Groovematics: Singapore Private Clubs Play 60s

Sunday, May 22, 2011

The natural talent, versatility and repertoire of Philippino musicians are legendary. These melody makers perform in many private clubs and nightspots all over Singapore. Our local islanders who love pops, throng these places to listen to singers like Laila, Vanessa and one man band Ging (lst image) over a glass of beer.

Handsome Ging is so deft on his guit strings that those who are familiar with his playing compare him to Carlos Santana. His rendition of Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va and other Santana hits kept us enraptured the whole evening. The girls sing anything from the 50s and they sound as great as they look! Their version of Freddie Aguilar's Anak will pull the heartstrings.

Requests for particular songs from patrons were swift as drink-hostesses carried slips of paper to the two ladies on stage. The Groovematics kept the young crowd entertained. Image 2 shows promoter and Silver Strings bass guitarist, Audie Ng with his group. And where is this band playing? Cannot tell lah! But definitely not far from the Esplanade.

Images/Article: Andy Lim.

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Singapore's Latin Duo: Ally And Bobo At The Expo

Friday, May 20, 2011

Well here they are ladies and gentlemen, two of the best Singapore strollers I have seen since my days in Paris, France. Elder brother Ally (right image) and Bobo (who plays lead and rhythm with The Silver Strings) are seen here at the Singapore Exposition hallways performing Latin hits from the 60s with only an acoustic guitar each. They were performing, Fly Me To The Moon and Quizas, Quizas, Quizas.

The amateur recordings on 1st May 2011 were done impromptu and under extraordinary circumstances. But the music and vocals are excellent, definitely professional. Los Bobos, as they are called, played for two hours each day during lunch. Pity you missed them because they are a fantastic duo, playing a great number of current music too. The Los Bobos are not buskers but stroll at nightspots around Singapore entertaining moonlight revellers.

Original article: Andy Lim.
Image: from You Tube by nateynoo.

You can listen to them at the right Side-Bar >>>>>

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SRS Naidu: Compere, Mimic, Ventriloquist (Part II)

Monday, May 9, 2011

2nd and concluding article about SRS Naidu:

Entitled, Meet Malaysia's Most Wanted Compere, the short introduction in the souvenir programme highlighted the difficulties the organisers experienced when they tried to get the services of Naidu for the dinner and dance they were organising because he was "the most sought-after compere" in Singapore.

It also explained that "SRS, as he is popularly known to many of us, is one of the very few in Singapore or even in the East who can compere or tackle any social or sports event. He is always at his best."

"Last year (possibly 1964) he was invited to a Grand Ball at Tapah, Perak to compere the visit of H.H. The Sultan of Perak. He had also compered the world famous Don Yada and His Latin Follies Show, the Johnny Nakamura Show, the recent Miss Singapore contest, a Hindi pop show featuring 60s Bollywood Legend MGR and hundreds of others in his fifteen years as Master of Ceremonies."

In his working life, SRS was popular with the nurses in Singapore hospitals when he was attached to the Singapore General Hospital." When he left GH he secured a "good post" in the Car Parks Divison of the Ministry of National Development.

The article again emphasised his ability at "big fun fairs (where) he plays a leading role" because, as an "organiser of socials and sports, (he) is known to many. A natural baritone, with an American accent, we are proud that he accepted our invitation and we know that you are going to enjoy his wit."

I had occasions to meet this man on stage when he formally introduced singers who were about to perform. He was good. So why was he called The Birdman? Because SRS was a ventriloquist who could mimic bird calls. It was the 60s remember?
Image from Squidoo: Bluebird Bag by maggieO2.

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SRS Naidu: Victoria School Birdman MC (Part I)

Cult hero and action star of 50s Hollywood movies, Burt Lancaster played the title role as The Birdman Of Alcatraz. It was a hit, drawing thousands to watch the film on the big screen.

Similarly Singapore had birdmen who also drew the crowds, but to the dance floors. In fact, two popular comperes on the 60s social dinner and dance circuits had near similar names with similar titles. One was Mr. S. Ragavan Naidu and the other S. R. S. Naidu, The Birdmen Of Singapore. Below is an article about S. R. S., taken from the website of Victoria Secondary School, Singapore.

"Old Victorians who have made their names as radio/tv comperes and DJs include the legendary Tan Swee Leong and the late S. R. S. Naidu, popularly known as the Birdman of Singapore. Both were listed in the Who's Who in Singapore and Malaysia, a publication on prominent personalities. Singaporeans of the older generation would remember with fondness the great voice and witty presentation of Swee Leong first on Rediffusion and later with Radio TV Singapore.

Naidu was omnipresent as a compere at beauty pageants and high profile functions. He was one of those instrumental in organising the VS School Carnival in 1968 which was adjudged as one of the best and most popular carnivals hosted by a school then. He also compered the talentime contest which was a great success. It was no doubt boosted by the presence of the Birdman himself (Edited by blogger and written by: 1960s VIC)."

Why was he known as the birdman? The next posting on SRS will provide the answer.

Information from: http://blog.ova.org.sg/2009/05/satay-night-reflections/

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Singapore Band In London Had Three Names?

Sunday, May 8, 2011

ANSWER TO QUIZ TIME:

This group went to England in 1962 and were paid for their services when they played in a West End nightspot in London accompanied by their manager Tom Gan. Leading the group was 19 year old guitarist George Teo, cousin to brothers Andrew (18) and John (19) Gwee. Andrew played bass guitar while John the drums.

The two brothers were from the Singapore Junior Trade School and had gone to London to study music. Known as The Hilltoppers, the four became popular when they were runners-up in The Blue Diamonds Show Case in the 60s. They had played at parties and functions but when they acquired the engagement in the West End, they called themselves Singapore Islanders.

(Hardly anyone attempted the Quiz. Only current DJ Mr William Xavier got the answer correct. Apparently the group was also called The Etceteras. A phone conversation with pop music culturalist, Singapore 60s image collector Dennis Tan, confirmed the information.)

Besides recording the single in 1964 on Oriole (image) with Now I Know and Little Lady, Dennis also revealed that the group recorded another earlier single, Bengawan Solo with an original song on the flip, Where Is My Love. So the quest ends here; it's the same band but with three names: The Hilltoppers when they were in Singapore, as Singapore Islanders when they performed in England and became The Etceteras as recording artistes. If there are corrections to be made regarding information please let us know.

Thanks to LL for the connection, Mr X, Dennis and blog follower 'Jimmy', who recently provided the same answer! Four lunches for all. Anytime.

Images from: You Tube by 'my7inch'

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Stylers Band 1971 Casino Song In Fujian Dialect

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Two casinos have been built in the southern part of Singapore and they have been in the news these past months. One monolith stands tall bestriding the entrance of Marina Bay and the other is situated at Sentosa Island.

It is appropriate now to revive a rib-tickling, made-in-Singapore song about a gambling man who tries his hands at the gaming table. And the band responsible for this rollicking deal? The Stylers! The versatility of this home grown garage group is legendary. They recorded the humorous piece called, Our Casino Song in 1971. It is sung in Hokkien by Stylers' lead guitarist John Teo (image: centre man).

Hokkien or Fujian is a Chinese dialect which originated in the Fujian Province of China. This dialect is understood by many people living in the South East Asian region. Although it is not as widely spoken as Cantonese, the dialect can also be heard in the West. But whether it's in Hokkien or English, the lyrics run along a similar theme; that if you go to the casino be prepared to lose all your money.

However, if the listener still needs to understand the lyrics, here's the literal translation in English. Meantime, just enjoy the beat and the music. Does the tune sound familiar?

Our Casino Song

(Chorus repeated after each verse) Aiyoh, my money is gone, is gone, aiyoh...

Translation:

I played gin rummy /Loved the indulgence /Never thought that my wallet /Would 'follow them' /I haven't got a cent 'by my side.' /Went to Toa Payoh, Lorong 3 /(A place in Singapore) /Gambled everything away /Including my ring and wages /With nothing left to my name /But it's useless to regret /Gamblers get muddled /And become promiscuous /Abandoning their wives /Advice to others not to/Make the same mistake/Gamblers have no future.

Image 1 from: Antelope Record CTEP 1041 - The Stylers 8 Hits For Your Party Non-Stop Dancing.

Image/Original Article: Andy Lim.

Our Casino Song: You Tube Video on Right Bar by MrRainbow64.

Thanks to Randy Lee (image: far right) and Alvin Tan for translation.

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What Singapore Band Played In London In 1962 ?

Sunday, April 10, 2011

QUIZ TIME:

What was the name of the first 60s group that left Singapore to play in the West? Was it the October Cherries? Could it be The Neu Faces? Some of our local bands went as far as Hong Kong, Sabah, Sarawak and Malaysia but these chaps went to England, U.K.

This group went in 1962 and played professionally in a West End nighspot in London (image) accompanied by their manager Tom Gan. Leading the group was 19 year old guitarist George Teo, cousin to brothers Andrew (18) and John (19) Gwee. Andrew played bass guitar while John the drums.

Questions:

1. What did they call themselves in London?

2. What was the original name of this group?

3. Name the Singapore singing competition they participated in.

(A lunch for the first person who gives the correct answer. Better still, $50.00 to Tsunami Relief Fund as suggested by Mr William X.)

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Rudyn Impian Bateks Kugiran Garage Pop 60an

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Pop songs with car themes were blazing the Top Hit Charts in the US in the 60s especially with the Beach Boys Fun, Fun, Fun. Similarly our local pop stars did the same. Malay singer Rudyn *al-haj (image 3) is associated with his well-known hit Naik Kreta Ku (Drive With Me) or literally translated, 'Hop Into My Car.' He made this particular recording with Cosdel (CEP 3009 - image 4) and backed by his own group The Bateks (as in kain batek or sarong material).

After some changes within the group and because of unavoidable circumstances they joined forces with another called D'Impians (dreamers) and formed The Impian Bateks (Indonesian spelling: batik - image 2). This group was just as popular outside the Malay community playing western music.

Having an academic degree was rare in the 60s but Rudyn was one of those who had a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Temple University in the U.S. Rudyn whose full name was Khairudin Haji Hashim, besides singing Pop-yeh-yeh music with his group, also served as a Planning Officer for Sabah Film Production. In November, 2007 Rudyn passed away in his hometown at Johore Bahru, Malaysia. He was 61 years young.

Music and lyrics for Naik Kreta Ku was by Rudyn himself while the other three, Selendang Hitam (The Black Veil), Terima-lah Lagu Ku (Please Accept My Song) and Berjumpa (Meeting) were originals by The Impian Bateks. Did Rudyn cut another record with a group called The Falcons singing Naik Kereta Baru (Hope In My New Car) , Bukan Salah Ku (Not My Fault), Pengembara (Wanderer/Vagabond) and Selamat Hari Raya (celebration after fasting month)?

The Impian Bateks were as popular under their own banner with previous recordings (Cosdel CEP 3005) like: Gadis Sekolah (School Girl), Wanita (Woman), Siapa Juwita (Who's That Girl) and Mengapah (Why). Another recording with Panda (YHEP 111) had Dari Ku Untok Mu (From Me To You), Guru Baru (New Teacher), Sekolah Ku (My School) and Oh Posmen (Oh Postman).

Song themes were typical teenage angst and school girl crushes. Pen-pals were also actively pursued by our youngsters and a record cover (image 1) that looks like an addressed envelope with stamps could sell. "Ku rindu pada mu, Ku ingin bertemu selalu... (I am lovesick and wish to meet you often...)"

Both Rudyn and TIB were a force to reckon with in the Pop-yeh-yeh 60s era. They stood among the top Malay artistes then and their wide popularity spread across Singapore, Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. If you are familiar with them, please contribute more information.

SOME SLEEVES SPEAK (MALAY):

"Rudyn al-haj ada-lah sa-orang penyanyi berbakat dewasa ini, yang munchul di-tengah kemainan lagu2 pop yang pesat. Dengan kugiran Impian Bateks Rudyn al-haj menyanyi dengan gaya dan suara yang tersendiri. Rudyn berjaya menawan hati peminat pop dengan bentok lagu yang tersendiri.

Rudyn al-haj ada-lah bekas ahli kugiran yang kini sudah tiada lagi, tetapi Rudyn berjaya dalam usaha-nya merakamkan empat buah lagu2 pop pujaan ramai." Sharikat Cosdel Singapura. (Record back sleeve cover). Kalau kenal kugiran ini, harap beri maklumat.

*Term used for a muslim who has made a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Information/Images: radiodiffusion.wordpress.com

Image: FORD 1907 Model R/Universal Cars Ltd, Singapore

Translated information about Rudyn: Malay Wikipedia.

Article: compiled by Andy Lim.

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Local Pop 60s, 70s Songs: Personal Choice (Part I)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

I am trying to ease the trauma and tragedy of these past weeks and the postings I had of the Japanese tsunami, the radioactive leak and the passing away of a great, pop 60s keyboardist friend... So, change of subject.

LOCAL SONGS I LOVE:

Friends have asked me my list of favourite songs by Singapore 60s artistes. They noticed that all the songs I love are not Singapore ones. It is a long list but I thought about it and decided that the eleven songs below could be my choice. Some of the hits are covers of US and British ones sung by our artistes while others are originals by Singaporeans Robert Suriya, Henry Chua, Matthew Tan, Shirley Nair, Harvey Fitzgerald and others.

I have included The Blue Diamonds' Ramona under local as Ruud and Riem de Wolffe are so familiar in our music scene. In fact I like them better than The Everlys. Rudy has passed on but Riem is somewhat Singaporean. The songs are not in any particular order. And remember, we were young then, in our 20s?

1. Shanty - The Quests

2. Ramona - The Blue Diamonds

3. Singapore Cowboy - Matthew & The Mandarins

4. It's All Over - Naomi & The Boys

5. My Lonely Heart - The Thunderbirds

6. Happy, Happy, Birthday Baby (Chinese) - Rita Chao

7. Mr. Twister - The Crescendos

8. I Believe - The Tidbits

9. Do It Right - Benny & The Trailer

10. You're The Boy - Shirley Nair & Silver Strings

11. Sausalito - Western Union Band

And the song that transports me back to the 60s? Most of them. Do you have a local 60s or 70s favourite?

Image: The LIFE Records Ltd, Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Andy Lim Collection.

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Goodbye James, You Tried Your Best. We Love You.

Monday, March 28, 2011

JAMES CHOA: KEYBOARDIST WITH 'THE FLAMINGOS' AND SINGER WITH 'THE GAY LADS', HAS PASSED AWAY. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

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A Note From Leroy Lindsay: October 19, 2009

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

I have just read this note below by Leroy Lindsay today while going through my postings. Apologies to Leroy. I did not have an 'alert mail' notice previously. If you read this posting please leave your email address and I shall provide you with the emails of The Mysterians. Thanks, Andy.

.

Note from Leroy:

.

"It has been a long time since I have seen something written about my old friends and backing group, The Mysterians. I have returned to Singapore a few times since 2000, but have been unable to meet up with any of the boys.

.

The Mysterians was a group ahead of its time, with a group of tremendous musicians. We would have sold more records if we had decided to record the kind of music that was in demand at the time in Singapore, but we decided to record the songs that we liked. Our 'T' dances were always well attended on Sundays though.

.

It was a pleasure to work with the Mysterians, and I am happy that their contribution to 60's music in Singapore is being discussed."

.
Nice work,
Leroy Lindsay.

.

Image: From record cover: Cosdel CSP 1010. Andy Lim Collection.

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Can You Name This Singapore 60s Mystery Group?

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

CAN YOU NAME THIS CHOIR FROM THE 60s?

SOME SLEEVES SPEAK:

To keep the mystery intact, an edited version of the sleeve-liner from the back-cover of 'ami' Records (without serial number) tells you about this group. Each blank ( _ ) represents a word. Try it:

"The first thing that strikes most people about _ _ is our name. It merely means that instead of walking up the middle _ of the _ _ _ , we stick to the side _!

We have often been confronted with an embarassing, 'Well, what are The _? I mean, well... what are you?' The answer comes in two words: We sing. We sing of what _ means to us, we sing of Singapore, we sing of love, hope, faith an of running and catching the wind.

We have grown tired of sitting down and arguing with people about faith and _ . So instead of yelling pointlessly for hours on end, getting bad tempers, sore throats and headaches, we sing. We have found that music is a language everyone understands, and so we use music as our medium of _ .

Started in 1965 by the _ _ _, the group originally consisted of girls from St. Margaret's Secondary School. We later expanded to include men and girls from the various denominational _ and are now based at _ _ _ .

The _ _ have appeared over TV Singapura and Malaysia and made broadcasts over Radio Singapura and Rediffusion, besides singing in _ and concerts halls.

This album is a live recording of one of our performances. Two of the numbers, 'Dem Bones' and 'Go Tell It On The Mountain', are spirituals which have been rearranged by the group, and the Christmas calypso 'On A Day' is an original tune based on words by Dr. D. T. Niles. 'Morning Town Ride' is one of the many folk-songs sung by us, while The Great Spirit, composed by the Colwell Brothers, is one of severa MRA songs often sung by the group (anonymous)."

.

The clues are all there. So one last clue. Five of the girls would have formed a pop girl group and cut records with Philips (Universal Music Singapore) in 1967. Can you name the above group and their place of practice?

Image/article: ami Records/back sleeve cover.

Image of St. Andrew's Cathedral from: http://www.victorianweb.org/

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Looking For Mandy: Singapore Girl. Anyone?

Friday, February 18, 2011

Hi Andy,

I received this request from my friend Russ Wickson. See if you are able to help him with his question.

"Hi Chun See.

Thanks for getting back to me. I am wondering if amongst your numerous friends and contacts you know someone that is into old records and may have old catalogues.

I am trying to identify a European called 'Mandy' who made a 45 rpm in the mid 1960's whilst living in Singapore or possibly Johore Bahru. It is quite feasible there were recording studios in Singapore connected with all the major recording companies of that time.

The details of the 45 are in the attachment, but in case it doesn't come out the details are as follows...

Philips 45 rpm mono
ME-0179-MF
Plaiser D'Amour / O'cangaceiro

I have tried contacting Philips in the past but it seems they are not in a position to assist and I have tried searching the internet without any success.

Russ Wickson"

Can any surfer help with this query?

Hi Chun See,

Found the images (above) and recordings from the blog below but am not certain what Wickson needs, the actual record or to find Wendy.

Andy.

Image: http://www.hamsterguppies.wordpress.com/2010/12/12/1022

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It's The Singer Not The Song: Vernon At Large

Saturday, February 12, 2011

40 years on and the man is still attracting crowds. Whether he's in panic purple glitter, a resplendent white suit or a snake skin jacket (images), Vernon Cornelius still holds court with his singing, jovial banter and stage presence.

Formerly fronting The Quests he's keeping his fans happy today with his rendition of pop 60s songs. I have acquired some photographs of his gigs since 2004 when he performed with the Abadi Sousman Band from Indonesia. In January 2005, he backed Riem de Wolff (Mr. Blue Diamond) at the Assisi Home Charity Concert at Victoria Theatre.

In the same year, he appeared in a concert in aid of the Aceh tsunami victims and at the Orchard Hotel Ballroom. In 2007 Vernon sang at Zouk for the Singapore Heritage Festival Concert. He has also appeared at 'St Mary's Kampong Nite' at the Church of St Mary of the Angels in August 2008 and the 'Eurasiana' Show at the Esplanade Concert Hall in June 2009 with the 50 piece Singapore Pop Orchestra led by Maestro Iskandar Ismail.

Sing on young one.. sing on!

*The Singer Not The Song: Rolling Stones

Everywhere you want I always go /I always give in because babe you know /You just say so cause you give me that /Feeling inside that I know must be right /It's the singer not the song /It's the singer not the song /It's the singer not the song... (M. Jagger/K. Richards: 1965 UK)

Images: from Vernon Cornelius.

Original Article: Andy Lim.

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The Trailers: Phoenix Theme: Seeing Double

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Seeing Double: Play the song on the right bar while you read >>>>>>>

For those readers who are familiar with Singapore pop music from the sixties, seeing two different covers of the same vinyl is not surprising. For those who aren't, here are two Chinese New Year red packets. This particular vinyl sold so well that they produced another lot but with a slightly different cover. Not a bootleg copy, definitely.

44 Years Ago:

It was released exactly 44 years ago - in February 1967. The new Trailer for this recording was Jimmy Chan, featured as the man on the keyboard. Chan was with the Flamingos Combo (remember them?) and replaced Michael Teo.

Victor Woo:

That's the story I have at the moment until Victor Woo comes back from his trip to tell me the real story, so for those interested the record from Cosdel contains: Phoenix Theme - Go Go Beat (EMI HongKong), Lara's Theme (Jarre/Albert), Ding Dong Song - Off Beat (Yao Ming n Bart, Peter Maurice) and Ali San - Off Beat (Formosan folk song, unknown).

Line-up:

The back cover includes the Trailers line up for the vinyl: Victor Woo on lead, Edmund on rhythm, Eric Tan on bass, Jimmy Chan on the electric organ and piano, Tony Zee on drums and special guest, Robet Song on percussion instruments. In case you are interested, record number is: CEP 3001. You hear the songs everywhere in Singapore and the rest of South East Asia after this vinyl was released.

Images: Andy Lim Collection.

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The Quests 'Return Of Spring' by MrRainbow64

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Xperiment: 'Living In The Past' - Mr Rainbow64

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

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Shades Of Kung Fu Chinatown Rock: Chinese New Year 1979: The X'periment! Living In The Past?

Monday, January 31, 2011

Ang Pow:

Well, here it is, my own copy of Chinatown Rock (images:3,4) by X'periment. It's my ang-pow (red-packet) or Chinese New Year gift for everyone. I googled for the covers but couldn't find the images. I guess this record is going into extinction, so if you have a copy, keep it. The songs are gem-stones today.

Mervyn Nonis:

It is a Singapore WEA (Warner/Elektra/Atlantic) record pressed in 1979. Eight of the songs are originals by Mervyn Nonis and the Xperiment. It is produced and engineered by Stephen Israel and Lim Gek San.

K.V. John:

Personal Manager is K.V. John, who was a great compere in the 60s and 70s with his Spot Dances and Musical Chairs. John was also a comic on stage with a very pleasant personality. Does anyone know where he is now?

Original Songs:

So for those interested, Side One has: Chinatown Rock, Here Comes That Feeling, Come And Rest On Love, Living In The Past and *Fun, Fun, Fun. Side Two carries: Different Sound, Waiting, *Hedonism Is Fun, Geraldine and Baila. (Except for the two with astericks, the rest are originals.) Some songs are on You Tube provided by MrRainbow64. THANKS VERY MUCH, SIR.

Interviews:

I am waiting to interview Mervyn Nonis. Called him some months ago but couldn't make it to meet him. If you have any idea where the other members of X'periment are please let me know. I'd be glad to make an appointment to chat and write about them. Better still, if you can, do a write-up on the Comment page. Thanks.

Greetings:

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR OF THE RABBIT EVERYONE. DON'T FORGET TO VISIT CHINATOWN! IT ROCKS!

Cover Images/Original article: Andy Lim.
B/W Image 1: http://www.chinatownology.com/

Image 2: http://www.blogtoexpress.blogspot.com/

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In Memory Of Robert Song: Vocalist And Percussionist: The Stylers♪ Band: bogetman65

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

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The Stylers Celebrate Chinese New Year In Style

Monday, January 24, 2011

There's a truly fabulous website on The Stylers and I am sure my namesake Andy who created it will not mind if I connect this particular posting to the site. It's a Stylers bunny year. Thanks again Andy and Randy. Without these two gentlemen we would have lost a treasure trove of Stylers goodies.

A HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=TheStylersBand#p/c/3C62E1DD3102ABD5

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