SINGAPORE 60's: ANDY's POP MUSIC INFLUENCE IS A PERSONAL MUSIC, MEMORY TRAIL. BLOGGER DOES NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO VIDEOS, AUDIO TRACKS AND IMAGES. THEY ARE UPLOADED FOR FUN, EDUCATIONAL, ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES AND HAVE BEEN CREDITED. BLOG IS NOT SPONSORED NOR ADVERTORIAL IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER. INFORM BLOGGER OF COPYRIGHT ISSUES AND POST WILL BE DELETED IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT COPY THE POSTS; GET PERMISSION N CREDIT ME IF YOU DO. ANDY LIM LA (NOVEMBER, 2008) -
(新加坡六十年代安迪的流行音乐影响力), SUDI MAMPIR !
Showing posts with label UK/US Bands In Spore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UK/US Bands In Spore. Show all posts
'Airport Song' by Magna Carta from You Tube: Producciones Cinico.
The song refers to a flight to Singapore.
I had to give this posting its own space because of Allan's nostalgic note below and the song he introduced. As I mentioned on the comment page, it's a new song for me. Thanks Allan.
Dear Andy,
I suppose you know this lovely song which refers to Singapore. It reminds me of a day in late October, 1964 (almost 50 years ago now) when my flight from London to *Changi was delayed overnight due to thick fog. (I had been in the UK for an aircrew selection board at Biggin Hill and was returning to Singapore to resume my tour of duty there).
Changi Air Base 1966. With thanks to singas.co.uk
Later on in years whenever I hear the song, I am reminded of that day, and of the following day when the aircraft finally landed and I was enveloped by the heat, the smells and the sounds of the island I had grown to love during the previous 15 months. Happy days indeed.
*Possibly Changi Airbase.
Allan Thompson RAF.
Magna Cartais a Progressive rock group originally formed in London in April 1969. With Chris Simpson (guitar, vocals), Lyell Tranter (guitar, vocals), and Glen Stuart (vocals).
'Airport Song' by Magna Carta
Sitting in the airport lounge I'm waiting for a plane Everything is grounded For the fog is down again I should be leaving in the morning On a flight for Singapore With a guitar and a suitcase and a face In a photograph
Dozing with a coffee and a drooping cigarette And the dog eats Sunday supplement And still I can't forget I should be leaving in the morning On a plane bound for the sun With a guitar and a suitcase and a face In a photograph
The hands on the clock Turn around and around Dragging past the hours 'till the dawning of the day And the girl in information With her eyes on confirmation She's turning with a smile to break the news
I cannot quite believe it, but I thought I heard her say, 'The customs all have woken up, the fog is on it's way' So I'll be leaving in the morning...
After the appearance of the currently new Silver Strings in the last few postings we turn the clock back once again to the 1960's when kopi-oh meets teh-tarek (translated from Malay: when black coffee meets pulling tea). The welcome sign outside the hotel bar read: "Go underground where anything can happen. And usually does. Tonight and every night from 9pm to 3am." Entry was cheap. And the advertisement was for the eve of Christmas and New Year. For 10 Singapore dollars you got a first drink and novelties. (I remember going to England in the early 80's and it was about S$8.00 to the British Pound). And two bands entertained, one the highly respected, Thunderbirds with Heather. And the other? Well, let's discuss the other...
The T-Set. Barry's on extreme right.
This group was one guitar gang performing in the 60's, imported as a package from the British Isles. No Singaporean among the members. Even the group's name had a British ring to it; the patrons who came to Hotel Malaysia were amused when they heard that T-Set was playing at The Pub which, of course had an English setting. Yeah, imagine, "Shall we have tea at The Pub today dear?" Or more likely, "Gimme a Tiger!"
A Cuppa: not too familiar sight today. "When Bread Talks, Kopi Tiam."
Barry Walker, who wrote to me about this group was the lead guitarist and singer. In the 60's the same members used to play as a group in cabarets in England but decided to come to Singapore to try their luck. Familiar with the local scene - Barry was around for four or five years since 1966 - he had recommended T-Set to play, and at the Orchard Road area too. (Barry is featured on this blog with his other groups The Figure and In-Sect. Click Barry Walker under Labels below).
Better than coffee anytime! A Goodwood Hotel Advertisement.
The other members of T-Set were Roy who played bass guitar, Chris the drummer and Mick who played keyboard. These gentlemen were still unattached when they appeared at the club in the mid-1960's and except for Chris who had a quiet demeanor was already a father. According to Tea-Set, who loved to perform in Singapore, audiences here were polite and usually reserved. Locals would rather sip their beers quietly and chat with their mates at the bar while Caucasians would dance to their music.
A Pinta: "Time for a Tiger."
On the other hand when they played back home patrons there could be rowdy, reckless and walk off during a session if they dislike the band's performance. A band member remarked that he would love to come back to live in Singapore permanently. So guys, if you remember T-Set from the good old days when they played at the Penthouse Disco with two other groups called, Limited Stock and Faith , give us a write. Doesn't matter if you're in England or in Singapore. The boys would love to hear from you! Original article. Do Not Copy. Thanks to Barry Walker for the images. Other images: Google.
Written a couple of weeks back, I am dedicating this Barry Walker article to James Seah from our bloggers' group. He just loves the smell of Tiger...
As much as we appreciate the positivity of Andy William's Moon River in my last posting, we must realise there's the other extreme as *The Beach Boys' The Lonely Sea suggests and it was definitely the tidal movement as orchestrated by Mr. Moon that resulted in the drowning girl's predicament. It is a true story and here is his letter. If you or anyone else remember this incident please write in. The experience still haunts Allan to this day:
Dear Andy,
Mid 1965: Changi Point, Singapore.
We usually worked on Saturday mornings at Changi but my section, with only four members of staff, had a local arrangement whereby we took it in turn to have Saturday morning off. On that particular, fateful day, it was my turn. It was warm and sunny so I put my towel, cigarettes and a paperback book into my duffle-bag and walked down to Changi Point.
The tide was about half-way in so I had a quick dip and then sat on the sand to read my book. There was no one else around except a small Malay boy pottering about near the water's edge, and some Chinese teenage boys in two stationary canoes over the submerged sand-spit where the creek meets the sea. My reading was disturbed by someone calling out and I looked up to see the Chinese boys waving to me and shouting.
Thinking they were just being friendly, I waved back and returned to my book. A couple of minutes later they called out again.
"What are they saying?" I asked the little Malay boy.
"Someone has drowned," he replied nonchalantly.
Writer Allan Thompson at a sarabat stall in Changi Point 1965.
"Jesus Christ!" I cried and leapt to my feet. Looking across the water, I could see something floating beside one of the canoes. It looked like a piece of a tree branch. I asked the Malay boy to look after my bag and clothes and then I plunged into the sea and swam out to the canoes. My heart sank as I saw that the 'tree branch' was actually the shoulder of a Chinese girl who was floating, head-down, in the water. I raised her head but she was completely lifeless. A long stream of white bile extended from her mouth across the surface of the water, and the pupils of her open eyes had somehow disappeared behind her upper eyelids, and only the white area was visible.
One of the boys told me that she had fallen overboard, panicked, and had been under water for more than ten minutes. I had to act quickly if there was any chance of saving her life. I turned on to my back, put my arms under her armpits, and tried to swim backwards with her towards the shore. It was impossible because the undercurrent was too strong and I made no progress at all.
There was one Chinese boy in one canoe, and two boys in the other. I told the two boys to help me lift the girl up into their canoe but they were trembling with shock and were unable to move so I had to shout at them to jolt them into action. When they had lifted her aboard, I told one of them to climb into the second canoe while his friend followed my instructions.
"Lay her face down," I said, so he immediately laid her on her back.
"Face down!" I yelled, aware that precious time was being lost by his understandably
nervous responses. He was weeping as he struggled to turn her over. When she was lying on her front, I told him to raise her backside so that the water could run out of her lungs. He did so and then gently lowered her down again on my instructions.
Leaving his belongings behind.
Just at that moment, a young Malay man came swimming up to the canoe. He was a caddy at the RAF golf club on the other side of the creek and, seeing what had happened, he had climbed down the bank and swum across the creek to help me. I asked him to get into the canoe and help the Chinese boy to paddle as fast as they could to the shore while I swam ahead ready to administer artificial respiration when they brought her ashore.
My mind was racing as I sped through the water against the current. I was trying to remember what I had been taught during my basic training about the Holger-Neilson method of artificial respiration. I knew I had to lay her face down, raise her middle to let water out of her lungs, press down firmly on the diaphragm with both hands at regular intervals, and... hope for the best! I prayed that I could succeed.
As I stumbled ashore, I noticed a dark-green tent amidst some bushes a short distance along from the Point. It was an RAF Regiment anti-aircraft unit, one of several situated along the coast of the island in readiness for possible attacks by Indonesian forces. I ran towards it, shouting to attract the attention of the gunners.
Two of them came out and I asked them if they were trained in life-saving because I wanted the poor girl to have the best possible chance of survival and if these men were properly trained, it would be much better than my hit-or-miss efforts.
Thankfully, they had been fully trained and they came running along the sand with me to meet the canoe as it reached the shore. They lifted the girl gently on to the sand and, following the procedure which I had been running through my mind earlier, took it in turn to try and resuscitate her.
I picked up my belongings and lit a cigarette to calm my nerves while they worked on her. For a while it seemed as if all our efforts had been in vain because there was no response, only a deathly silence each time they paused to check for a pulse.
A small crowd of people, mainly Chinese teenagers, had gathered, and one or two called out things like "Hey! John! Give her kiss of life-lah!" which caused some laughter among their friends. I am sure it was nervous laughter but to those of us who had tried so hard to save her, it was very upsetting and one of the gunners stood up and waved a warning finger at the comedians who immediately quietened down.
Changi Point where the incident occurred. Submerged sandbank continuing from the tip of the Point where writer was seated up above the high tide mark near the Point when the youngsters called out to him.
Just when I thought it was hopeless and that the poor girl must be dead, there came a hideous retching sound and her body shook as she coughed up a quantity of salt water and bile. There was a loud cheer from the crowd and one of the gunners bathed her face with a towel while the other ran back to their tent to radio for an ambulance. I suddenly felt very weak and faint so I walked away from the scene and sat down at the water's edge as tears of relief cascaded down my cheeks. I washed my face with sea water to hide the tears, then I stood up and put my shirt and shorts on over my swimming-trunks.
Then a young Chinese boy, one of those who had been in the canoes, came up to me and took my arm.
"Oh thank you, sir," he said tearfully. "Thank you sir for saving my cousin."
This was too much for me and I could feel myself trembling, presumably from the shock and emotion of the occasion. I muttered something in reply and turned away as an RAF ambulance, closely followed by an RAF Police Land Rover, came along the sand towards the Point. I had only gone a few yards when one of the policemen came running after me.
"I've been told you were involved in this rescue," he said, and I nodded. "If you hang on, we'll drive you back to the guardroom so that you can make a statement."
I waited by the Land Rover while he and his colleague, both corporals, took details from the two gunners, then we drove to the guardroom. As we went, one of the corporals said: "I should think her family will hold a big celebration in your honour for saving their daughter's life. They'll probably give you a big meal and make you an honorary family member."
A vision of dozens of brightly-dressed Chinese people of several generations smiling and laughing crossed my mind, and for a fleeting second I wondered if this poor girl had a beautiful older sister! I quickly put this impure thought aside and felt a sudden panic. I didn't want to be given profuse thanks for what I had done. Fate had decreed that I should be at Changi Point at that precise moment and I had only done my moral duty as a human being. I tried not to think what the outcome would have been if I had not been given that particular morning off and had decided to spend it at the beach.
Writer's personal possessions on the burning shore.
I wrote out a full statement at the guardroom, sipping a mug of coffee as I did so. They offered to drive me either back to the beach or along to my billet but I thanked them and said I'd be fine walking as the billet wasn't far away. When I reached my room which, thankfully was empty, I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling and listening to the overhead fan as it creaked slowly, hardly stirring the air. Then the tears came back and I turned over and buried my face in my pillow. I didn't hear Mike come into the room and when he spoke I looked up with a start.
"Are you okay, Allan?" he asked, obviously concerned by my red eyes.
"Yes, I'm fine, thanks," I sniffed, wiping my face with a handkerchief.
"No you're bloody not!" he said. "What's up?"
So I told him what had happened, just to get it off my chest, and I was trembling as I spoke.
"You're a hero, Allan! Wait until I tell the lads. We'll have a big party tonight to celebrate."
"No." I shook my head.
"What do you mean?"
"I don't want a party, Mike. I just want to keep quiet about this because it's too upsetting. I feel as if I'm in shock or something and I'd be really grateful if you don't mention it to anyone"
"Not even Geordie or Jay?" He looked puzzled and a little hurt by my attitude.
"No, not even them. I don't mean to be awkward or anything but I don't think I could handle it if people came up to me and said nice things about what happened. I'm sorry, Mike, but I hope you understand. Will you promise to keep it to yourself?"
"Okay, Allan," he sighed. "I promise."
"Thanks a lot, Mike."
Mike was true to his word and the only people who knew about it other than those who had been involved, were the RAF Police and Mike. I never mentioned the incident to any of my friends or family until, in the early 1980s, I finally came to terms with what had happened on that sunny day back in 1965, and felt I could talk about it at last. Oddly enough, I never met either of the gunners, the two corporals, or the Malay caddy again. Nor did I ever hear from the Police after I had made my statement, and I never found out what became of the Chinese girl. Did she recover from her experience or did she suffer brain damage from being under water for so long?
Good wishes,
Allan.
Original article and images by Allan Thompson (Copyrights Reserved).
*The Lonely Sea by The Beach Boys. Video by julianpetsounds.
The lonely sea
The lonely sea
It never stops
For you or me
It moves along
From day to day
That's why my love
That's why my love
You'll never stay
You'll never stay
This pain in my heart
These tears in my eyes
Please tell the truth
You're like the lonely sea (sea)
Sea (sea)
You Tube video The Lonely Sea is a melancholic ballad Brian Wilson wrote with Gary Usher. It was first recorded on the 19th of April 1962 and was included on the demo track that resulted in the band getting signed to Capitol Records.
The guitars were silent during armed security patrols. Allan Thompson who served at RAF Changi in the 60s and played bass guitar with a pop group during his free time explained how he could have "contributed to the peace and prosperity of the region" while on official duty.
Dear Andy,
I like the Lee Kuan Yew article. He certainly works hard and did so much to make Singapore an independent and highly efficient nation. Thanks again.
I realise that the military service and medals have no place on your blog, but I only mentioned them as an indication of the enduring love and respect I have for Singapore and Malaysia.
I fell in love with the people, the food, the climate (after acclimatization), the history, the young ladies whose company and families made me feel so much at home. I certainly wasn't a war hero, although several others were, especially the young Gurkha who won the Victoria Cross.
I arrived in Singapore in late July, 1963, just before the creation of the Federation of Malaysia and I remember all the excitement of those times, and the opposition from Indonesia. My only practical contribution to the new nation's defence was doing occasional armed security patrols on Changi Airfield, a two-week detachment to RAF Kuching in Sarawak, and two weeks of coast-watching duties at Pulau Pisang lighthouse in November 1964 after the Indonesians had carried out landings along the coast of Malaysia.
Changi Airfield, Singapore 60s.
At the time we were just doing our duty because it was what we were paid to do, but in 2007 the Malaysian government did us all the great honour of awarding us the Pingat Jasa Malaysia for supporting them at a vital stage in their history. I think that meant more to us veterans than the General Service Medal which we received from our own government for serving in that campaign.
I think it brought home to us the fact that we had actually been involved in something worthwhile which contributed to the peace and prosperity of the region.
Pulau Pisang Lighthouse, Melaka Straits
That was the view of the Malaysian government in the citation which accompanied the award and I feel honoured to have received it.
Best wishes,
Allan.
(Comment anyone? Were you involved? Tell us)
For more of Allan's experience in Singapore 60s click 'Allan Thompson RAF' under Labels below.
RAF Tengah, Singapore. 1964. On the dispersal areas are naval Sea Vixens, 20 Squadron Hunters and a Wessex helicopter during Indonesia-Malaya Confrontation - Yue Sern Mok 4.7.2021.
Image 1 and article:
Allan Thompson Collection (All Rights Reserved).
Image 2: Andy Lim Collection.
Just to make a pleasant change from all the goings on...
Echoes/Sonics/Desperadoes/Fairport stuff, here is some light relief. When I was going out with a young lady from the Stangee Place area in 1963/64, she mentioned an Australian singer called Bryan Davies who had appeared on Singapore TV around that time. I had never heard of him but I promised to look out for any records by him.
I discovered an LP on a stall at the Changi village night market and she was delighted when I took it to her flat. Apparently, he was born in England and moved to Australia as a boy with his family. He had quite a pleasant voice and sang a mixture of standards and pop songs.
A couple of years ago I managed to find a copy of the LP on Ebay and bought it out of nostalgia. Not as good as I remembered it but it brought back memories of that innocent time. I have attached a scan of most of the cover. Have you ever come across him?
Keep well.
Allan."
Hi Allan,
Thanks for the letter and the information. If we are with the same Bryan Davies the status from You Tube includes his hits: Dream Girl, Alberta, With Love From Jenny, Tossin' and Turnin', Ten Pin Bowling, Skinny Minnie, You Talk Too Much You're Sixteen and others. Comment anyone especially those with British and Australian connections?
Regards,
Andy.
Original article/Image 1: Bryan Davies LP Cover from Allan Thompson Collection. Image 2, 3: You Tube Videos.
Added comment by Allan:
"I have been lstening to the Bryan Davies LP over the last couple of days and these are my observations 45 years after I first heard it.
He sounds like Bobby Vee/Craig Douglas/Neil Sedaka/Tommy Steele on some of the pop songs, while on "April Love" and "Young Talk" he reminds me of Jerry Keller.
On the two standards, "Lonesome Road" and "Alright, OK, You Win", there seems to be a strong influence of Anthony Newley.
The standards and ballads stand the test of time pretty well but the uptempo 'poppy' numbers are very much of their time but that, after all, is the nature of pop music. It was interesting to see some of his performances on YouTube."
Dream Girl Lyrics by Bryan Davies.
(Try Singing it With You Tube. Very Catchy. Come on!)
I Guess You Know
That I Really Go
For That Come On Smile
And Those Laughin' Eyes Of Blue
Little Dream Girl.
And The Way You Move
Only Goes To Prove
You're A Perfect Doll
And I Sure Could Fall For You
Little Dream Girl
My Dream Girl.
When You Walk Down The Street
Ah, You Sweep Me Off My Feet
I Never Thought A Girl Could Look So Sweet
But Your're Twice As Nice As Sugar And Spice.
From Top To Toe
You Just Seem To Glow
Like A Living Dream
Made Of Silk And Satin And Pearl
Little Dream Girl
My Dream Girl.
Allan continues with his Singapore music connection:
.
Northern Ireland:
I joined the Royal Air Force in June 1961 and played for friends a couple of times in the NAAFI Club at RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey later that year. I was posted to RAF Ballykelly in Northern Ireland in November 1961 and tried to get a band together without success so I sold my bass and tried to learn ordinary guitar.
.
The Sonics:
In 1963 I met three ex-RAF Halton apprentices and we formed a band called The Sonics. I couldn't afford a new bass so I bought a second hand white Rossetti Solid 7 and fitted it with the thickest flat-wound bottom four Monopole guitar strings I could find.
.
Ballykelly:
We played guitar instrumentals at first and then, in May 1963, added vocals, mainly Beatles and Eddie Cochran numbers, to our repertoire. We played at Limavady Agricultural Hall, Faughanvale dance hall, and the RAF families club at Ballykelly, and did a couple of open-air rehearsals to entertain our colleagues. (Our guitarist from that period has several numbers on YouTube - you can get them by keying in bravosuk - he goes under the name of Monty Zoomer. One of them, "The Letter" has Singapore visuals).
.
RAF Changi:
In July 1963 I was posted to RAF Changi. In 1964 I was asked to stand in for the bass-guitarist in a band called The Crests for one gig because he was returning to the UK. I did a couple of unsatisfactory rehearsals with them but I wasn't sure that their repertoire of instrumentals would go down well with kids fresh out from Swinging England who were fans of the Beatles and the Stones. In addition, although I was familiar with the band's repertoire, they played in piano keys rather than guitar keys, and I was given a terrible cheap bass to play. (I had made a small solid bass from a lump of teak with a guitar neck screwed to it but someone stood on it and it fell to pieces).
.
The Desperados:
We changed our name to The Desperadoes (image) and played a very bad set at Fairey Point to kids who hated instrumentals. In addition, I didn't have a bass amp so they plugged me into the loudspeaker system which made my playing echo around the enclosed end-of-pier dance hall. Dreadful. I was glad to leave them and I have no idea how long they continued afterwards.
Image/article: Allan Thompson Collection. All Rights Reserved.
Jumping Jupiter! Well, here's a blast from the past and sent all the way from the UK by great friend Allan Thompson. He has sent me images of our pop scenes in Singapore 60s. The above groups and singers is a page taken off Goodwood Park Hotel magazine from a programme for ‘The Goodwood Presents...', a show held at The National Theatre on Wednesday 23rd September 1964. Direct quotes below are from the page:
.
Crescendos:
The first Singapore vocal group/band to have their songs released by an international recording group: "The Crescendos, Susan Lim, John Chee, Raymond Ho and Leslie Chia are today the best selling artistes on the Philips label. In a short space of a year these young Malaysians have achieved the distinction of having one of their hit songs 'The Boy Next Door' included in the 1964 'Big Hits' record. it is expected to be released in early October.
.
Susan the lead singer of the group is in her final year in school and plans of the quartet's future can only be drawn in 1965. Since they started their singing career a year ago, they have recorded 12 numbers and sold 35,000 in Malaysia alone. In the last ratings of Philips 20 discs on Philips international label The Crescendos recording of 'The Boy Next Door' held second place."
.
Wilson David:
"Malaysia's Beat King is undoubtedly the teenage solo singing craze, teams up with the Jumping Jupiters to cut his first disc on the Philips International label."
.
The Jumping Jupiters:
"A group of talented and energetic instrumentalists, popular on TV, radio and many a stage show now cut their first disc on Philips International label. Wilson David and The Jumping Jupiters appear by courtesy of Asia Promotions."
.
Comment:
In the above write-up about the Crescendos, Singapore was still with Malaysia until August 1965, so the group, which was formed in 1961 and Susan Lim only 15, were still "Malaysians." One of the Crescendo boys remarked in a recent interview that they were lucky and had just happened to be at the right place, at the right time. But they were talented too. Twelve Crescendos numbers sold 35,000 copies. That's still a record today or has it been broken?
.
Wilson David cut an EP with Jumping Jupiters and 2 more EPs afterwards accompanied by The Jets and The Moonglows. He had sung with the Stompers, Esquires and Quests. Wilson was popularly known as Singapore's Elvis Presley. Just wondering why no one has put on You Tube the EPs of Wilson David? Comment anyone on this article and magazine comments?
Born in Dumfries, Scotland, in the 40s, Allan Thompson had a father who played violin, oboe and clarinet in various dance bands (notably The Arcadians) and the Dumfries Orchestra in the early 1930s.
Classical Or Rock:
According to Allan, "He tried to interest me in learning a classical instrument, but in 1956/57 I was only interested in learning guitar after seeing Chuck Berry in the film, Rock, Rock, Rock. Dad refused to finance guitar lessons and my first 'guitar' was a home-made solid with four violin strings and no pick-ups.
It was made from a single piece of softwood and was converted into firewood by my mother at some later stage. In 1959 I bought my first acoustic guitar and learned a few chords from a friend."
The Echoes:
In early 1961 he bought a Framus Tuxedo red solid electric bass-guitar and had a few lessons from Billy Stenhouse who played bass in a local band, The Cherokees.
"I formed a band called The Echoes in Stranraer but some of our members were reluctant to rehearse so we disbanded after only three awful gigs."
Original article/image: Allan Thompson Collection. Copyrights Reserved.
The following article is a result of letters from the UK penned by good friend Allan Thompson. It is not written by Allan but taken from the website below. It shows the progression of Servicemen who had been in Singapore in the 60s and are currently in the British music scene:
Egypt:
"Egypt is a UK blues rock trio formed in 1987 by three former members of legendary progressive blues outfit called The Groundhogs. They are Eric Chipulina on guitar/vocals, Alan Fish on bass/vocals with Peter Correa on drums. They have recorded on several albums and toured throughout UK and Europe over many years. Their Indie record labels include Stable Records, Blues Matters Records and HTD Records.
Alan Fish:
Alan's credentials also include playing with members of Welsh heavy rock pioneers Budgie in the band Tredegar, two albums for ex-Bo Diddley harp player Billy Boy Arnold, and a European tour for Chuck Berry among other things. Alan was also in Singapore in the mid-sixties and played with a group The Desperadoes (check previous posting). Their latest CD is Midnight Sun on Blues Matters Records and will have a new CD due out soon on Stable Records. The boys are currently gigging in the UK and Europe. The average price to watch them perform is about ₤12 (S$24) per head."
Gig Review:
Below are some of the revelant bits from a review of gig at Tubby Blues Club in Cheltenham, taken from their newsletter: 'The Egypt Blues Band showed us why they are one of the top rock/blues bands in Europe. They are packed with experience and Eric Chipulina is not only a master guitarist but a master entertainer too. The way he tweaks, cajoles, wobbles, massages and taps those sounds from his guitar is truely awesome. He has that spontaneous flair that all great musicians have.
Alan's Driving Bass:
Even though these guys have been playing together for...(many)...years, they still never know which way the music is going to take Eric. He has a fabulously rich voice in true *Howling Wolf vein. Pete Correas' instinctive drumming and superbly produced drum rolls underscored by Alan Fish's driving Bass provide the perfect back drop for Eric to wander over his solo with those incredible runs and slides...' Otis Mack.
*Chester Arthur Burnett (June 10, 1910 – January 10, 1976), known as Howlin' Wolf, was an influential American blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player.
"I remember Stevie Loraine (singing with The Dukes in Singapore yesteryear) when I was at Changi in the mid-1960s and remember her with great affection.
Desperados:
I played bass for one night in 1964 with an RAF band called The Desperadoes at Fairey Point officers' club. They played guitar instrumentals. The gig was for the kids of RAF officers who had come out to Singapore from the UK for the holidays.
The other members of the band were Alan Fish on lead guitar, Colin Fish on rhythm guitar, and Bruce Sorley on drums.
Egypt:
Alan Fish now has his own band called Egypt (image: left) and plays in East Anglia regularly with them. He also played in The Groundhogs some years back. He plays bass rather than lead these days. Best wishes."
Letter has been edited.
Image: Egypt Pop Band. Google.
Original article: Allan Thompson. Copyrights Reserved.
"The Club at the air-base in 1955 to 56 was a beaut place. There were good bands that played there too, one of which I recalled had everyone lustily singing Irish protest songs... (edited)"
"Eggs and chips, export lager and Elvis on the jukebox, singing Don't Be Cruel as I lusted after Mary, a lovely Irish redhead WRAF... (edited)"
During the early years of Singapore's colonial history, before Cliff Richard and The Shadows rocked Singapore with their performances in the 60s and before UK Servicemen vocalists and bands like Philips recording artistes Bobby Lambert, Brian Neale, The Dee Tees and The Diamond Four performed at the Golden Venus and Serene House, British servicemen who were here in the 50s already had a rollicking time with big band swing music at a Club at RAF Changi.
A band like the above (image 1) had four blowing instruments, drums and tinkle board. They never needed electric plugs nor solid guitar amplifiers to make music. Like the local pop 60s band after them that played during T-dances, these amateur groups were in great demand especially during the weekends. But these chaps, who called themselves JG, appeared without bow ties, suits nor shoes as they jammed in shirts, shorts and slippers.
Image 3 shows the party goers having a great time on the floor. These young men and women made sure they enjoyed themselves at the Club, dancing perhaps to the sounds of British greats like Ted Heath, Johnny Dankworth, Humphrey Littleton and American swingers like Glen Miller, Harry James and Benny Goodman.
This particular gathering could have been a birthday party with balloons to boot and was held at a ballroom in the Club during the 1950s (image 2). So if the later imports brought RnB, then the earlier ones established swing. And no soft drinks like Green Spot, Sinalco or Mirinda Orange for them but beer, beer, beer, gushing through the bottles for a jolly good time.
"Pardon me boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo, Track 29, well you can gimme a shine..."
If you are familiar with the above images, please write in.
#The Passing Away Of Edmundo Ros: [The JG band could have played some Edmundo Ros' Latino music too, who knows. FYI this great music leader had just passed away on 21st October, 2011 at 100 years young. He was one of my favourite musicians, having listened to him nearly every day in the 50s with favourites like The Wedding Samba, Melodie d'Damour, Quizas Quizas Quizas (Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps).]
Images: from Flikr.
Original article with accumulated information from websites: Andy Lim
Some Sleeves Speak (Sleeve-liner from above vinyl):
*"They were the Diamond Five. Where have I heard that name before? It could be anywhere from Hong Kong to Liverpool. They first appeared in Singapore in late 1965 and although they were acclaimed wherever they played, it was not until after their radio and television appearances during their tour of Australia that they were really recognised here.
Ray Johnson's individual style and the group's interpretation of Frank's compositions is now known throughout the Far East. This record is then a tribute to you, the fans of Ray Johnson and The Diamond Four.
I hope it gives you as much pleasure to listen to it as it gave them to make. And next time you are in somewhere like the North Pole, just listen for the music of The Diamond Four. It's there too (vinyl sleeve-liner: Philips Record image)."
#Except for I've Been Around, a Fats Domino cover, the other 3 songs, Wedding Bells Soon, Help Me, Little Girl and Stay By My Side were composed by F.A. Thompson - the "Frank" that the writer above was referring to. The Philips Record (ME-0148-DE) was released around September, 1968.
Heather Batchen, Frank Thompson, Diamond Four:
Fourteen year old Heather Batchen was accompanied by this same group, a band of British servicemen from an HMS naval ship, docked in Singapore then. They recorded a single with her in 1966: Day Dreaming by Frank Thompson. It is a sentimental number, sung with much feeling and personal interpretation that became a Heather hallmark. In the same genre, the big 60s hit If We Are Only Friends is an appropriate flip on Philips ME-057-HF for Heather's vocal style.
On an EP (ME-0173-HE) called Mr. Moon she had recorded again with The Diamond Four, Do You Care and Hey, Mr. Moon, both Frank Thompson compositions. Having completed their line of servicemen duties, the Four returned to England after this second recording with Heather.
The other two songs Heather recorded on the same EP, were with The Thunderbirds and called, Because I Love You and I'll Be Yours.
TWO PEOPLE WHO WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH 'THE WOODLANDERS':
Letter #1:
Hi Andy,
It reminds me of my younger days when I was about 12 years or so. Used to follow my dad who managed this band called The Woodlanders. They played regularly at the Anzuk Club in Admiralty (Sembawang).
PS: Aloysius Soh played for The Woodlanders periodically in the 70s. I am his nephew - Michael. January 3, 2010 12:25 PM
Letter #2 and 3:
penesmallbrook said... I lived on the Naval Base from 1968 until 1971 and my father (Arthur Smallbrook) was friends with Bobby Tan in The Woodlanders. He worked in my father's department on the Naval Base before moving to Singapore Glass and often used to come to our house.
They were a great band, we used to love going to dances where they played. Would love to know what he is doing now... retired I guess. May 29, 2010 10:45 PM
penesmallbrook said... I lived on the Naval Base in Singapore from 1968 to 1971 and The Woodlanders often played at dances at the CPOs mess. Bobby Tan the lead singer used to work in the same department as my father (Arthur Smallbrook) and often came to our house.
They were a great group, we loved the music at that time. Wasn't Barry Walker one of the Walker Brothers... Do a search on YouTube and you will be able to hear some of their music. Would love to know where and what Bobby is doing now... retired I guess. If you are in touch with him, say, 'Hello' from Penny Smallbrook. May 29, 2010 10:49 PM
(If anyone out there is familiar with this group please write in. Thanks, Andy.)
Lance Raymond continues his story about his stint at The Golden Venus Club and Bar on Orchard Road, Singapore from 1963 to 65 and his connection with some musician friends. This association gave him a lead into the music scene in Singapore as several of them were playing, recording and broadcasting on Radio Malaysia and TV Singapura. They were also ‘session musicians’ and played in most of the large hotels in Singapore, including the famous Raffles Hotel.
He was also invited to record for a Radio Malaysia show at the Victoria Theatre in Singapore (image: front right). He added that he participated in a show sponsored by a well-renowned company. Of several shows on Singapore television there was the Easter Show and a show called, ‘Latin Quarters’, where they played and recorded some Latin Jazz.
The question that was always asked of him was: "Did you get paid for all shows and on radio and TV broadcasts? The answer is yes and I even got paid for repeats long after I returned to the UK."
Image/Original article (edited): Lance Raymond. Thanks to PETER CHAN.
(Image: Peter Chan at the Club Elite, 5th floor Supreme House Building, which is now Parkmall. Club Elite was a Japanese lounge which was part of Okoh Restaurant, owned by a Mr. Sato from Japan. Mr. Sato also ran the Orchid Inn Hotel at Dunearn Road in the 1970s.)
Dear Andy,
Raymond G. Rees-Oliviere (Lance Raymond as featured in previous postings), a friend of mine was with the British Army. He got involved with the music scene in Singapore and Malaya in the late 1950s. He knew some local musicians like the Solianos; they played cha-cha-cha and latin music.
Ray has written an article with many photographs. Golden Venus, where Ray used to play, was at the former Orchard Hotel and it still goes by the same name, situated at the corner of Orchard Road and Orange Grove Road.
When I took up music at Foorman's Music School, many of the teachers were Pinoys (Phillipinos) since there were many of these musicians from the 30s through the 60s. By associating with the Pinoy musicians I was introduced to contemporary music.
Thanks to my late father who gave me a start in music at an early age, I was able to find a safety net after National Service. I soon became a lounge pianist, not with a disco band this time because the government closed down many discos from 1974 onwards.
With the closure there were few opportunities for pop bands. The government's actions were in response to the hippie sub-culture and growing prevalence of drug addiction.
By the way, my own repertoire then was influenced by the Dragons, the Solianos and big band sounds like Glen Miller. When it comes to Chinese pop, it was more like the 40s and 50s because I used to spin records from Poon Sow Keng (Pan Xiu Qiong), Love Without End type of music and Bobby Darin, etc.
Cheers!
Peter.
PS: Ray made a reference to a jazz pub down at Boat Quay. It was after reading an article last month that I found where the place was. It's just after North Bridge Road going towards South Bridge Road after the bridge at the first building on the left.
7th in the series under 'UK/US Bands in Singapore'. Click under 'Labels' below to read series.
"Eugene Kwok has performed in public since he was eight. Turning professional at a very early age he has performed before Princess Margaret at a State Banquet in honor of her royal visit to Singapore. He has also performed for the Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Nations.
His recordings for Radio and TV Singapore (RTS) also included his arrangements for big bands, and for the Piano and String Trio. After performing for many years at the Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore he continued at the Mandarin Hotel, Singapore.
Eugene performed at the gala openings of Nordstrom at the Old Orchard Shopping Center, and at Nordstrom in the Woodfield Shopping Mall. He was also featured in recitals at Nordstrom Oak Brook and performs at various libraries in the Chicago area. He is also a piano teacher.
Eugene performs for private and corporate functions. These include showers, wedding ceremonies and receptions, seasonal celebrations, communions, anniversaries, christenings, birthdays, recitals, store openings, and formal dinners." (Quote)
Comments from concert goers: (1) "It was wonderful. Eugene was truly a gift and so needed food for the heart and soul." (2) "Excellent. The artist was so professional and modest -could have listened forever to his beautiful playing." (3) "Your performance was outstanding. You're an incredible talent. Our patrons and guests thoroughly enjoyed your program. We would like to invite you back for Sunday, September 29..."
Blogger thanks Barry Walker for this introduction to Eugene Kwok. To read more about him, the internet has many websites about this remarkable Singaporean 60s musician. Anyone familiar with Eugene Kwok (Singapore 1968)? Do write in.
Image: Taken from Rocket Record Cover, P.C. Collection.
********************************************************************UK/US BANDS IN SPORE
NOTE FROM BARRY TO ANDY:
"Good morning, The drummer in question was Charlie Charles (left image) who was the last drummer with The Figures (1968 - right image with Barry Walker) and drummer of The In-Sect. Just before Charlie returned to the UK he formed a band called No Sweat in Singapore.
On his return to the UK Charlie and I met up again. He was drummer for Link Wray the famous American blues guitarist and later formed Loving Awareness. They recorded a brilliant album recorded at Earth, Wind & Fire's studio in the USA. Following that, he became the drummer for Ian Drury & The Blockheads and a very sought after session drummer.
Sadly, Charlie died a few years ago.We were very good friends right up to his untimely death. I was a Pall bearer together with his son Hughie and the rest of The Blockheads at his funeral. He was a brilliant drummer whose timing was The Best.
Listen to the song Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick. Also in both groups was Eugene Kwok who in my opinion was the BEST pianist/keyboard player bar none in Singapore. Eugene is now a top concert pianist in Chicago."
Best regards,
Barry Walker, London. January 28, 2010 5:49 PM
Comment anyone?
Images: From P.C. Collection.
Original article: Barry Walker of The Figures, Singapore 60s.
(Click 'UK/US Bands In Spore' below to read about him.)
"When we discussed music and I informed him that I was a big band jazz vocalist he invited me to talk to a couple of the local band boys that worked at the hotel. I ended up singing with two of the bands in the E&O during the weekends.
Also posted in Penang at that time were the Royal Green Jackets. Some of the Regiments' bandsmen used to come to the E&O where I got to know a few of the lads that played traditional and modern jazz. With the help of the manager of the same hotel, we set up a Sunday Jazz Club and alternated to play the two types of music.
A member of one of the local bands that I worked with was called Gino, a vibes player. He did the arrangements for a 17-piece big band for the Soliano Brothers, who were playing for a radio broadcast and for the Kuala Lumpur Cricket Club (KLCC) in Malaya. I was invited to sing."
Are you familiar with the E&O Hotel in Penang, Malaysia? Does anyone knows Lance Raymond when he sang there in the 60s?
Check: December 29th, 30th for Postings 1 and 2 for on British Servicemen in Singapore.
An Earlier British Invasion of Singapore:
