Andy 60s Music: Passing Away Of Aloysius Soh: Tribute By Michael.

 

Dear all,

It is with great sadness that I share the news that our dear friend, Aloysius Soh has passed away peacefully on 3rd Sep 2026.

This is a very difficult time for all of us who knew and cared for him. He was a wonderful friend and will be deeply missed. We will always remember him for the good times we shared, his kindness, and the memories he gave us.

Please keep Aloysius and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

May he rest in peace, and may his family find strength and comfort in the days ahead.

With deepest condolences,
Michael.

5/9/2026.

Thanks, Michael for the tribute.

Aloysius Soh is on the far left of picture.

Goodbye Aloy. May you Rest In Peace.

He was with this group LOCOMOTION and

other pop guitar groups too for many years.

Aloysius accompanied blogger during a 

show at the Esplanade in 2010.

Check Aloysius; click blue below: 

.: Search results for Aloysius Soh

FROM WA:

CHARLIE YAP:

Aloysius' original band was Woodlanders,

initially managed by his dad and later by

his elder brother, Charlie Soh. Aloysius brought me

into Woodlanders, and I later invited him to join 

LOCOMOTION. He was the best lead guitarist we ever had.

IVOR LESSSLAR:

Deepest Condolences To All In The Family.

It's very sad to see one that we know going 

one by one...

RICKY WONG:

Good morning Andy.

RIP Aloy.

I attended his wake last night.

BORHANUDIN SALAM HANS SOLO:

GOD BLESS HIS SOUL.

JOHN CHER:

Aloysius was a wonderful 100% guy. He was a 

Master of his craft and unlike some of his friends,

he never had to prove anything. He was the lead

guitarist of arguably the best dance band in Singapore,

CHARLIE YAP LOCOMOTION. His special sound will be

sorely missed. May perpetual light shine upon Aloysius Soh.

JIMMY PRESLEE:

RIP.

PATRICK TENG:

Rest In Peace Aloysius Soh.

OLIVER BALASINGHAM:

RIP Aloy...

ANDY:

Thank you all for sending your condolences through 

this blog. I knew Aloy when we were on stage together

at the Esplanade years go. Quiet and a truly dedicated

musician, he was serious with his craft. May Blessings 

keep you at Rest my friend and in Peace.

Locomotion: Singapore's Best Pop Music Ride

The boys in the original line-up (above in 2005) consisted of Jerry Murad, Bert Choo, Kelly Tan, Tony Goh, Band Manager, Francis Leong, Hansolo and lady singer cum guitarist, Vivian Bacinillo.

  UP TO 6,500 VIEWS, 

30,CHATS, COMMENTS

I have always been mesmerized by the red jackets this band wears (image) so when I found out 70's recording artiste Irene Yap has a brother in the band I contacted her.

Charlie Yap is a kind gentleman who, like a few friends, sends me WhatsApp posters and videos. Although he plays bass, I never realised he is the present band leader of this popular local group that is currently active in our clubs. When I asked him if he could tell me about his band, he willingly obliged. 

As usual, we met at my favourite rendezvous. Charlie tells his story straight, cuts no corners and from how he describes his management style, runs it with integrity and precision.

He is a sound man, both in the work he does and the person that he is. Charlie is technically an acoustics professional. 

Thank you, Charlie, for the article and photographs too. 

Although Locomotion was formed in 2005, the individual members are an experienced lot as most of them have been in the Singapore and, for some members, the Asian music scene for many years. Most of them have been playing or singing since the 1970's and earlier.

Locomotion in 2007: L/R - Jerry Murad, Kelly Tan, Bert Choo, Vivian Bacillino, Hansolo, Charlie Yap (joined as bassist) and Tony Goh.

The five or seven-piece band started out as a group of enthusiasts jamming together because of their passion for music.  As the months went by and with their quality control performance, positive attitude and work ethics, the news spread and everyone wanted to dance to their music.

As their engagements increased and they started getting invitations to perform at corporate parties, birthdays and anniversaries, the group became serious and began to perform in venues all over.

With their wide repertoire and professionalism, Locomotion gained its reputation as a reliable band and chugged its way to the hearts of members of private and corporate clubs like, The American Club, Singapore Swimming Club, Tanglin Club and other private community clubs.* 

They even received requests to play for the Peranakan Museum, Emily of Emerald Hill, an event organised by our National Heritage Board. These musically experienced gentlemen and the lady would usually hold two key positions in the band:

L/R (2017) - Bert Choo, Ngo Chi Phong, Charlie Yap, Vivian Bacillino, Jerry Murad, Aloysius and Kelly Tan.

(1) Charlie Yap - Leader and Bassist

(2) Vivian Bacinillo - Lead Vocalist and Rhythm Guitarist

(3) Kelly Tan - Vocalist and Guitarist

(4) Ngo Chi Phuong - Vocalist and Keyboardist

(5) Aloysius Soh- Lead guitarist and Vocalist

(6) Bert Choo - Drummer

(7) Jerry Murad - Vocalist, Saxophonist and Flutist.

As their reputation for delivering quality dance music grew, they hit the high tracks and began performing at international hotels like the Holiday Inn Parkview and the Copthorne Orchid Hotel.* 

L/R (2017) - Aloysius Soh, Bert Choo, Kelly Tan, Vivian Bacinillo, Charlie Yap and Ngo Chi Phuong.

Locomotion is truly in demand, an energetic band that is keeping patrons dancing, singing and grooving wherever they performed. Requests for a particular song or a favourite tune has never been turned down. 

The repertoire they have is wide; they have been known to play many long forgotten songs with calm, ease and dexterity and could easily provide music that covers golden oldies from the 50's onward. And there are not many dance bands around in Singapore. Shadows bands, we have but dance bands; it's a rarity here.

Latin, Bossa Nova, Country, Calypso, Rhumba, Cha Cha, Bachata, Samba, Tango, Hawaiian, Merengue, Waltz, Jive, Foxtrot, Rock n Roll, Twist, A-go-go or Line Dancing; name it and Locomotion will deliver. 

"What about Pachanga, Charlie? Play that too?" I asked jokingly.

"No problem," said Charlie.

They're in black, they're in red, white and blue.

Definitely, no disruption when you board this train.  One of the best musical train rides in Singapore; hop on board Locomotion. 

Video below:
https://www.facebook.com/charlie.yap.18/videos/10210042477765092/

*Clubs, Hotels and Venues Locomotion have performed at:

Tanah Merah Country Club, Singapore Island Country Club, Singapore Recreation Club, Raffles Town Club, The Eurasian Club, NUSS Graduate Club, Serangoon Garden Country Club and Changi Beach Club.  

Inter-Continental Hotel, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Swissotel, Goodwood Park Hotel, Grand Mercure Roxy, Hotel Royal Queen Hotel,  Meritus Mandarin Hotel, Shangri-la Hotel, Pan Pacific Hotel and Marina Sands Bay.

Disclaimer: This article does not promote the band but showcases how Singapore seniors make themselves useful in an ever-changing and challenging music environment.

 Andy Young with Charlie Yap, bandleader, Locomotion. With the full band below on 25 August 2018 @ the Singapore Recreation Club.

Images and Article: A Personal Collection. Copyrights Reserved.

Blogger Andy with LOCOMOTION. 

Charlie Yap with cap is the Captain of the Train.

At The Esplanade With The Silver Strings: 10 Years On, In 2010. Were you there?

An old friend called and requested if I could relive the Esplanade show on the blog and Facebook. So here it is again, LIVE.

If I remember correctly it was 2010 and my third gig with the Silver Strings in the 21st Century. Aloysius Soh played lead (Locomotion),  the late Bobo on rhythm, Mochtar (Neu Faces) on drums, Jalani (an accomplished pianist) on keyboard and leader and bassist was Audie Ng. 

But it was the audience that excited all of us. Were you there in the audience? Please tell us.

One of the best pianists in Singapore, Jalani 

played in a top hotel @ the Suntec City area.

Andy Young

We had our concert at the Esplanade and there was a good turn-out that evening. Henry Suriya sang as guest with The Silver Strings and Brian Richmond hosted. This gig happened 10 years ago and I have posted it again to show how time slipped like grease lightning. Of course, with a little nudge from that friend.

Henry Suriya was guest singer.

Audie Ng above and Brian Richmond.

Aloysius Soh (above), Mokhtar 

and the late Bobo below.

If you have been missed out, let me know.

Calling 'The Woodlanders' - You've Got Mail

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.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RAF_Sembawang_entrance.jpeg

From Tuesday, December 29, 2009 Posting:
(1) British/American Servicemen Music Influence In 60s Music Scene At Military Base