Early British Invasion of Singapore: RAF 50s Music

An Earlier British Invasion of Singapore:

"The Club at the air-base in 1955 to 56 was a beaut place. There were good bands that played there too, one of which I recalled had everyone lustily singing Irish protest songs... (edited)"

"Eggs and chips, export lager and Elvis on the jukebox, singing Don't Be Cruel as I lusted after Mary, a lovely Irish redhead WRAF... (edited)"

During the early years of Singapore's colonial history, before Cliff Richard and The Shadows rocked Singapore with their performances in the 60s and before UK Servicemen vocalists and bands like Philips recording artistes Bobby Lambert, Brian Neale, The Dee Tees and The Diamond Four performed at the Golden Venus and Serene House, British servicemen who were here in the 50s already had a rollicking time with big band swing music at a Club at RAF Changi.

A band like the above (image 1) had four blowing instruments, drums and tinkle board. They never needed electric plugs nor solid guitar amplifiers to make music. Like the local pop 60s band after them that played during T-dances, these amateur groups were in great demand especially during the weekends. But these chaps, who called themselves JG, appeared without bow ties, suits nor shoes as they jammed in shirts, shorts and slippers.

Image 3 shows the party goers having a great time on the floor. These young men and women made sure they enjoyed themselves at the Club, dancing perhaps to the sounds of British greats like Ted Heath, Johnny Dankworth, Humphrey Littleton and American swingers like Glen Miller, Harry James and Benny Goodman.

This particular gathering could have been a birthday party with balloons to boot and was held at a ballroom in the Club during the 1950s (image 2). So if the later imports brought RnB, then the earlier ones established swing. And no soft drinks like Green Spot, Sinalco or Mirinda Orange for them but beer, beer, beer, gushing through the bottles for a jolly good time.

"Pardon me boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo, Track 29, well you can gimme a shine..."

If you are familiar with the above images, please write in.

#The Passing Away Of Edmundo Ros:
[The JG band could have played some Edmundo Ros' Latino music too, who knows. FYI this great music leader had just passed away on 21st October, 2011 at 100 years young. He was one of my favourite musicians, having listened to him nearly every day in the 50s with favourites like The Wedding Samba, Melodie d'Damour, Quizas Quizas Quizas (Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps).]

Images: from Flikr.

Original article with accumulated information from websites: Andy Lim

Monroe, Matchbox, Playboy, PonyTails: 50s Part II

*Part II:

Page references are from: Remember The 50s, Objects and Moments of a Dynamic Era, Edited by Mariel Marohn, Tectum Publishers (2011).

Several songs flooded my mind again these few days as I checked the 1953 pop charts on the internet. That year recorded many hits: Hank Williams', Your Cheating Heart, Nat King Cole's Pretend, Vic Damone's April In Portugal, Patti Page's How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? and an instrumental that lives forever, Eddie Calvert's Oh My Papa. Also Georgia Gibbs, Seven Lonely Days was like a refrain on the airwaves.

As I continued my journey through the 50s and using the book as guide, I could not remember seeing a Cadillac 59 anywhere on Singapore roads, nor a pair of Capris or a Kelly Bag but I did recall the tiny Matchbox Cars (image 3) which fascinated me as a teen (pages: 104, 88, 78, 74).

There were also hula hoops, ponytails, Tupperware, Chupa Chups and sewing machines which apparently dominated the 1950s as 'sales leapt dramatically during this decade (page: 61).' We had 6 Singer sewing machines at home as my family ran a tailoring school.

Again those years of pops kept filling my head to the brim: A Dear John Letter by Jean Shepard and Ferlin Huskey, Till I Waltz Again With You by Teresa Brewer, No Other Love by Perry Como and sexy Silvana Mangano dancing the mambo in Anna, El Baion (image 2). It was the movement and sensuality of Mangano's performance that attracted a large audience at the Rex cinema daily.

The book concluded with chapters on Hollywood churning superstars and Shaw Brothers and the Cathay Organisation in Singapore importing the movies they acted in. We were seduced by Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, James Dean, Alfred Hitchcock and King Elvis (pages: 162, 166, 172, 174 and 168).

One thing was missing in Singapore even up till today. It was a scintillating magazine that shook the earth but never came to our shores. Playboy (page: 160) was launched in the same year by Hugh Hefner with the cover of Monroe (image 1).

With 175 pages of fun, reading the book could seduce you too and take you on that journey to way back when. Are you familiar with the 50s? Or maybe your parents are?

*Read Part 1 of 3: Esplanade, Sea Dragon, Songs, Singapore Part I, Friday September 30th, 2011. Click 'Books' under 'Labels' below.

Images from Google.

This posting is not a book review.

Original article by Andy Lim.

Webber/Rice: 'Any Dream Will Do' Is 1968 Song

SONGS I LOVE:
The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber production that is coming to Singapore showcases his internationally acclaimed compositions, especially one from Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. It is called Any Dream Will Do, composed together with Tim Rice. I saw the musical at the Kallang Theatre when the *RUG performed here some years ago but didn't realise that the song was written in 1968.

It is a full 2 hour musical today but was originally a fifteen minute performance at Collete Court School in London in the late 60s. The song was first recorded on vinyl by Joe Cuddy (image) and it became a number one hit in Ireland in 1974. (I haven't heard of Joe Cuddy before listening to this particular song. Have you?)

Any Dream has been sung by Donny Osmond, Andy Gibb and others but associated with **Jason Donovan after it was released as a single in 1991. The singer played Joseph in the West End stage production at London Palladium. This beautiful and haunting song was on the UK singles chart for only two weeks. It's strange that a song of this quality and stature lasted for such a short time.

It is also true that the version by Donovan is not listed under 1001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die, edited by Robert Dimery. Do you like this song? Tell us.
A temporary sample of the You Tube Recording is on the right side-bar.
Information:Wikipedia.

*Really Useful Group.
** The two Jasons: Jason Donovan is an Australian singer born in 1968, while Donovan Philip Leitch is a Scottish singer born in 1946 with 60s hits, Atlanta, Jennifer Juniper, Mellow Yellow, etc.
Image 2: http://www.45cat.com/

Image 1: http://www.irish-showband.com/
Original article: Andy Lim.

Julian Lennon Collecting John Lennon And Beatles

"When I started collecting I only had a couple of items, including the two guitars Dad had given me... (n)early everything now I own I had to buy at auctions... (u)nfortunately I haven't always managed to get what I've bid on at auction (Foreward: page 9)."

Julian Lennon's statement about collecting his father's and the other Beatles' memorabilia is stark and truthful because he has been collecting their memorabilia for about 20 years. And what a collection he has. From John Lennon picture postcards, personal family photographs, ticket stubs, rare Beatles records to glittering guitars, framed Gold Discs with record-sale citations, phonograph players, a unique motor-cycle and psychedelic car, Lennon junior has them all.

It is a 2010 coffee-table book published by Goodman Books. Working with well-known music author Brian Southall, Lennon gives an insight into his collection and explains what they mean to him and his family. Titled, Beatles Memorabilia: The Julian Lennon Collection, it is an interesting and beautiful read if you are an ardent fan and wish to pursue the items in images. Or in kind if you can manage.

Information and Cover: Beatles Memorabilia The Julian Lennon Collection. Design and text copyright 2010 Carlton Books Limited.
Original article: Andy Lim.

This posting is not an advertisement. Blogger has read the book and it is available at our National Library, Singapore.

Ref: 782.421660922 SOU-[ART]

'Play It Cool' Movie (1962) Banned In Our Cinemas

According to a 1962 Singapore newspaper that covered local and overseas entertainment the rock n roll movie, Play It Cool (image) was banned because of its "undesirable song and dance sequence."

Such movies drew crowds because fans were able to watch their pop stars on the 'silver screen'. Computers and You Tube were not available then and movies like, Sing Boy Sing, Rock Around The Clock, Jamboree, Calypso Heat Wave and a host of others kept the cinemas flooded with the best Western pop artistes singing their latest.

Play It Cool had Billy Fury as the main attraction, so could he be the reason why the movie was banned in Singapore? Billy Fury, like many pop singers in the 60s, had a starring role and was known for his sensuality when performing.

Here's a bit of history from a website. His biography discussed his first self-penned 1959 hit, Maybe Tomorrow, which made him an overnight sensation both as a singer and an actor on radio and TV.

His second song, Margo just managed the pop chart while two other singles failed. It was due to "bad press which he was receiving," because of "his wild and overtly sexual stage acts." Elvis Presley experienced similar circumstances didn't he?

According to Fury, "All I did was to squirm about a bit and they banned me for that." But Play It Cool, a box office hit, was made in 1962 and the EP soundtrack were 45 weeks on the Charts. He had also toned down his act since 1959. Were there other reasons for the ban? Could it be the lyrics in the songs the artistes performed? What was the "undesirable song" and "dance sequence"? We will never know.

Anyone seen this movie? Perhaps someone can shed some light as to why it was banned? But then it was a long time ago. And censorship was strict.

Billy Fury Website: http://www.nic.fi/~nallew/pages/bio.html Original article: Andy Lim

George Shearing: Jazz Piano Legend: 1919-2011

SONGS I LOVE:

Gone! One of the greatest musicians, truly. I often listened to him in the 50s on the family radio and was the first time I heard Lullaby Of Birdland. The radio announcer (we call them DJs now) would always say, "Ladies and gentlemen, here's the George Shearing Quintet with, Lullaby Of Birdland." It could be from the BBC? Can't remember.

PARKER, ARMSTRONG, ELLINGTON:

It was one of the first few jazz standards I was introduced to, composed by Shearing himself in 1952. I later found out that the title referred to Charlie 'Bird' Parker, another jazz great who was together with Louis Armstrong and 'Duke' Ellington.

COLE, LEE, TORME:

Britisher Sir George Shearing, who was blind, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II lately. He was one of the best jazz pianist and concert performer having recorded over 300 songs. Legends who had appeared and recorded with him would include Nat King Cole (image), Miss Peggy Lee and Mel Torme.

UNIQUE SHEARING SOUND:

As a teenager he received only 3 years of formal training at a school for the blind. He was a natural and his musical education came from listening to Earl Hines, Fats Waller, Art Tatum and Teddy Wilson. He developed the special 'Shearing sound' characterised by the distinctive sound of the Glen Miller big band.

SEPTEMBER IN THE RAIN:

Also recorded by Shearing, Russ Hamilton and so many others, September In The Rain (1937), is another personal favourite. His repertoire of songs would definitely have been played in the dance cabarets of the Great World, Happy (Gay) World and New World amusement parks in Singapore in the late 50s and 60s in Singapore.

Images: Google Search.

Original Article (Website/Newspaper Information): Andy Lim

From The Book, By The Byrds, For All Bloggers: A Time For Love... A Time For Peace... And To Heal

It's nearly Christmas and I was looking for a suitable yuletide album to post on this blog. I couldn't find one I like. I asked around and there were suggestions. Then a phone call from a friend who was discussing Ecclesiastes reminded me of a song that has words from this Book. So without further ado dear readers, this song is for all. Thanks for your comments, good wishes and support. A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

Words-adapted from:

The Bible, Book of Ecclesiastes
Music-Pete Seeger

TURN, TURN, TURN

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones,

A time to gather stones together

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace,

A time to refrain from embracing

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late

(I hardly know the Bible but with Edwin Goh's help I managed to get the source: ECCLESIASTES 3: 1 - 8. Edwin Goh was the former director at the Regional Language Centre (RELC) at Orange Grove Road, Singapore.)

More about Byrds: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Byrds/

Image: Embassy Records/Reissue. wikipedia.org

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/byrds/turn+turn+turn_20026419.html

Keith Locke And The All Stars: Newcastle upon Tyne 1967. What Happened After He Left Singapore?

Discuss Newcastle upon Tyne and Hank Marvin, Bruce Welch, The Animals, Sting and even Jimmy Hendrix come to mind. And don't forget Bryan Ferry and Dire Straits in later years. The news item below appeared in THE EVENING CHRONICLE and published, possibly, in 1967. (Copied from a newspaper image):

INVASION OF TALENT HITS THE NORTH

"A Jamaican blues singer who has topped record charts in the Far East three times, has moved to Newcastle to join a leading local beat group.

Together they hope to explore on the North East with their version of soul music which they are busy rehearsing for the first booking at the end of this month. Kingston-born Keith Locke, now living at Graingerville North, Newcastle, decided to come to Tyneside because, ' the teenagers here are ready for this kind of music'

A few months ago he met Burt Lowes, manager of The Jazz Board (image) beat group. The group and Keith were impressed with each other and decided to team up under the name of Keith Loke and the All Stars.

The reaction of Tyneside teenagers to this combination will be vital, for Keith gave up considerable success in the Far East to come to Britain. He embarked on his singing career at the age of 10, and after winning talent contests gained experience by doing cabaret work in Jamaica before joinging the RAF in 1957.

His next big step was a singing tour of Singapore in 1959 when he formed a trio with two other West Indians. They took part in their own radio series, but Keith eventually merged with four Singapore boys to form his own group, The Quests.

'I was impressed at the style and line up of the Jazz Board which is suited to my style of music and I think that this area, with its growing club life, is ready for a new sound. We plan to sing and for a huge and audience and not just blast away. We are rehearsing non stop and will launch a fan club soon.'

'The lads hope to develop a different kind of music to explode on the North East and really put it back on the musical map. People are tired of listening to just a 'Big Noise' and are demanding something better', explained Mr. Lowes."

Is this the answer to: 'What happened to Keith Locke after he left Singapore?'

Information: http://www.readysteadygone.co.uk/jazzboard/

From a blog called 'Rog's Blog' by Roger Smith.

'Puff, Magic Dragon' - Singapore Version by Peter, Paul, Mary from Top Post Sept 18, 2009

Puff The Magic Dragon Lyrics: A Special Note For Singapore: Peter, Paul, Mary

Image: http://www.qwickstep.com/

Song was banned on this island in the 60s. This is a MADE FOR SINGAPORE version. Lyrics below, so listen to it carefully. Cute:

Play YouTube on the right as you listen to the explanation from the dragon's mouth about the 'drug connotation' >>>>>>>>>

"Yes, you know that little ditty...
Once upon a time a long time ago,
In a far off land by the sea,
There lived a rich Merlion dragon.

Don't you know that it's really a pity because
There never was a different meaning,
Other than the obvious one.
That the magic dragon is only about
The loss of innocence of children.
Now you can tell your friends that the verdict's
From the dragon's father as well..."

Is it about drugs?
(Covered by about 50 artistes.)

Video: Thanks to YouTube slims86, May 2nd, 2007.
(Introductory words: Extracted from video.)

Lyrics: "Puff the Magic Dragon lived by the sea/and frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee... /Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff...

Meaning? If any other:
Puff = marijuana.
Dragon = Draggin' = inhaling
Jackie Paper = personifying a cigarette rolling paper
Mist = exhaled smoke.

Your view, readers?

Songs With Halloween Themes? Devilish Tricks

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL! PONTIANAK MUSIC IS COMING TOO!

Since Halloween is the theme tonight, songs from the fearful 50s, the scary 60s and screaming 70s are listed below. The words in the titles matter, so here they are, taken from the dusty, underground vaults of yore. They all spell blood, gore and grime. They may not be traditional, scary songs, but they can loosely fit into the Halloween theme by title, by music or by lyrics. So if you're lookin' for trouble, you came to the right place.

"I see the bad moon risin'/I see trouble on the way/I see earthquakes and lightnin'/I see bad times today/I hear the hurricanes ablowin'/I know the end is comin' soon/I hear the rivers overflowin'/I hear the voice of rage and ruin... (Bad Moon Risin' by: John Fogerty.)"

Bad Blood - 1975 - Neil Sedaka.
Bad Moon Rising - 1969 - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Black Magic Woman - 1968 - Fleetwood Mac/ Santana
Dark Lady - 1974 - Cher
Daughter Of Darkness - 1970 - Tom Jones

Devil Gate Drive - 1974 - Suzi Quatro
Devil In Disguise - 1963 - Elvis Presley
Devil Or Angel - 1960 - Bobby Vee
Devil With A Blue Dress On - 1966 - Mitch Ryder/Detroit Wheels
Devil Woman - 1962 - Marty Robbins

Devil Woman - 1976 - Cliff Richard
Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead - 1967 - Fifth Estate
Evil Hearted You - 1965 – The Yardbirds
Evil Ways - 1970 - Santana
Evil Woman - 1976 - Electric Light Orchestra

Frightened City - 1961 - Shadows
Little Devil - 1961 - Neil Sedaka
Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding - 1973 - Elton John
Ghost Riders In The Sky – 1979 - Johnny Cash
Love Potion Number Nine - 1965 - The Searchers

Poison Ivy - 1959 - The Coasters
Spooky -1968 - Classic Four
Superstition - 1973 - Stevie Wonder
That Old Black Magic - 1958 - Louis Prima and Keely Smith
Voodoo Chile - 1970 - Jimi Hendrix Experience

Witch Doctor - 1958 - David Seville
Witchcraft - 1963 - Elvis Presley/Frank Sinatra
Witchy Woman - 1972 - Eagles
Sympathy For The Devil - 1968 - Rolling Stones
Halloween Theme - 1978 - John Carpenter

Season Of The Witch - 1966 - Donovan
Evil On Your Mind - 1966 - Jan Howard
Race With The Devil - 1968 - Gene Vincent
Devil In A Sleeping Bag - 1973 - Willie Nelson

Please add to the list and contribute.

(It's only fun and games but if you find this posting too stressful, just listen to Beautiful Girl below in the next post.)

Song title info: http://www.who-sang-that-song.com/
Image borrowed from: www.wonderclipart.com/
Original article: Andy Lim.

Badfinger, Robert Burns, Christchurch, Dunedin (A Tall Travel Tale To Tell?)

NZNZNZNZNZNZNZNZNZNZ....SONGS I LOVE

It's a tragedy that New Zealand's Christchurch has been hit by an earthquake. The city brings back memories, having been there way back in the early 70s, when I was on a three week attachment from my one year stint in Wellington.

.

The people are truly a lovely lot; they are warm, polite, hospitable, kind and mostly generous. My short stay had been a memorable one. I know the situation in Christchurch will improve and hope the people well.

.

During the second weekend in this floral city, our group decided to travel south for a two day fun trip to Dunedin. As I wandered alone downtown on the second day, I met a lass gazing at the statue of *Robert Burns. We struck up a conversation and she told me she was Scottish. During our chat, we realised our interest were in Burns' poetry and pop music. Since the latter was more interesting, we whiled away our time exchanging songs and melodies we loved.
.

So amidst discussion about Elvis, Cliff, Donegan, Donovan, Marmalade, Connie Francis, The Beatles and Russ Hamilton, she asked me if I knew a song by **Badfinger (image). I was struck dumb. "Bad who?" I asked surprised as I heard loudly the ego-bubble bursting. So as the Brit group was revealed, I learnt a song.

.
To this day, Come And Get It (1970) will always be associated with Christchurch and Dunedin. Although it was many tears ago, I still recollect that the coffee we had was hot and me bonnie lassie was prettier than Dunedin's southern skies.

.

But I had never really taken advantage of what was offered and we parted good friends. Now Audie Ng will understand why I love to sing, My Bonnie on stage.

The lassie from Dunee taught me the expressive introduction to Badfinger's hit:

If you want it, here it is come and get it
Mmm, make your mind up fast
If you want it anytime I can get it
But you'd better hurry, cause it may not last...

.

*Robert Burns, The Bard, was a Scottish poet and a lyricist (1759 – 1796).
**No matter the tragedy within their ranks, Badfinger was one of the greatest Brit bands ever.

From Madras India - Arnold George Dorsey

ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK 2010 LEGACY OF LOVE WORLD TOUR

Mr Arnold George Dorsey couldn't be any better. For two solid hours on Thursday evening 24th June 2010, this 60s music superman, who's got a ton of greatest hits to his name, shimmied, rocked, joked, sang and entertained his audience at the Kallang Indoor Stadium, Singapore, without providing an interval to allow seniors in the audience to visit the washroom.

When good, old friend Billy Yap told me he had two tickets for the Engelbert Humperdinck show I was surprised. "Son bought them as a present," he said, "Shall we?" I relented. To save my own conscience, I treated Billy to a simple dinner at one of the classier restaurants surrounding the Stadium (no choice for a simpler food-court meal) but the dinner tag didn't really make up for the exorbitant ticket price (image) his son Michael paid.

We had a direct view of the performance but the elevated seats were so far away, Mr Humperdinck was like a floating white shroud amidst a sea of glittering, coloured, stage lights. However, the two giant television screens fronting the audience helped save our failing eyesight. Did we enjoy the show?

The man sang his string of evergreens, like The Last Waltz, Quando, Quando, A Man Without Love, Les Bicyclettes De Belsize and other monster hits, together with a few samplers from his latest album - his 81st - if I heard him correctly. Then when it was time to croon his international number one, he introduced it as, "The miracle from heaven... the song that turned my life around... Ladies and gentlemen, Release Me."

With his strong and powerhouse vocals, Humperdinck is not only a suave balladeer; he teased a lady on stage and cracked jokes like a veteran stand-up, "The dental surgeon told his hefty patient that the root-canal treatment would need a Viagra for the process. When the patient asked why a Viagra, the surgeon replied, 'Well, you will need something to hold on to when the pain hits...'" The crowd roared.

He also paid tribute to Bryan Adams with, Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman (1995) and James Blunt's, Goodbye My Lover (2005); both songs are on his new album. The younger ones in the audience cheered with the older ones bewildered. Then when he said his final goodbye the thunderous encore that followed My Way (Paul Anka - 1969) was so loud the Stadium reverberated with approval. (Watch UTube).

In the milieu outside we couldn't find our car... Did you attend the concert?

Image/Original article: Andy Lim Collection - CD Cover from Decca Records 820 777-2.

Calling 'The Woodlanders' - You've Got Mail

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

(8) Golden Venus, Easter Show, Latin Quarters

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

(9) From Dr. Lee, Penang With Russ Hamilton - The Malaysian, UK, Sing60s Music Connection

A note about Russ Hamilton from Dr. Lee Yan San, Medical Practitioner, Penang, Malaysia.

Dr. Lee said...
"Thanks for your nice tribute to Russ Hamilton. Russ is an exceptionally great and friendly gentleman. I am so glad to have met him (image: Russ Hamilton, sister, Dr Lee, family) and done a long interview with him for our Malaysian radio station few years back. We became close friends.

I was so sad when his twin sister contacted me to let me know that Russ had passed away. He once told me that We Will Make Love was his most successful song and of the songs he wrote, he loved Little One most... a lullaby he wrote for his niece in Canada. He said he wrote and sang Reprieve of Tom Dooley after meeting his friend Lonni Donegan at the studio when he was recording the hit Tom Dooley.

He had also given me his unreleased songs which are now a real treasure to me. I have collected all his released songs and made into a CD to keep. I contributed to his biography at Wikipedia some time ago."

March 3, 2010 4:14 PM

Thank you, Dr. Lee for writing. I must say that Russ Hamilton and his songs will always be with us as we remember 60s music. He's one of the greatest singers really. It would be wonderful to have a copy of his CD with the unreleased songs as a souvenir.

Regards,

Andy Lim

(You can access Dr. Lee's blog by clicking on his name above.)

A note about RUSS HAMILTON IN PASSING - From The Original Chevelles, The Echoes, UK.

This comment about RUSS HAMILTON appeared on my posting which I missed reading:

Anonymous said...
"Just a note about Russ Hamilton aka Ronald Hulme, he was a good friend to myself and my band, he helped us get into the business, we were supposed to see Russ last year in November but his nephew called us in October and told us about his passing, he was a great friend, a mentor and an all around nice guy. He is truly missed but never forgotten, whenever we perform we always do Rainbow and dedicate it to Russ."

Sincerely,

The Original Chevelles, The Echoes. Saturday, May 09, 2009
British 60s Pop Influence With Russ Hamilton
, (Original Posting)

Thank you for writing. I must apologise for not reading nor replying your note when you sent it.

Regards,

Andy

March 3rd, 2010.

(5) Singapore 60s UK Frontman Barry Walker Writes From London About Charlie Charles

********************************************************************UK/US BANDS IN SPORE

NOTE FROM BARRY TO ANDY:

"Good morning, The drummer in question was Charlie Charles (left image) who was the last drummer with The Figures (1968 - right image with Barry Walker) and drummer of The In-Sect. Just before Charlie returned to the UK he formed a band called No Sweat in Singapore.

On his return to the UK Charlie and I met up again. He was drummer for Link Wray the famous American blues guitarist and later formed Loving Awareness. They recorded a brilliant album recorded at Earth, Wind & Fire's studio in the USA. Following that, he became the drummer for Ian Drury & The Blockheads and a very sought after session drummer.

Sadly, Charlie died a few years ago.We were very good friends right up to his untimely death. I was a Pall bearer together with his son Hughie and the rest of The Blockheads at his funeral. He was a brilliant drummer whose timing was The Best.

Listen to the song Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick. Also in both groups was Eugene Kwok who in my opinion was the BEST pianist/keyboard player bar none in Singapore. Eugene is now a top concert pianist in Chicago."

Best regards,

Barry Walker, London.
January 28, 2010 5:49 PM

Comment anyone?

Images: From P.C. Collection.

Original article: Barry Walker of The Figures, Singapore 60s.

(Click 'UK/US Bands In Spore' below to read about him.)

(2) Experiencing London's 60s Musical "Oliver!"

MUSICALS AND PETER CHAN:

"I do say I don’t enjoy or know very much about stage plays or musicals until I was in one myself (Flower Drum Song). My introduction to the theaters was when a friend got me some free tickets to watch his son perform in Oliver! at the London Palladium (image).

Soon, I learnt there was a way to buy more economical tickets if you bought on the afternoons just one or two days before the actual performance.

I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed the performance and in the next few weeks, while on a business trip in London, my family sat through Jesus Christ Superstar, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Martin Guerre, and Phantom of the Opera, well before they hit Singapore shores."

Image: from e-bay.

(Original Article: was contributed by Peter Chan who was a Singapore 70s pop musician but now a successful business person.)

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

UK/US BANDS IN SINGAPORE:

"When we discussed music and I informed him that I was a big band jazz vocalist he invited me to talk to a couple of the local band boys that worked at the hotel. I ended up singing with two of the bands in the E&O during the weekends.

Also posted in Penang at that time were the Royal Green Jackets. Some of the Regiments' bandsmen used to come to the E&O where I got to know a few of the lads that played traditional and modern jazz. With the help of the manager of the same hotel, we set up a Sunday Jazz Club and alternated to play the two types of music.

A member of one of the local bands that I worked with was called Gino, a vibes player. He did the arrangements for a 17-piece big band for the Soliano Brothers, who were playing for a radio broadcast and for the Kuala Lumpur Cricket Club (KLCC) in Malaya. I was invited to sing."

Are you familiar with the E&O Hotel in Penang, Malaysia? Does anyone knows Lance Raymond when he sang there in the 60s?

Check: December 29th, 30th for Postings 1 and 2 for on British Servicemen in Singapore.

Image/Edited Information: Lance Raymond.

From: P.C. Collection.

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

UK/US BANDS IN SINGAPORE:

It's not true that Servicemen bands in Singapore only started in the 60s. Even before Cliff Richard's landing in Singapore, there were some Britons, individuals and bands, playing at some of the local nightclubs in the 50s, including the Golden Venus at Orchard Road.

Lance Raymond (stage name/image) was one of them. He was with the British Army and got involved with the music scene in Singapore and Malaya in the late 50s. He knew some local musicians like the Solianos and played more Cha Cha Cha and Latin music. Besides some Britons, there was also a large population of Phillipino (Pinoy) musicians in Singapore during the 30s until the 50s. Below is his story.

"Prior to 110 Squadron RAF arriving in Singapore, it was based at Butterworth, Malaya and most of us in the squad with married families were living in Penang around 1962 to 1963. During my first few months in Penang I made friends with the manager of the Eastern and Oriental Hotel (E&O) in George Town, Penang." Comments please from Malaysians everywhere?

Check: December 29th/30th for Postings 1 and 2 on British Servicemen in Singapore.

Image/Edited Information: P.C. Collection.

Image/Original Article: By Lance Raymond.