'Kopi Susu' With 'La Colegiala' Sandra Reemer

Saturday, May 14, 2011

She was 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 Indo/Dutch invasion of Singapore had begun. Listen to her sing 'La Colegiala' on the right bar. The word means 'schoolgirl' in Spanish. Hot, Hot, >>

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.'

(Check Wikipedia in Dutch: Reemer's biography after the 70s.)
Images: Universal Music, Singapore/Google images.
Information: Wikipedia and Questing Bandstand.

Edited by: Andy Lim.

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

Sunday, January 30, 2011

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

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 1,2) 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.

When it started in 1958, the records were marketed through the RRI (Republic Rayat 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.

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.

(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.)

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Lam Chun See Remembers Teresa And Jimmy

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

THANK YOU CHUN SEE: Read his comments under Jimmy Linchong's posting. Ayo Mama or Ai Qing Nali Lai is by Teresa Teng. She learnt this song together with Rasa Sayang when she stayed in Indonesia. Rasa Sayang and Ayo Mama originated from the Maluku Islands (Spice Islands) of Indonesia.

Doesn't matter if you can't read Chinese. Enjoy song on the Right Bar >>>>>

印度尼西亚民歌

小河弯弯 流水不断来
河里的水草
跟着漂过来
流水长在 长流那天外
问一声河里水草哪里来

哎哟 妈妈
莫非也像我的恋爱
哎哟 妈妈
可是来的这样奇怪
哎哟 妈妈
怎么你不讲个明白
谁知道我的爱情哪里来

小河弯弯 春风吹过来
河边的花香
跟着飘过来
遍地花开 芬芳到心怀
问一声春天从哪里来

哎哟 妈妈
你可不能不理不睬
哎哟 妈妈
我的寂寞情意难挨
哎哟 妈妈
给我怎么样的安排
你可叫我怎样的安排
谁知道我的爱情哪里来

Ayo Mama: Indonesian lyrics (literal translation):

Ayam hitam telurnya putih (Black chicken too has white eggs)
Mencari makan di pinggir kali (Searching for food by the lakeside)
Sinyo hitam giginya putih (Dark-skinned bride has white teeth)
Kalau ketawa manis sekali. (When she smiles, she's so sweet)

Ayo mama, jangan mama marah beta (Oh mum, don't you scold me)
Dia cuma cuma pegang beta (He's just holding her playfully)
Ayo mama, jangan mama marah beta (Oh mum, don't you scold me)
Lah orang muda punya biasa. (It's natural with the young)

Anyone willing to help with the Mandarin translation? Doesn't matter anyway. It's the beat that matters. Cha-cha-cha!!!

Taken from:
http://teresateng.multiply.com/video/item/14?&item_id=14&view:replies=reverse

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

Friday, November 12, 2010

If you are into serious study about 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 are 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 reseach can be done on Asia's 60s music and with your help!

Image: Charles Darwin University Australia Website.

http://www.cdu.edu.au/lba/steven_farram.htm

Original article: Andy Lim.

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The Blue Diamonds - Sparkling 'Right Back'

Friday, July 2, 2010

THIS POSTING IS FOR LL:

Go to any CD shop in Singapore and ask for The Blue Diamonds. The response from a particular young lady at one shop counter: "Don't know Blue Diamonds."

Me: "What about Jumping Jewels?"

Counter lady: "Who?"

Go to a record and CD shop in the US, UK or any other western country and the person in charge will check on his computer before searching for the title/artiste on the shelves. Only then the response: "Sorry, sir. We don't have it but we can try and order it for you if you like." Shouldn't sales people in Singapore be taught some courtesy and know a little about pop music history before they are allowed to sell CDs? Cannot lah, too expensive to train!

A Blue Diamonds CD (image) was given to me as a present. I am not familiar with some of the songs but then it had been a while since I found a BD CD and as a big fan, this gift is worth its price in diamonds. And the songs are sparklers. This one includes Neil Diamond's Song Sung Blue. Yes, Diamonds sing Diamond.

The title track Right Back is first, followed by: I'll Mend Your Broken Heart, Cryin' In the Rain, The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine, Day After Day, Alice Long, Skinny Ginny, When You Are A King, I Will Love You Endlessly, Uptown, Bend Me Shape Me, Don't Let It Show, Sweet Little Girl, Cry, Sweet Dream Baby, Lonely Street, Surfin' In Sunshine and Right Back Front. (Originally: Long Play TELSTAR - 12 tracks, recorded 1987).

The Dutch duet's last hit was in 1971 but they continued to perform together until Ruud de Wolff's death at the end of 2000. Riem de Wolff continues to perform and release albums.

*In autumm 2005, Riem recorded a new album in the Deans studio in Kirkby, Liverpool. Called, Mr. Blue Diamond, Back On Track, it has John Pettifer (The Deans) and Sarah Jory, a special guest musician, playing slide-guitar and singing with Riem on this album. Check SideBar/YouTube. Sounds like, Sultans of Swing.

Image: CD Cover from a great friend (you know who you are.)

*Riem's web: (1) http://www.bluediamonds.nl/cd_nw_gb.htm

(2) http://www.american-legends.nl/riem_bio.htm

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

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

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) vinyls. 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.

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.

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.

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Blue Diamonds National Service & In Uniform

They are back again. One of blogger's favourite duet and even better than The Everly Brothers, the two boys known as The Blue Diamonds (although one has passed on), can be heard marching along with these songs. And in uniform too, with the Choir of the Technical Troop, Grave and Orchestra of Conductor Jack Bulterman (image):

Old Soldiers Never Die, Pack Up Your Troubles, It's A Long Long Way To Tipperary, John Brown's Body, She'll Be Coming Round The Mountain, Marching Along Together (Fontana: 266 358 TF).

They were then in the army when these songs were recorded and, like Elvis Presley (GI Blues) and our own NS boys, had to serve their country (Holland). "They had a ball with their companions at arms, as their singing, backed by a choir of their friends, is a selection of marching songs and melodies popular with soldiers. You will recognise them all (sleeve notes)."

You will too, especially our Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and most uniformed personnel, professional or otherwise. You sure you have this vinyl? Quite rare I think. But these are really nice, old sing-a-longs. Any Blue Diamonds enthusiasts out there?

Image/Original Article: Andy Lim Collection.

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(2) Indonesian Folk Music Influence And Sexual Symbolism In 30s Lyrics - 'Impian Semalam'

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Impian Semalam - The Dream Last Night

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.

The symbolism is obvious. The song depicts the deflowering 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, lover or friend, depending whether it's "bu" ("ibu" - mother), "bung" (brother/lover), the interpretation is clear. A maiden's plucking a rose in the garden and pricks her finger on a thorn. She utters, "Adu!" (Oh!) and bleeds.

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 blogger is 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?

*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/

Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

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(1) Impian Semalam - The Dream Last Night - Malay Song By Indonesian-Chinese Composer

Impian Semalam - The Dream Last Night

Waktu semalam bung, aku bermimpi
Last night dear, I had a dream
Bertemu ular bung, besar sekali
Was confronted by a snake, a very large one
Ular menggigit bung, jari kaki ku
The snake bit my toe
Suda mengiggit bung, ular berlalu
After doing so, the snake moved away
Ku picit, picit, darah keluar
As I pressed (the wound), it bled
Aku menjerit, "Adu!" hingga tersedar
I screamed, "Ouch," as I woke up
Apa kah itu bung, erti maksud-nya?
What is the meaning dear?
Impian semalam, sangat seramnya?
This dream last night, this most frightful dream?

A few months ago, while looking for my favourite Indonesian pop song Impian Semalam, I chanced upon the You Tube version on the right, 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!

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?

YouTube: Gununggede, August 12, 2007.

Image: Indonesian singer Titi Kamal, who does not sing this song. http://cutegirls-indonesia.blogspot.com/

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(2) Ervinna & Stylers, I'd Love You To Want Me

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Like Sakura Teng and Anita Sarawak, Ervinna has recorded in Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Melayu, English and also Mandarin. She records in her home country for her Indonesian songs but in Singapore for English and Mandarin songs.

Her fame has spread to Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines, China and some countries in Europe like Holland, Germany and in even places like Surinam and Argentina.

According to a *website, she is known as, 'The Angel Of Indonesia' by Singaporean fans. She has a special dedicated album entitled, His Love, recorded in mandarin. The album is displayed at a gallery, Galeri Pondok Pujian in Mal Puri Indah, Jakarta.

Blogger has a copy of Ervinna with The Stylers entitled, Mrs. Seelo with songs like, Witch Queen Of New Orleans, It Never Rains In Southern California and I'd Love You To Want Me. (White Cloud Records: EA704L). You can watch her Mandarin version of Mustapha on You Tube.

*Website: http://http://www.reformata.com//

Image: http://www.hurek.blogspot.com/

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(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.

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(9) Bye Bye Blackbird Baby Face Blue Diamonds West Ham United Anthem, All In One Long Play

Thursday, November 12, 2009

BLOGGER'S 50s MUSIC EDUCATION:

The selection on this LP by The Blue Diamonds are popular in the 40s/50s and many of the 12 songs are jazz standards. Let's go through the LP:

I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles debuted in 1918 and has been recorded since by Doris Day, Vera Lynn and Frank Fontaine in the early 60s in the US. The song is now better known in the UK as the club anthem of West Ham United, a London-based football club.

Bye, Bye, Blackbird is a 1926 song, another jazz standard most dixielanders are familiar with and has been recorded by many artistes, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Trini Lopez, Mitch Miller , Ringo Starr, Miles Davis, Liza Minnelli, Peggy Lee and Joe Cocker.

The very popular Baby Face and a personal favourite, together with Margie and Till We Meet Again are all jazz standards and have been sung and recorded in the 20s or earlier by many.

The rest of the songs are just as special and all personal favourites. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You is a CW evergreen, covered by dozens and by Naomi/Boys too. Everyone knows, Vaya Con Dios, Isle Of Capri, Goodnight Sweetheart and Missouri Waltz while My Grandfather's Clock is a beautiful children's song.

The Blue Diamonds are accompanied by Jack Bulterman and his Orchestra. It's a great vinyl and quite a rarity because this particular one discussed is a Fontana France (680509 TL) 1961 pressing and the cover opens both on the left and right.

Reference: Wikipedia Songs.

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection.

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Johnny Lion The Jumping Jewels In Singapore

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

This posting is another one about Johnny Lion and the Jumping Jewels. In April and May, 1964 they came to Singapore as fans cheered them when the aeroplane touched down at Paya Lebar Airport. Apparently the youngsters fought for autographs while waving flags and journals, showing photographs of Johnny Lion and his group.

The JUMPING JEWELS on this EP are: HANS VAN EIJK, lead guitarist TJIBBE VEELOO, rhythm guitarist JOOP OONK, bass guitarist KEES KRANENBURG, Jr, drummer. In three days the singer and group had performed two shows daily, as more than 10,000 fans poured into the middle of town at the Odeon Cinema at North Bridge Road.

According to the blurb on the flip side of Johnny Lion's EP (Ginny Come Lately, Let's Make A Habit Of This, Tra La-La-La Susie and Gypsy Woman - Philips 433 263 PE), "his success is a combination of many things, but not least among these are his instinct for the kind of song that suits his superb voice and his unfailing attention to detail." Similarly with the group, because all these qualities are present during their stage performances and recordings.

The Air Show was not around then at the airport but the crowd was there Jumping for the Jewels.

(Check: January 29, 2009).

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection.

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Indonesian/Dutch Influence Boy & Rollin' Kids

Wednesday, July 1, 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*
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/

*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.

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(7) Indo Rock Connection - Willy & His Giants

Willy Wissink 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. Japan was overwhelmed with this group and Ajoen, Ajoen sold more than 100,000 copies.

Personally, while going through the collection of vinyls, 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 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).

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.

This post is for Larry Lai, MusicMeister.

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Singapore 60s Music. Singapore Blue Diamonds

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Off the cuff: After winning the Singapore Blue Diamonds contest, James Choa and the rest of The Gaylads (popular 60s group with The Flamingos - Posting: April, 9th, 2009) were given a singing contract and arrived in style at the Merlin Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, to be resident vocal group at the Harlequin Room with a full band to accompany them.

They were driven all the way, by car from Singapore to KL, by Tan Swee Leong at the helm of his Ford Anglia. Mr Tan, a celebrity himself, was also the MC for their shows and James remembered they had a fascinating 3 weeks at the hotel.

Since it was the 60s they had time to see the sights in KL during the day and had comfortable accommodation at the hotel itself. Besides a full allowance, The Gaylads were also provided with whatever creature comfort they needed during their stint at the Merlin.

(Image: The real Blue Diamonds with Anneke Gronloh. From National Heritage Board, Singapore.)

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Goodwood Hotel Anneke & The Blue Diamonds

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Images of Anneke Gronloh and The Blue Diamonds - Rudy and Riem De Wolff - at the Goodwood Park Hotel, Orchard Road, where the trio were staying. These superstars of Singapore 60s were at the hotel for their performance on the island. These photographs were taken on 5.2.62 and 20.12.62.
(Images from: National Heritage Board Singapore Website and Straits Times Press, Singapore)

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-----JOHNNY LION & THE JUMPING JEWELS-----

Thursday, January 29, 2009

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Key in: You Tube Videos Jumping Jewels

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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Nearly half a century ago and also hailing from Holland came one of the most proficient and popular group to Singapore's shore. This group mesmerised me with their tinkling guitar sounds and stage presence.

With their own unique instrumental rendition of popular Indonesian folk songs they were a special group indeed. So 'Nona, Nona, Zaman Sekarang', 'Nina Bobo', 'Stambul Bunga Mawar' and "Kapal Ladju' became chart poppers again in Singapore and Malaysia with special tribute albums to both countries when they were here in April and May, 1964.

The Jumping Jewels were a group with total musical discipline and controlled presentation. Instrumentals like, 'Trek To Rome', 'Wild Geese', 'Smoke Signals', 'Zero Zero', 'Blue Skies' and 'Jumping Can Can' became as popular as the Shadows classics and were played by many of our own guitar groups. In fact 'Cossack Melodies' (not an original JJ) was so popular a few bands would be playing it for one stage show. It became an unwritten rule that bands prepared other tunes just in case.

When they began in October 1960, JJ would read Johnny & Jewels which later became JJJ, Johnny Lion & The Jumping Jewels. They soared with their version of 'Wheels' in their own country and with 'Guitar Tango' in France. Oldies like, 'A Hundred Pounds Of Clay', and 'Twilight Time' started people whistling the tunes again.

Johnny Lion became a star too and fronted them with 'Teenage Senorita', 'Devl Woman' and other hits. 'I Wanna Dance With You' made it to the Billboard Charts in May 1965.

My two favourites are *'Irish Washerwoman' by the group and 'Judy' by Johnny Lion. In fact I sang it during the VivoCity gig.

*Slick, quick pick. Absolutely fantastic guitar fingering.

So there you are JJJ fans, one vintage photo, one of JJ and the last of JL. Wow!

YouTube: Key in: jumping jewels band

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