'Tidbits' Female Teenage Trio: Island's First RCA/Cosdel Artistes In 1968 - I Believe

Monday, August 23, 2010

1968 - 29th February: National Theatre, Tank Road, Singapore.

Tears of triumph streamed down the cheeks of the three young school girls backstage, as the packed crowd roared with approval when they heard the announcement over the loud speakers. It was the moment the Tidbits had dreamed of since the day they participated in the 1967/68 Radio Television Singapura (RTS) Talentime.

They could not believe it had actually happened and when compere Tan Hock Lye asked the three young winners to come up to the microphone to say a few words to the audience, Melina Wee (12) could only sob. "We are so happy we are crying." The other two Tidbits, Serene Wee (13) and Bernadette de Souza (12) sniffed in agreement. The occasion had over-whelmed them.

It had been a touch and go affair as all the finalists at the competition exhibited a high standard even though they were amateurs. But the trio "emerged as the undisputed champions (when) they sang their way into the hearts of all through their scintillating number, I Believe. And it was just the beginning..."

1968 - 1st June: RCA - Cosdel Cocktail Party, Singapore.

Three months after winning the competition and rounds of singing engagements, the trio were in the lime-light again. It was another memorable day on June lst for The Tidbits when they signed up with Cosdel (Singapore) Ltd, on the world famous RCA label, to record four songs for an Extended Play vinyl: SGE - 0001, beautiful digits indeed.

Since they became the first to record for RCA in Singapore and that it was ground breaking day, top officials from Cosdel and RCA were present to witness the union. Backed by Cosdel's pop guitar groups The Trailers, the songs were: I Believe, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, Never My Love and Lace Covered Window.
1969 - 2nd Album, 'California Dreamin': RCA Victor, Singapore.

According to the producer's note on the back sleeve of their second EP, the Tidbits "have matured tremendously in their vocal harmony work (and) each individual singer in the group is now extremely polished and are soloists in their own right." The producers believe they had selected the most appropriate songs for the girls because of their "calibre of singing."

The EP title song, California Dreamin' (image - SGF 0017) was given a strong vocal harmony by the girls, backed with an infectious beat and a strong rhythm. The ballad Scarlet Ribbons' rendition was tongue-in-cheek but heart-throbbing. Bernadette contributed the lead voice with "beautiful harmony work" by the other two.

Tragedy had been given a brand new arrangement and the fourth and final song, Come Softly To Me was "unique with an augmentee to help the girls feel their vocal harmony". The note explained that a George Lim was the man behind the girls' success. The trio were backed by RCA artistes, the X-Periment, one of the "slickest band in town" then.

Comment anyone?

Image/Information/Quotes: You Tube. Tidbits RCA record-sleeve covers. Souvenir programmes (1968/1969).

Original article: Andy Lim.

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The Espanade Outdoor Theatre Hosts 60s Music 2010 For Everyone!

Saturday, July 31, 2010

The Esplanade Outdoor Theatre in Singapore fronts the 300m long waterfront along Marina Bay. It can seat 450 people and take up to 600 standing. The space hosts a range of performances from music to dance and theatre which can all be enjoyed under the starlit sky.

Since July 2008, the redeveloped theatre, equipped with an in-built sound console and rigs for lighting, boasts a new performance stage 2.5 times the size of the original stage, which is twice the size of the previous theatre. The new features will allow for more dynamic performances and an enhanced audience experience.

The theatre has been an important fixture in the Singapore arts scene since it opened in 2002 and has hosted over 2,000 performances that range in diversity. In the short history of the theatre over 1.5 million people have come to experience the free performances there.

The new theatre will offer better protection from the elements through the addition of three large sails. No concerns about cancelled shows at mid-performance because of the weather.

Come join the crowd to celebrate National Day 2010 this year with a bumper crop of gigs for 60s music fans. It's free, begins at 7pm and ends at 11pm.

(Article has been edited from Outdoor Theatre Websites.)

Images/Information: www.esplanadeyouths.com/?p=361

http://www.esplanade.com/about_the_centre/venues/outdoor_theatre/index.jsp

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Leggy Fashion Models, Drooling Band Boys

Sunday, June 20, 2010

A long time ago in the 60s and 70s, way before Jade Seah and Nadya Hutagalung appeared on our local catwalk, Singapore had its share of beautiful, leggy and sexy fashion models. One of the more popular modelling agencies that had these damsels was Joan Booty's.

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Annual dinner and dance events held by business organisations had top bands, pop artistes, comedians and variety shows to entertain the staff but they were incomplete without these agencies providing models to strut the stage of the hotels, theatres and nightclubs in Singapore. So wherever the get-together was held, these ladies provided the oomph and glamour and the more revealing the girls were, the larger the members in the audience and louder the wolf whistles.

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When I spoke to the 60s band boys about such events and the live music they provided as the models appeared on stage, one comment was, "We try to play the simplest tunes with the simplest chords because we'd rather drool over the girls and their swimming costume changes than think of our guitar chord changes." The statement is meant more as a joke because the bands take their music accompaniment of models on stage seriously, so woe betide those bands that are frivolous or non-professional because they will not get another contract the next time around.

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[Note: Spelling of 'boutique' to 'Bootigue' understandable but why 'gue' and not 'que'? The above advertisement appeared in a souvenir magazine for White And Blue Nite at the Victoria Memorial Hall on Saturday, 28th February, 1970. The dance was to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the P.I.E.U. Bridgestone Branch and sponsored by Bridgestone Singapore Company (Private) Ltd. Anyone attended this function?]

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The band in attendance was The Stylers and the compere was Larry Lai. Hey LL, you remember this one?

Original article: Andy Lim

Image: Randy Lee Collection.

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National Theatre Stage Singapore 45 Years Ago - Our Men In White Still Around Today

Thursday, October 1, 2009

It was in the early 60s when the Silver Strings appeared at the National Theatre in Tank Road, Singapore. The stage was filled with the usual array of Fender or Gibson amplifiers and drum sets (image) ready for other bands backstage that were waiting to perform. The audience were seated.

Danny Boy, as usual, was in the background, unseen but present, with his rhythmic beat that kept our group on cue and in tempo. And he never missed a beat. One of the best drummers in Singapore.

Merlin (left) replaced Wilfred the original lst line-up rhythm guitarist. Active and with the broadest smile, Merlin's strumming was always coupled with his pleasant attitude on stage. As a person Merlin was all heart and giving.

Audie, bass guitarist and band leader strutted on stage with his Fender. He is still using the same guitar today but it had a colour change. When he played, he gave his best, well versed with the thick 4 string bass.

David Chan played lead. The quietest and most handsome of the group, he let his fingers do the talking. Dave originated the introductory bars to the Silver Strings' version of Fireball XL5. Without him, Fireball couldn't be launched into space recently and was never sung at the Orchid Country Club in July, 2009.

Andy fronted the group up to the mid-60s and only appeared again in November, 2008 at the VivoCity, Harbourfront, Singapore gig, about 45 years later.

Without our jackets, we were men in white.

(Please find earlier postings on the boys under label: 'Silver Strings').

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection.

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--The Old Esplanade Where Vows Were Made--

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The old Esplanade in the 60s when the Victoria Memorial Hall and Theatre played hide and seek behind the trees. Many couples, young and old, walked the evening to enjoy the sea breeze and lapping waves. Others would steal away from the dance floors and ear-splitting music to seek solace and moonlit charm as they sit amidst the bushes and cobbled-stoned paths.

It was also called Queen Elizabeth Walk. Were you around then? Serenading to your companion?

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Anita Sarawak - Nymph At Song - With SS

Anita Sarawak who is an international star and in the Las Vegas strip for many years started her singing career at dinner and dance functions. Picture shows her with The Silver Strings at the Singapore Insurance Companies Employees' Union in November, 1968 at the Victoria Memorial Hall, Singapore.

According to Audie Ng, who felt that he gave Anita her first taste of show bizz, she is still the best singer amongst the lot he knows personally.

2nd image shows Mike & Herb with Audie Ng in full regalia. Pictures tell stories.

Images: Silver Strings Collection.

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Pop Yeh Yeh Melayu 60an - The Swallows

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Picture from a souvenir magazine: Andy fronted the original Swallows at the Adelphi Hotel for the above show in the early 60s.

Those were the days my friend

We thought they'd never end

We'd sing and dance forever and a day

We'd live the life we choose

We'd fight and never lose

For we were young and sure to have our way...

(Lines from Mary Hopkins evergreen)

Edited/original article: Andy Lim.

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History Of The Victoria Theatre Singapore Nostalgia Can Aid Mental Health

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Journal Article:

Nostalgia is not a psychiatric disorder and occurs in all cultures and amongst all age group. Research suggests that it can promote psychological health with overall positive feelings including higher self esteem and the increased feeling of being loved. It counteracts the effects of loneliness and increases perceptions of social support.

Nostalgia provides a link between our past and present selves i.e. it may provide us with a positive view which could help to give a greater sense of continuity and meaning to our lives. It may acquire greater significance in old age as elderly adults are vulnerable to social isolation. "Nostalgia is now emerging as a fundermental human strength and we play a starring role in our nostalgic scenes."

The first image shows a house party, at a bungalow at Mountbatten Road, which blogger organised. It shows the dancing that took place at the large patio. For dance music, records spin from a radiogram and tapes on large spools were played that evening. Later on in the evening, the lights were dimmed. Just across Mountbatten Road and beyond a row of bungalows was the open sea at Katong, where many young couples enjoy a private moment.The second image shows the Victoria Theatre with the clock tower where many dances and music events are held. It still stands today.

From: http://PsychCentral.ComRick Nauert (PhD), Senior News Editor, Association for Psychological Science15.12.2008
Image 1: Home Party-1963 Andy Lim Collection. Image 2: Victoria Theatre - 1962 from National Heritage Board Website

Victoria Theatre (posted on 4th August, 2010)
"Reliving the Glory Days:
The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall in the heart of Singapore’s Civic District is one of the most historically versatile buildings in all of Singapore. In the course of its nearly 150-year history, apart from being a focal point for arts and cultural entertainment, this handsome Victorian-era colonial landmark with its distinctive Palladian clock tower, Italianate windows and rusticated columns was once a town hall, hospital and a war crimes trials court.

The history of this building is a fascinating one. In fact, you’ll be surprised to know that it wasn’t even originally intended to be a theatre. Designed by prominent architect John Bennett, it actually began life as the young colony’s Town Hall in 1862. The fact that it had two large halls on each of its two floors allowed it to stage concerts. And soon, while it thronged to the footsteps of municipal employees in the day, amateur groups were busy putting on plays and concerts at night.

When Queen Victoria passed away in 1901, the colonial government decided to erect a memorial to her long reign, deciding that a public hall alongside the existing Town Hall building would be a fitting tribute. And sensibly, they decided, in the name of continuity, to keep the same architectural style as the earlier municipal building.

The new building was christened Victoria Memorial Hall upon completion in 1905, and almost immediately, the Town Hall underwent renovations to turn it into a theatre, with the space between the buildings earmarked for a splendid clock tower. The makeover project (to turn the complex into three different parts) was completed in 1909 when Victoria Theatre officially opened.

In the period before World War II, the Victoria Theatre and Memorial Hall staged many concerts, musicals and plays, including a performance by Noel Coward in 1930. It was lucky to have survived intact during the Japanese air raids, and during the Japanese Occupation its strategic location in the city saw it being used as a hospital.

During peaceful times, it was also the scene of political milestones, chief among them the launch of the ruling People’s Action Party in 1954. And then in 1962, the original bronze statue of Singapore’s founder Stamford Raffles, which had been standing at the nearby Padang for years, was moved to the front of the building. When the Singapore Symphony Orchestra moved in 1979, the complex was renamed Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.

To preserve the grandeur and allure of the old dame, it will close later this year for an extensive two-and-half year renovation, before reopening in 2013. So on your visit to Singapore, don’t miss your final chance to capture a slice of its old glory."

Information from:

http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/see-and-do/culture-and-heritage/a-touch-of-history/landmarks-and-memorials/history-of-victoria-theatre-and-victoria-concert-hall.html

(I acknowledge the article was taken from the above website. This posting will be taken off if it contravenes copyright laws. Please write via the latest posting on this blog for removal. Thank you.)

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National Theatre Singapore 60s & Other Venues

Saturday, December 6, 2008

The National Theatre, Singapore, was one of the the places where it all happened and when guitars, singers and audiences screamed in unison.

This blog IS a place to reminisce and contribute photographs. One of the objectives is to show what happened during our rock n roll days at the:

(a) West Point in Pasir Panjang,
(b) Ambassador Hotel roof garden opposite Katong Park,
(c) Palace Cinema at East Coast Road,
(d) Celestial Room at Orchard Road,
(e) Rosee D'or beside Scotts Road,
(f) Golden Venus all at Orchard Road,
(g) Paya Lebar Airport night club,
(h) Ocean Park Hotel night club at East Coast Road,

(i) St John's Ambulance Brigade Hall at Beach Road,
(j) other dance floors where our bands brought the ceilings down!

"The National Theatre (add on/4th August, 2010)

A landmark for the performing arts:

FROM the 1960s to the 1980s, the performing arts here were synonymous with the National Theatre, a local landmark in its heyday.Situated at Fort Canning Park in River Valley Road, the 3,420-seat theatre was the biggest performance venue in Singapore then, and had a revolving stage.

By the people, for the people:

The theatre was dubbed 'the people's theatre' because Singaporeans from all walks of life had contributed to its construction.The plan to build a theatre to commemorate Singapore's self-governance was announced in 1959. A year later, then culture minister S. Rajaratnam urged every citizen to contribute to the theatre fund in a dollar-a-brick campaign.Donations poured in from all sectors - besides cultural associations and trade unions, the man in the street contributed as well.

Shopkeepers, hawkers and labourers pooled their money, while schoolchildren broke their piggy banks - all to help build the theatre.A total of $850,000 was raised for the $2.2 million building, which was officially opened on Aug 8, 1963 for the South-east Asian Cultural Festival.

Plagued by problems

However, the fanfare over the theatre soon gave way to criticism. Audiences complained that the open-air venue was impractical, letting rain and surrounding traffic noise in. It was also home to insects and birds, hardly ideal companions during a classical music concert.More than 20 years after it had opened, a team of engineers found the theatre structurally unstable. Its 150,000kg steel cantilever roof, suspended without pillars, needed reinforcements.

But renovating and enclosing the theatre would mean parting with at least $12 million, a cost that was deemed too steep.Plans for an extension of the Central Expressway next to the building further stacked the odds against its survival.The theatre had its last curtain call after an Indian musical on Jan 15, 1984 and was demolished two years later, despite pleas for its retention from sentimental Singaporeans."

Information from:

http://forums.vr-zone.com/chit-chatting/56250-historic-buildings-singapore-were-torn-down.html

(I couldn't find the author's name, so wherever you are, if you read this, please allow me to acknowledge your article above by providing me your name. Thank you.)

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