(4) Latin Heat Mambo Madness, Rhumba, Samba, Pachanga, Calypso - Singapore 50s

Thursday, October 8, 2009

TOP TUNES INFLUENCE: 1956-1957

Singapore, in the 50s, had more than its fair share of instrumental music before the Shadows and Ventures came to town in the early 60s. In fact the music was more varied and instead of the monotonous three electric guitars and a drum routine that permeated the world in the 60s, the influence of both Latin and strings came distinctly from a few big band combos and orchestras.

First, the Latin flavour came from orchestras like Perez Prado's. Following the Top Tunes 1956 list and having lived in that decade, the tune that surpassed all others in popularity in this genre was, Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White. It was played everywhere and for many years, as the whole country was immersed in this particular Latin song with its powerful trumpet solo, exciting rhythm and mambo madness.

Besides Cherry Pink, Perez Prado during his hey-days also provided Mambo No 5 and Patricia (image). Then Cha-cha-cha came to light as many Latin songs with the conga, mambo, samba and rhumba beat were changed to the cha-cha beat. And "one, two, cha-cha-cha," came to life!

Check Postings: Xavier Cugat, April 02/Herb Alpert: June 15, 2009.

Image: http://www.4.bp.blogspot.com/

Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

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Mexico To Singapore - Los Bobos - 60s Music

Sunday, June 28, 2009

LOS BOBOS is renowned for its extensive repertoire and vast experience. This strolling trio comprises Bobo on keyboards (right) and lead guitar, Ally on bass and Vivian on lead vocals and rhythm guitar.

They can sing and play in the only way they know how, with much passion. The group is able to provide a variety of songs ranging from ballads to soft rock as they are all seasoned vocalists. With a repertoire that covers from the golden oldies of the 50s, 60s to current hits as well as songs in various languages, LOS BOBOS combines three talents to produce music you won’t want to miss.

Los Bobos have performed all over Singapore these last 20 years. Below are some of the more well-known venues:
RAFFLES HOTEL 2007 /OCHO RESTAURANT (CHIJMES) 2006 /THE BISTRO (NUSS/GUILD HOUSE) 2005 /The BRITISH CLUB 2004 /TRADER’S VIC (OTANI HOTEL) 1998-2003 /CINNABAR (OTANI HOTEL) 1997 /SOMERSET BAR (WESTIN HOTEL) 1994 /N.T.U.C. CLUB 1992-1993 /CHANGI BEACH CLUB 1991-1992 /LOBBY LOUNGE/(HILTON HOTEL) 1990-1991 /CHESA RESTAURANT (HOTEL EQUATORIAL) 1989 /RESTAURANT (HOLIDAY INN) 1987 /COACHMAN INN (PSA BUILDING) 1986.

And the songs they sing? Here is a short repertoire of their top 40 hits:

All Rise/Betterman /Breakaway /Bring Me To Life /Can’t Get You Out Of My Head /Chilli Cha/Cha /Cool /Corazon Espinado /Don’t Cha /Don’t Know Why /Don’t Phunk With My Heart /Eternity /Everytime /Get The Party Started /Hips Don’t Lie /Hole In The Head /Hung/Up /If Tomorrow Never Comes /Kiss Me /Let’s Get Loud /Lose My Breath /Push The Button /Since You’ve Been Gone /Sometimes /Sunday Morning /Superstar /That’s The Way It Is /The Game Of Love /The Ketchup Song/(Asereje) /The Tide Is High /The Cheeky Song (Touch my bum) /Toxic /Waiting For Tonight /What Took You So Long /Whenever Wherever /When You Say Nothing At All /Where Is The Love.

Image/Article: Los Bobos Collection. All Rights Reserved.
Edited: Andy Lim.

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Herp Alpert & The Tijuana Brass - Latino 60s

Monday, June 15, 2009

Remember Herp Alpert and the Tijuana Brass? Singaporeans loved his good looks and trumpet. Better than Harry James. They sold twice as many records in 1966 as compared to The Beatles.

Herp Alpert and the Tijuana Brass were first on the Billboard album charts for 18 weeks with 4 albums in the Top 10. Lonely Bull, (image) Whipped Cream and Other Delights, South Of The Border and a single that must be mentioned, Spanish Flea. The hits followed one after another as the handsome L.A. Californian introduced Latino sound to the pop/rock mainstream in the 60s. He is the "A" of A&M Records with Jerry Moss (M).

Alpert's musical accomplishments include 5 number one hits, 28 albums on the Billboard charts, 8 Grammy Awards, 14 Platinum albums and 15 Gold albums. As of 1996, Alpert had sold 72 million albums internationally. But he could sing too and with This Guy's In Love With You, he topped the US charts for 4 weeks and reached Number 2 in the UK.

He was also an influence on Singapore music in the 60s. Born in 1935, Herp Alpert should be 74 now. It is also well-known that he uses only Benge trumpets (image).

Comment by Mr Lum about the non-existence of instrumental music from the 80s till today has been inadvertently left out after the post has been deleted. The answer is probably because of IT and digitalised music without live musicians. Next, it's probably because of the introduction of rap where there is hardly any melody to be instrumentalised. Any other reason?
(Articles: Sourced from Music by David Wells and Wikipedia)

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Pop 60s Music - Jose Feliciano - Light My Fire

Sunday, April 5, 2009

From 1964 to 2008, Jose Feliciano is still performing and sings both in English and Spanish. As versatile on the guitar and with a voice just as powerful and rich, his concerts are always a sell-out.

By: Andy Lim

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Jose Feliciano Puerto Rico/ Alfred Ho Malaysia

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Jose Feliciano, born blind, is a celebrity guitarist and singer with many international hit songs. After he went to the U.S. from Puerto Rico, he finally scored with "Light My Fire" which became a hit parade single.

The next recording, a Christmas album with "Feliz Navidad", spelled another success. "Old Turkey Buzzard" and "California Dreamin", became as well-known. Feliciano sings with much intensity and fervour, especially when he rolls off his lyrics in Spanish.
A Malaysian in the same category is Alfred Ho who he has been compared to Feliciano. Both are from the 60s pop era, both are blind and both play the guitar well.

By: Andy lim

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Xavier Cugat And His Orchestra Play Covers

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Xavier Cugat's records covers but in his own imitable style. "Besame Mucho", "La Cumpasita" and "Perfidia" are favourites but "Brazil" was one of his biggest hits. These hits were also covers for many guitar groups like, THE VENTURES, THE JUMPING JEWELS and THE SHADOWS in the mid 60s.

He's the man in charge (image).

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Xavier Cugat's 3rd Wife - Hottest Latino Ever!

Xavier Cugat had the sexiest of four wives and Abbe Lane (image) started an inferno on stage when she appeared at the Happy World Stadium in Singapore in the late 50s. Jennifer Lopez is nothing compared to her. I was still a youth then but enjoyed the show with my father who was a Latin music addict.

Xavier Cugat had another love beside his music and wife. He carried a CHIHUAHUA in his coat pocket whenever he was on stage and mesmerised the audience with his artistry and showmanship. His orchestra was astounding.

The above record cover was with the Tito Puente Orchestra but she was with Xavier Cugat from 1952 to 1964.

Cugat was another influence for Singapore music in the 60s when smaller local combos played Latin music in the lounges and bars across the island.

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