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

"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

(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) Barry Walker "The Figures" - Rocket Label

The UK/US BANDS IN SINGAPORE:

THE image shows the record sleeve cover of a guitar group called The Figures that featured Barry Walker (Singapore: 1968) from the armed services in Singapore 60s and the same leading man who also fronted The In-Sect later. The Figures had local boys Albert, Patrick, Eugene, Philip and Victor accompanying Walker

This group recorded on Hi-Fi/Stereo Rocket Label (DEP - 1009) playing: Midnight Hour, Stand By Me, Love Is Blue and Peter Gunn's Theme. This mix has been covered time and again by other Singapore bands including, Heather and The Thunderbirds, The Trailers, Charlie and The Boys.

Other British and American servicemen that had appeared together as a group or multiracially with our local boys included The Dee Tees (1964), The Misfits (1964), The Harmaniacs (1965), The Easybeats (1965), The Toadstools (1965), LBJ and The Presidents (1965), The Motifs (1966), Split Image (1966), The United Noises (1967), The Summer Of Love 1967) and many more.

And one British drummer who played in Singapore 60s, gained international fame when he joined a UK group called Ian Drury and The Blockheads. Know this drummer? Have you heard of other British or American groups that played in Singapore in the 60s and 70s? Do you have a friend who is familiar with them? Do write in.

Image: P.C. Collection.

Reference: A.N. and G.C.