Ray Johnson, Diamond Four, Frank Thompson

Friday, October 15, 2010

Some Sleeves Speak (Sleeve-liner from above vinyl):

*"They were the Diamond Five. Where have I heard that name before? It could be anywhere from Hong Kong to Liverpool. They first appeared in Singapore in late 1965 and although they were acclaimed wherever they played, it was not until after their radio and television appearances during their tour of Australia that they were really recognised here.

Ray Johnson's individual style and the group's interpretation of Frank's compositions is now known throughout the Far East. This record is then a tribute to you, the fans of Ray Johnson and The Diamond Four.

I hope it gives you as much pleasure to listen to it as it gave them to make. And next time you are in somewhere like the North Pole, just listen for the music of The Diamond Four. It's there too (vinyl sleeve-liner: Philips Record image)."

#Except for I've Been Around, a Fats Domino cover, the other 3 songs, Wedding Bells Soon, Help Me, Little Girl and Stay By My Side were composed by F.A. Thompson - the "Frank" that the writer above was referring to. The Philips Record (ME-0148-DE) was released around September, 1968.

Heather Batchen, Frank Thompson, Diamond Four:

Fourteen year old Heather Batchen was accompanied by this same group, a band of British servicemen from an HMS naval ship, docked in Singapore then. They recorded a single with her in 1966: Day Dreaming by Frank Thompson. It is a sentimental number, sung with much feeling and personal interpretation that became a Heather hallmark. In the same genre, the big 60s hit If We Are Only Friends is an appropriate flip on Philips ME-057-HF for Heather's vocal style.

On an EP (ME-0173-HE) called Mr. Moon she had recorded again with The Diamond Four, Do You Care and Hey, Mr. Moon, both Frank Thompson compositions. Having completed their line of servicemen duties, the Four returned to England after this second recording with Heather.

The other two songs Heather recorded on the same EP, were with The Thunderbirds and called, Because I Love You and I'll Be Yours.

#Original article/image: Andy Lim Collection.

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Calling 'The Woodlanders' - You've Got Mail

Saturday, May 29, 2010

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

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(8) Golden Venus, Easter Show, Latin Quarters

Friday, March 12, 2010

US/UK BANDS IN SINGAPORE: Click: UK/US Bands In Spore

Lance Raymond continues his story about his stint at The Golden Venus Club and Bar on Orchard Road, Singapore from 1963 to 65 and his connection with some musician friends. This association gave him a lead into the music scene in Singapore as several of them were playing, recording and broadcasting on Radio Malaysia and TV Singapura. They were also ‘session musicians’ and played in most of the large hotels in Singapore, including the famous Raffles Hotel.

He was also invited to record for a Radio Malaysia show at the Victoria Theatre in Singapore (image: front right). He added that he participated in a show sponsored by a well-renowned company. Of several shows on Singapore television there was the Easter Show and a show called, ‘Latin Quarters’, where they played and recorded some Latin Jazz.

The question that was always asked of him was: "Did you get paid for all shows and on radio and TV broadcasts? The answer is yes and I even got paid for repeats long after I returned to the UK."

Image/Original article (edited): Lance Raymond. Thanks to PETER CHAN.

Thursday, January 14, 2010 Connect:

(4) E&O Hotel, Georgetown Penang And Kuala Lumpur Cricket Club, Malaya, 60s, Soliano Bros.

(3) British Army Servicemen And Camps Influence Singapore 50s And 60s Music

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(7) Peter Chan's Love Story With 70s Music

Saturday, February 6, 2010

(Image: Peter Chan at the Club Elite, 5th floor Supreme House Building, which is now Parkmall. Club Elite was a Japanese lounge which was part of Okoh Restaurant, owned by a Mr. Sato from Japan. Mr. Sato also ran the Orchid Inn Hotel at Dunearn Road in the 1970s.)

Dear Andy,

Raymond G. Rees-Oliviere (Lance Raymond as featured in previous postings), a friend of mine was with the British Army. He got involved with the music scene in Singapore and Malaya in the late 1950s. He knew some local musicians like the Solianos; they played cha-cha-cha and latin music.

Ray has written an article with many photographs. Golden Venus, where Ray used to play, was at the former Orchard Hotel and it still goes by the same name, situated at the corner of Orchard Road and Orange Grove Road.

When I took up music at Foorman's Music School, many of the teachers were Pinoys (Phillipinos) since there were many of these musicians from the 30s through the 60s. By associating with the Pinoy musicians I was introduced to contemporary music.

Thanks to my late father who gave me a start in music at an early age, I was able to find a safety net after National Service. I soon became a lounge pianist, not with a disco band this time because the government closed down many discos from 1974 onwards.

With the closure there were few opportunities for pop bands. The government's actions were in response to the hippie sub-culture and growing prevalence of drug addiction.

By the way, my own repertoire then was influenced by the Dragons, the Solianos and big band sounds like Glen Miller. When it comes to Chinese pop, it was more like the 40s and 50s because I used to spin records from Poon Sow Keng (Pan Xiu Qiong), Love Without End type of music and Bobby Darin, etc.

Cheers!

Peter.

PS: Ray made a reference to a jazz pub down at Boat Quay. It was after reading an article last month that I found where the place was. It's just after North Bridge Road going towards South Bridge Road after the bridge at the first building on the left.

7th in the series under 'UK/US Bands in Singapore'. Click under 'Labels' below to read series.

Image/Original Article: P.C. Collection.

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(6) Eugene Kwok Singapore Concert Pianist In Chicago, From 60s Band "The Figures"

Friday, January 29, 2010

"Eugene Kwok has performed in public since he was eight. Turning professional at a very early age he has performed before Princess Margaret at a State Banquet in honor of her royal visit to Singapore. He has also performed for the Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Nations.

His recordings for Radio and TV Singapore (RTS) also included his arrangements for big bands, and for the Piano and String Trio. After performing for many years at the Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore he continued at the Mandarin Hotel, Singapore.

Eugene performed at the gala openings of Nordstrom at the Old Orchard Shopping Center, and at Nordstrom in the Woodfield Shopping Mall. He was also featured in recitals at Nordstrom Oak Brook and performs at various libraries in the Chicago area. He is also a piano teacher.

Eugene performs for private and corporate functions. These include showers, wedding ceremonies and receptions, seasonal celebrations, communions, anniversaries, christenings, birthdays, recitals, store openings, and formal dinners." (Quote)

Comments from concert goers: (1) "It was wonderful. Eugene was truly a gift and so needed food for the heart and soul." (2) "Excellent. The artist was so professional and modest -could have listened forever to his beautiful playing." (3) "Your performance was outstanding. You're an incredible talent. Our patrons and guests thoroughly enjoyed your program. We would like to invite you back for Sunday, September 29..."

Blogger thanks Barry Walker for this introduction to Eugene Kwok. To read more about him, the internet has many websites about this remarkable Singaporean 60s musician. Anyone familiar with Eugene Kwok (Singapore 1968)? Do write in.

Image: Taken from Rocket Record Cover, P.C. Collection.

Information: http://home.comcast.net/~eugenekwok/index.html

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