 albums.

A recent trip to the vinyl shops in Singapore revealed Ervinna with a keroncong album with renditions of the kind blogger used to listen to in the 50s. Not as great as Keroncong Moresku but comparable.

The Indonesian malay album entitled, 'Favourites: Putri Solo Lagu Lagu Keroncong' consists of Putri Solo, Jambe Soro, Selendang Sutra, Kapuk Randu. Kr. Swadesi, Kekaseku Sayang, Timang Sibuyung, and Mina Padi. There is no date to indicate production. It costs only S$5.00.

Image/Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

(7) Indonesian/Dutch Rock Connection - Willy & His Giants: Ajoen Ajoen.

Vlietzicht Rijswijk - 16 Aug 2013: 'The Jumping Jewels Revival Band'. The song "Ajoen Ajoen" was played as a tribute to Willy Wissink (Willy and his Giants) who died on July 9, 2013 in his home in The Hague. 

With Paul Selier on bass guitar, Peter de Vos on rhythm guitar, Pete Korving on lead guitar, and for this special occasion; Will Wissink Jr behind the drums. Thank you Hans (van Eijk) for this beautiful memory!!

Will

The late Willy Wissink [9/7/2013] started in 1959 with a group called, The Real Rhythm Rockers from The Hague in Holland. Then in early 1962, he recorded his first instrumentals for Artone Records with his new band The Giants.  Willy Wissink's rock version of the Indonesian/Dutch folk song, Ajoen, Ajoen was released and became successful in many countries. Huckleberry Beat was the vinyl's flipside. 

Japan was overwhelmed with this group and Ajoen, Ajoen sold more than 100,000 copies. Accompanying the success together were  other popular Indonesian songs that were already hits on their own, namely, *Terang Boelan and Sarina. The country had a pressing of its own to sell to the group's fans in Japan recorded by Teichiku Records in 1963 [image below].

Personally, while going through the collection of vinyl, the chance discovery showed a singles pressing of Ajoen, Ajoen (DR25163), a traditional folk song, with its flipside, Sarina (DR25177A), composed by Bill Buysman. It is produced by Life Record (4-003), with permission from the original by Artone Gramophone in Holland. Willy (solo guitar) and His Giants have also recorded covers like, Baby Love, Great Pretender, One Night and High Noon. 

Their selection is different from The Jumping Jewels and they are not as popular in Singapore, but like the Blue Diamonds and Anneke Gronloh, they have certainly made some impact with their Indo/Dutch influence. They are as active as ever and, according to the website, have been doing revivals. Indo-pop is also known as Neder-pop (Netherlands).

*The tune, Terang Boelan [the bright moonlight], is now the National Anthem of Malaysia with different lyrics.

Images from: Willy & His Giants/Ajoen Ajoen Website which is in Dutch.

Information from: Dutch Instro Rockin'/Electric Guitars by Piet Muys.

Original article: Andy Lim Collection.