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).

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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.

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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.