.

SONGS I LOVE:

This posting is a repeat from Tuesday and Wednesday Dec 1st and 2nd, 2009. I found the You Tube video of Impian Semalam above by the Ohello Sisters after it was deleted for some time. This Indonesian song is so popular it has been covered by many singers in Asia. It has also been translated into Chinese in the 60s. If you know the title in Hanyu Pinyin and are familiar with the two singers please write to this blog.

Ohello Sister 1 (You Tube Gundulero)

1st Posting on Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Impian Semalam

Waktu semalam bung, aku bermimpi

Bertemu ular bung, besar sekali
Ular menggigit bung, jari kaki ku
Suda mengiggit bung, ular berlalu
Ku picit, picit, darah keluar
Aku menjerit, "Adu!" hingga tersedar
Apa kah itu bung, erti maksud-nya?
Impian semalam, sangat seramnya?

Ohello Sister 2 (You Tube Gundulero)

English Translation (don't giggle):

The Dream Last Night
Last night dear/brother/lover, I had a dream
Was confronted by a snake, a very large one
The snake dear, bit my toe
After doing so, the snake moved away
As I pressed and pressed (the wound), it bled
I screamed, "Ouch," as I woke up
What does it mean dear
This dream last night, a most frightful dream?

A few months ago, while looking for my favourite Indonesian pop song Impian Semalam, I chanced upon the You Tube version, was mesmerised by the sex appeal of the singers and their interpretation of the song.

These singers are the Ohello Sisters, as in 'Oh hello!' not 'Othello' (Shakespeare's Moor). The accompaniment uses modern and traditional instruments and is in Indonesian Malay, so if you understand the language it's a plus, otherwise just enjoy the music and the ladies! They are fabulous and very cute!

It is a well-known fact that some songs in the Indonesian Malay language were penned by the Chinese in Indonesia. Impian Semalam was written by Indonesian Chinese composer, Oei Yok Siang who lived in the 1930s. More about this great man in another posting. I know there's a Chinese version of this song too. Anyone?

2nd Posting on Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Interpreting the lyrics:

The symbolism is obvious. The song depicts the deflowering of a pretty young maiden within the confines of flora and fauna. In her dream, the snake appears, bites her and disappears. As she relates her dream to her mother, lover or friend, depending whether it's "bu" ("ibu" - mother), "bung" (brother/lover), the interpretation is clear. A maiden's plucking a rose in the garden and pricks her finger on a thorn. She utters, "Adu!" (Oh!) and bleeds.

YouTube: from Gundulero.
Original Article: Andy Lim

Mencari Ohello Sisters. Kalu mampir di blog ini, sudi menulis...

http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2009/12/impian-semalam.html
http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2009/12/jangan-bimbang-dek-jangan-risaukan-dont.html

I know Singapore teachers celebrate this special day that falls on the first of September every year but didn't realise that it has been changed to the first Friday in September from 2012.

The Songs:

1. To Sir with Love a song by Don Black and Mark London was taken from a movie with the same title starring Sidney Poitier and a living legend, Scottish singer Lulu. It reached number one on the U.S. pop charts in 1967 but was never released in the UK as a single, although the film was a box-office hit.

Poignant with meaningful, expressive lyrics, the song tells of British teenagers' anti-establishment attitude in the 60s and an African-American teacher's effort to help them understand the ways of the world.

Thanks and praise for his love and respect:

Those schoolgirl days of telling tales
And biting nails are gone,
How do you thank someone
Who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
If you wanted the sky
I would write across the sky in letters
That would soar a thousand feet high.

The farewell and the tears:

The time has come for closing books
And long last looks must end,
I am leaving my best friend.
A friend who taught me right from wrong
And weak from strong,
That's a lot to learn, what
What can I give you in return?

Their appreciation:

If you wanted the moon
I would try to make a start
But I, would rather you let me give my heart
To Sir, with love...

(My opinion: Best pop song tribute ever to a teacher.)

Wow I'd like to be this teacher's pet!

2. Teacher's Pet:
Singer: Doris Day
Written by Joe Lubin.

It's also the title track from her 1958 film, co-starring Clark Gable and Gig Young. Frivolous, tongue-in-cheek and full of mirth this is definitely someone who wants to be the apple of the teacher's eye. And different in mood and tempo from the Lulu song:

Flirting:

Teacher's pet,
I wanna be teacher's pet...
Mm, teacher's pride
I wanna be teacher's pride
I wanna be dated, paraded, the one most likely at your side

Obviously giving the come-hither signs:

I wanna learn all your lips can teach me
One kiss will do at the start
I'm sure with a little homework
I'll graduate to your heart

The conquest (or so she thinks):

Teacher's pet, I wanna be teacher's pet
I wanna take home a diploma and show Ma that you love me, too
So I can be teacher's pet long after school is through

(My own line: Teacher, teacher be careful!!!)

So a Happy Teachers Day to all educators out there in Singapore. I hope you like the two lovely songs on this posting.

Image: Google.
You Tube videos.
Check out Comments below on Dick Yip's performance at the National Library this week.

*Heather and Thunderbirds 'Because I Love You'/'I'll Be Yours' (Flipside)

Singapore Memories One:

Since Allan Thompson was stationed at RAF Changi in the mid 60s, it was convenient for him to go to the Village for some recreation. Usually it was for a beer or two with a friend but there were occasions when he needed private space and that was when he decided to meet Mr. Moon (image) instead of Mr. Sun. His anecdote is in two parts. Below is Part 1:

"Sometimes, on still evenings, I would wander down to Changi beach on my own for a moonlight swim. (Only one young lady ever accepted an invitation to join me in such activity back in early 1964, otherwise my nocturnal dips were solo affairs).

Changi Creek Bridge 1965 (Copyright)

I would cross the bridge over the creek and turn right towards the group of trees where the canoe- hire man used to operate by day. I would bury my wallet in the sand and remove my clothes which I put in a pile on top of the place where the wallet was hidden. I was wearing swimming trunks under my slacks and I would slip into the sea and have a refreshing dip. Then I would sit on the sand and have a cigarette while I dried because I never took a towel with me.

Moon Crabs at Changi Beach (Copyright)

I recall one evening sitting there and watching some phosphorescence on the surface of the sea when suddenly there was a rustling sound behind me. When I looked round, I could see a mass of something-or-other coming towards me. Thinking it might be rats, I jumped to my feet in alarm, only to dicover that it was a large group of land-crabs heading for the sea. Fascinating.

Allan Thompson and friend at a bar in Changi (Copyright)

On another occasion, I sat for ages after my swim, listening to an instrumental group, similar to The Quests (could it even have been them?), playing in the nearby kampong, possibly for a wedding or similar occasion. Very pleasant, and one of a host of fond memories from that time. When I was reasonably dry, I would dress and go up to the village for a few Tiger beers in the Europe Bar with my friends who used to think I was crazy for swimming alone at night. Perhaps I was. If so, I didn't care, because it was a very satisfying kind of craziness."

You can read Part II in future postings.

Original article/Images: Allan Thompson Collection.
Image: Record Cover - Andy Lim Collection.
Image: Crabs - wonderfulcreation.blogspot.sg

Singapore Memories Two:

[*Vinyl record description: At only fourteen years - in Singapore she would have needed a special licence to perform at night clubs - Heather Batchen was signed to Philips Records with The Diamond Four a band of British servicemen from an HMS naval ship that was docked in Singapore in the mid-60s.

After a second record was released with the same group they returned to England and she was later backed by The Thunderbirds singing'Because I Love You'/'I'll Be Yours' On this EP (ME-0173-HE) called Mr. Moon she had recorded Do You Care? and Hey, Mr. Moon! both Frank Thompson compositions.]

The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources Facebook above highlights this blog's posting about hawkers and their calls. Thank you MEWR.

Even in another 60s pop song there is a description of the market place. A well-known calypso Jamaica Farewell, originally by Harry Belafonte,is another example that tells of ladies crying out their wares.

Jamaica Farewell by Lord Erving Burgess

(Only part of the song)

Down the way where the nights are gay
And the sun shines daily on the mountain top
I took a trip on a sailing ship
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop

Chorus:

Down at the market you can hear
Ladies cry out while on their head they bear
*Ackie rice and salt fish is nice
And the rum is good any time of year

(*Ackee rice refers to the fruit of a tropical tree indigenous to the Ivory Coast taken to Jamaica in 1793. It is poisonous but if properly prepared is used as food additive.

Other well-known singers of Jamaica Farewell include Kingston Trio, Sir Lancelot, Brothers Four, Sam Cooke, Nina n Frederik, Carly Simon and Sting. Information from Wikipedia).

Do you know of other pop 60s songs that refer to the market place and food calls?

Images from Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and Google.
Original article by Andy Lim.
You Tube Video by: aladywriter.

Connect: https://www.facebook.com/#!/MEWRsingapore

http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2011/02/singapore-street-hawker-calls-and-elvis.html

Fiat 600 doors open from front (illustration only)

1. Formula One Nite 2012:

It's buzzing again, the Formula One cars and hot shot drivers taking part in the Singapore Night Race 2012 this weekend. For me, I will never have the chance to drive even a sports car on our roads let alone a Formula.

2. COE Skyrocket:

I cannot afford one with prices skyrocketing so much because of COE prices. Can you imagine, an ordinary Japanese saloon costing about S$150,000 today. I will have to maintain my Cefiro 230 so it'll last for another five years before its junk-yard exit.

3. Two Thousand $ For A Car:

Of course cars were cheap after the war and I remember buying my first second-hand car in the mid 60s for about S$2,000? Or was it cheaper? It was a Fiat 600. And it was in post-box red. Couldn't afford a new one so I went to the Fiat showroom at the junction of Orchard and Scotts (where Wheelock stands today) and bought one from a cool slow talking Malay gentleman who convinced me it was the ideal buy.

4. A Longkang Besar Bloody Accident:

And he was right. I bought it when my dad had forbidden me to ride the Vespa to Teachers' College at Paterson. Too dangerous it was after I landed in a large monsoon drain (longkang besar) the year before.

Music Sheet (illustration only)

We didn't need to wear a crash helmet to ride a scooter so when I came out of the drain I thought I had a nasty gash on my forehead with blood all over. But it was actually a minor cut and the horror on my mum's face when she saw red was more her imagination than reality. But I was truly All Shook Up after the incident.

5. Suicide Doors, Light Sabre and Transistor:

I was happy with my new toy, SK 8089. It had only *two doors which opened like a V from the front outwards (image) and a gear stick so long I could pull it out and swashbuckle light sabre with it. The engine was behind and I tricked this Chinese school teacher friend into thinking that the car had no motor.

And petrol was cheap then. Couldn't remember how much. With my SS$200 a month salary and a S$50 contribution for the folks at home, I still had enough bucks left for lunch and black gold (petrol was called this once).

One thing though, I couldn't install an air-conditioner. Either it was too expensive or the technology was still in its infancy. I couldn't remember but I had music on the go and it came from a little Sharp transistor radio I bought specially for the occasion and hung it on the mirror above the dash-board.

Sharp Transistor Radio (illustration only)

6. The Cascades, Crescendos, Platters, Rolling Stones and Teddy Bears:

The Cascades were singing Rhythm of the Rain day in and day out! Crescendos were belting out Mr. Twister and while The Platters were enjoying Twilight Time that was when I came home for dinner after painting the town red in my Little Red Rooster. And the music came from one of Radio Singapore's request programmes. No CDs, iPhone nor mp3 player? Never mind. Got car and music, enough. Go, baby go.

I remember the first drive I took was to head to North Bridge Road, popped into one of the record shops to buy To Know Him Is To Love Him by the Teddy Bears. Yes, to know a Fiat is to love a Fiat.

7. Tutti Frutti, Travelling Alone To Melaka:

I drove my Fiat all the way to Melaka alone in the 60s looking for a pen-pal I corresponded with. My friend said I was crazy. Lots of terrorists in the jungles they said. I arrived in Melaka safe and sound and came home with fresh durians in my small boot. "A-wop-bop-a-loo-mop-a-wop-bam-boom! Tutti Frutti, oh my Rudy..."

*called suicide doors - check comments.

Image 1: havedegreewilltravel.blogspot.com

Image 2: kesteloo.net
Image 3: e-bay sharp pocket transistor
Original Article.

Produced by The Moving Visuals Co. for Mediacorp Okto

Our Past Is Our Present:
*Scattered pictures,
Of the smiles we left behind
Smiles we gave to one another
For the way we were
Can it be that it was all so simple then?
Or has time re-written every line?
If we had the chance to do it all again
Tell me, would we? could we ...?

A Documentary:
It was fun when I had to stand in front of the video cameras again and discuss things 60s, this time around with veteran Singapore actor and pole dancing extraodinaire Tan Kheng Hua (image right). We were not discussing Grease the movie, but grease on the head, namely Brylcreem the crowning glory of local boys from the 60s.

Brylcreem Ad in the 60s (Google)

Grease, Guitars and Girls:
Daphne Koh, producer for Memento Singapore, who read this blog invited me for an interview for a documentary to be made by The Moving Visuals Company a local film house. We met at Burger King in Novena Square and talked the morning away about local 60s band boys and their interest in guitars, girlfriends and grease.

The Interview:
We discussed at length the popularity of Brylcreem, Tancho Pomade and Yardley of London and how a combination of the three slicky stuff kept the band boys' hair in place weathering all storms. Actually the cream was more to keep their hair tidy when they appeared for stage performances. They also wanted to look good in front of girl friends. The topic on hair cream and other Singapore 60s memorabilia featured in a four-part documentary that will be televised on Mediacorp Okto (Channel 108) again soon.

The Shoot with Kheng Hua:
As usual my nerves got the better of me when I faced the cameras at Petain Road with its row of peranakan terrace homes. But with experienced Kheng Hua beside me I felt comfortable as she led me with her giggles and laughter. We started off camera by discussing 60s music and when I was more relaxed this charming host of the series took command of the scene shots with her constant chatter, eloquence and natural ease.

Produced by The Moving Visuals Co. for Mediacorp Okto.

We won the day and as we glided to Desker Road (image above) looking for the **Indian (mamak) shop where the grease was on sale, we were already good friends. In fact, my gracious lady-in-charge was even in control of the camera crew, instructing them all the way with strict tenderness and calm.

Drama 101:
With professionals around nothing can go wrong, so they say. Nothing went wrong but a large truck nearly spoilt our schedule when the driver decided to park it right in front of our shoot as he went for his breakfast. Rather than wait for him to reappear our party changed venue as I gave my soliloquy about Elvis' hairstyle before the cams. Yikes!

I learnt a bit of Drama 101 at the Uni in Canada a long time ago but I think Kheng Hua taught me more. She's definitely just as great a teacher as she is an actor.

Shooting 'Momento Singapore' at Petain Road (Andy Lim Collection)

For the uninitiated:
**Indian (Mamak) or mini-sundry shops are a thing of the past in Singapore and used to be scattered all over the island. There are possibly about four shops left today and this Desker Road shop is one.

They sell small items from sweetmeats, snacks and stationery to drinks, cigarettes, newspapers and of course, hair-cream. If you're lucky you might even see a bunch of bananas hanging from the ceiling. All you need to do is pluck one and pay the Indian shopkeeper 5 cents. In the 60s that is...

*(Partial Lyrics: 'The Way We Were' Songwriters: Alan n Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch).
About film house: http://movingvisuals.wordpress.com/
Image 1, 3 from: 'Memento Singapore', a documentary.
Image 2 from: Google Images
Image 4 and Original Article from: Andy Lim Collection.

Just came home from an exciting 10 day sojourn in China's Hunan Province and feel I must write about it. During the short holiday I had a song spinning in my head. It was Dean Martin's: "I'd love to get you on a slow boat to China, All to myself alone."

5 days on board the Victoria Anna.

My family members and I were in a tour group that went on a slow boat up the Yangtze River to witness the natural and rugged grandeur of the Three Gorges Dam. We watched from our cabin balcony on the Victoria Anna the wild and meandering flow of the river that had for decades devastated more than a quarter million Chinese. This particular cruise, which took 5 days, started upstream from Yichang and ended at Chongqing (Map below).

With family on a slow boat up the Three Gorges Dam.

This ship ride reminded me of the late 40s Chinese hit movie I watched as a child called Tears of Yangtze (The Spring River Flows East) that drew large crowds for weeks at the Jubilee Cinema in North Bridge Road where it was shown. Can't imagine that I would be cruising down the same famous river today. But it was a totally different experience.

Sketch map of Yangtze River and trip is from Yichang to Chongqing.

Because our trip coincided with the Chinese Mooncake Festival and China's National Day the whole country was celebrating the occasion during the exceptionally crowded break from lst to 7th October. "Well, out on the briny with a moon big and shiny, Melting your heart of stone, Well, I'd love to get you on a slow boat to China, All to myself alone."

A Moonlit Night On Spring River.

The same holiday took us on a land tour where we were mesmerised by the Zhangjiajie mountain range where director James Cameron conjured his idea as to how Pandora’s floating islands should look in his multi-million dollar hit movie Avatar.

Professor Zhu Qixin in his book, The Sights of China, best describes the area when he wrote, "The steep mountains, the dangerous rugged shoals and the turbulent waters are characteristic of the gorges. The perpendicular cliff and grotesque peaks with clouds wrapping them in a blanket of mist create one of nature's most majestic sights (page 106)."

Zhangjiajie Mountain Range with 'Avatar' imaginings.

Lyrics from a hit musical, Flower Drum Song surfaced as we drove past the perilous peaks: "My father says the sun, Will keep rising over, The eastern hill, Rivers keep flowing too, In ev'ry single minute, So much is going on, Along the Yangtze Kiang... A hundred million miracles."

Fancy, although we saw the moon on our short river experience we missed the sun during our land tours when we visited the cities because of the smog, smog, smog.

Chongqing City Centre National Day October 2012.

But what fascinated me were both Western and Chinese music provided by buskers who could play whatever song you ask them to. The image below shows the long haired bongo drummer who kept to the rhythm of his guitar strumming and singing friend. It was magical indeed.

As our river boat drifted into Chongqing, Middle Kingdom's largest and most populated city I guess, "Moon river, wider than a mile, I'm crossing you in style some day" would be appropriate.
Anyway, if you have the time take Dean Martin's advice. Or Andy Williams'? There's such a lot of world to see..."

There is music everywhere as we meet buskers on our land tour.

Songs/Images/Book:
1. (I'd Like to Get You on a) Slow Boat to China sung by Dean Martin. Frank Loesser (1947).
2. Extracts from: A Hundred Million Miracles sung by Miyoshi Umeki. Richard Rodgers n Oscar Hammerstein II (1958).
3. Extracts from: Moon River sung by Andy Williams. Henry Mancini n Johnny Mercer (1961).
4. Images/Map: from Google Images, You Tube and ChinaSelect.com.
5. Chongqing City and buskers images by Andy Lim.
6. You Tube: song by Dean Martin contributed by dvvreeswijk.
7. Professor Zhu Qixin, The Sights of China, China Travel Tourism Press (2004).

"When a cross cultural love for songs and travel meet and mix." Andy Lim.

Picture Postings of Music Makers from Middle Kingdom:

There was music wherever we went in Hunan Province, China. As explained in the last posting the streets were filled with buskers who played both Chinese and Western melodies. Many of these minstrels were armed with guitars, flutes and even bongo drums to provide music for the passing crowd. Even in an ancient city called Phoenix, we heard modern music.

During one of our trips we had to run up a hill because of the early morning rain. We were about to visit the Chiang Kai Shek Museum in Chongqing but took shelter on the way when we chanced upon an outhouse. The large gazebo-like structure was a scene of gaiety and grace. A lady was playing on an electronic organ and accompanying another who was singing a Chinese classical song.

There were dancing couples and an audience around them who clapped in tune. We stood in awe as we watched while the rain poured incessantly outside. The Museum which was two minutes away housing many cultural and ancient artifacts had to wait as we were emersed in an unrehearsed cultural show. Although it was cold without, the atmosphere was warm within .

During the Phoenix Ancient City tour, we passed by tourist shops where keepers were selling food, tidbits, curios, clothes and souvenirs. While the younger ones were selling their wares the elders played on their flutes to entertain the crowd. The odd-shaped flutes emitted the same trill as the Indonesian suling bamboo.

                                         *When China boy meets China girl
                                           In **Chinatown tonight
                                           There'll be such fun
                                           When day is done
                                           In Chinatown tonight.

On the Yangtze cruise itself there was a performance nearly every night on the boat. We didn't realise that our group of glamorous dancers, singers and entertainers who had so much enthusiasm and talent on stage were the same youngsters who looked after our cabins, waited on us at dinner tables, cooked our delicious buffet meals and served us at the counters. Talk about multi-tasking!

We were all so grateful that many of us left handsome tips when we disembarked. Thanks to handsome Andy Li (no not Andy Lim) and his crew! He is multi-lingual and switched from English to Mandarin with ease when he provided live commentaries as we sailed through the river.

We also had a special performance by a group from Australia led by Barry Hunter (he's Brit). They were on the boat with us. You can check them on the RIGHT bar of this blog.

The long six-hour bus trips from one town to another could have taken a toll on us if it weren't for our China tour guide. Born and raised in the same province - she said she lived at one of the foothills of the mountain region - petite Wendy sang Hunan folk songs on the way but because of my poor handling of personal videos I was not able to down-load some of her performances on You Tube.

During the Three Gorges Dam tour we were off-loaded into smaller boats and sampled the sights of the Yangtze tributaries and mini-gorges. The sturdy, serious-looking boatman who looked after us gave a surprise performance when he sang a folk number (gruff but in tune) without accompaniment or music except to the lap, lap, lapping of the river and the soft chug-chug-chugging of the watercraft.

Like I explained, there was music everywhere during our boat excursions and land drives, music that might be alien to some but a joy to others. I wonder why the Chinese need an iPod?

Images: from my iPhone video screen grabs except #6 from You Tube by yangtzerivercruise.
Original article.

*In an RTS (Radio Television Singapore) Talentime 1969 Finalists recording little MARIE TANG sang: 'When China Boy Meets China Girl'. You Tube contribution by lvlalaysiaboleh.

Words and music by Billy Reid. Song originally sung by Dorothy Squires.

**Probably the Chinatowns in the US and Canadian cities like Frisco and Vancouver.

Born in 1949, Bryan Aloysius Jeremiah won Radio Malaysia's Talentime in 1967 at aged 18 as he astounded Malaysian audiences with his country and western Slim Whitman inspired yodelling. Since then he had participated in numerous talent shows singing and accompanying himself on the guitar.

In 1971 he became one of the finalists in Bakat TV, Malaysia and sang, Love Knot In My Lariat a popular Whitman hit. This talent contest attracted the best from the local pop music scene which included the late guitarist Paul Ponnudorai, singer Sudirman Arshad, the Silhouettes, Strange Brew, and Shagul Hamid amongst many others.

Youthful yodeller Bryan Jeremiah.

Jeremiah had studied at St Xavier’s Institution in Penang, Malaysia and was known not only as a singer on stage but also as a sports enthusiast on the field. As he progressed in the entertainment industry his love for the media led him to be a broadcaster for Radio Malaysia as he honed his singing and yodelling talent.

According to his daughter *Dawn Jeremiah, "My dad is one of the hardest working people I know, acquiring his life lessons by overcoming various challenges growing up in Penang in the 1960s. He is a talented individual with closets of trophies from everything ranging from football to badminton to ping-pong to bowling to hockey."

The very popular Bakat TV Series in Malaysia.

In an article about Father's Day in 2010 she added that, "The one award that wasn’t derived from sports was for Radio Talentime 1971, in which he secured top placing. He then proceeded to compete as a finalist in the RTM’s Bakat TV 1971 with the song Love Knot in My Lariat." Jeremiah came in ninth.

Apparently his talent was a gift because he stood up from his baby cot when he was two years old to hum and mumble the words to Buttons and Bows, a 1947 Bob Hope song which was playing on the radio. Bryan Jeremiah went on to be recognised as one of the most popular artistes and shared the limelight with a host of other Malaysian entertainers. As a hard-working professional he was a dedicated logistics specialist but he had since passed away in October, 2012 at 63 years young.

Bryan Jeremiah in later years.

There are a few more articles about Penang and other Malaysian music makers on this blog. You can check out Dr. Lee Yan San, Alfred Ho, Paul Ponnudorai, Rocky Teoh, The Fabulous Falcons, HT Long, Kamahl, The Valiants etc. as each has a story to tell. Just click the connection Malaysian Idols under Labels below.

*Penangite Dawn Jeremiah has a passion for television and journalism and is a senior marketing executive at a high definition lifestyle channel. A part-time actress, this 1st runner up in the Miss Malaysia World 2007 pageant can be seen in the coming-of-age television series K.I.T.A., every Monday at 10pm on Astro Ria.

Thanks to Larry Lai for the connection.
Images from You Tube Video by Dawn Jeremiah.

Information from:

http://www.mmail.com.my/story/bakat-tv-yodelling-maestro-jeremiah-dies-33499

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/6/12/central/6436502&sec=central

(I asked Singaporeans around. If you remember Halloween do you remember the Singapore and Malaysian Pontianak? We even have a pop song about this Hantu-ween creature sung by well-known singer Ahmad Daud from the 60s. Read on.)

This posting is conducted by the Singapore *Hantu Heritage Project:

It is with some trepidation that I write this post. Halloween is around the corner and I wonder if it is wise to write about spiritual beings that could be hovering around us soon since the big day is on October 31st.

Image 1: 'Pontianak' Legend

Most followers who read literature on ghosts and spirits are well aware what Halloween is about and those who live in the Asian region would probably be familiar with a similar theme, the Chinese with their Ghost Month or Seventh Moon Festival and the Malays and Indonesians with the Pontianak legend (from 'bunting-anak'spirits of females who die in pregnancy) and Hantu Jerangkong stories (tall and gangly ghosts).

Since this is a music blog I thought it would be appropriate if I discuss a popular Malay song from the mid 60s. This particular pop yeah yeah composition is relevant to the theme. It is sung by **Ahmad Daud and backed by The Swallows (yes, I sang with them before Ahmad Daud did).

Image 2: Ahmad Daud with The Swallows

This song comes from the Malay movie, Pusaka Pontianak (1965) directed by Ramon A. Estella and starred Ahmad Mahmud, Saadiah, Aziz Sattar, Ibrahim Pendek, Ahmad Nesfu and Salleh Kamil. These actors and the series of Pontianak movies attracted crowds to the cinemas in the 60s.

Together with Ahmad Daud who sang the lyrics, Malay comedians Ibrahim Pendek (Shorty), Aziz Sattar and Ahmad Nesfu combined talent and lip-synced their way through Dendang Pontianak (Rhythm of the Pontianak) from the EP with similar title.

It has a twist and shake beat with do-wop backing composed by Singaporean composer/musician Kassim Masdor. Apparently this particular Pontianak film did not do well at the box office but I found the lyrics funny indeed. The song is a humorous dedication to the Pontianak and composed in its honour. So Horror + Humour = Halloween.

Image 3: EP Sleeve Cover: Ahmad Daud with Malay comedians.

Silly and childish too but I love the 60s pop appeal of the melody especially when the three actors ham it up on screen with their solid guitars and Shadows-style antics. Ibrahim Pendek certainly looks lost surrounded by the drums that are larger than he is. And with Ahmad Daud doing the vocals it certainly makes the song livelier. This man can whip up any song with his rubber face, gestures and mimicry. By the way, the introductory bars are familiar (watch You Tube above).

Image 4: Twist n Shake with Pontianak during Halloween.

One reader Lysha Dato Haji Ali remarked on You Tube, "To me it's a great song... who says the Malay do not know how to have fun... in the 60's they did... these days...geez... everything is way too complicated..."

Another viewer said, "Ini Rockabilly Melayu untuk Halloween..." while a third You Tube surfer yelled: "Bloody brilliant! Best rock n roll Malay song ever recorded."

And I certainly agree. HAPPY HANTU-WEEN everyone!

(30.10.2012: The latest news reports today. And a serious one. Nearer to Halloween in the eastern coast of the US, the biggest monster is drifting inland... more deadly than Frankenstein. FRANKENSTORM is here! And 66 people have already died.)

*Hantu: a Malay word that means Ghosts.
**You can read about Ahmad Daud on the Comment page.

Image 1: Shaw Brothers Move Screen Grab.
Images 2, 3: Courtesy of M. Erwin Collection.
Image 4: Andy Lim Collection using gdCamera (ghost detection Camera).

You Tube Video: from lurfiashelas.

U.S. Presidential Election 2012 Voting in Singapore? Or Obama, PM Lee Pop Song List?

It's interesting to find out pop song choices of world leaders and because I have never heard of such a topic mentioned or even discussed on our local blogs I thought I would peek on the Net to find out more. But it was disappointing because I couldn't find any of our leaders singing on stage or revealing their choice of pop or classical music hits. Most of them would probably have "more important things to do", so the cliche goes.

Prime Minister Lee singing at Marina Barrage in 2009.

PM Lee Hsien Loong, on the other hand, sang Beautiful Sunday an evergreen since 1972 composed by Daniel Boone. This pop performance happened three years ago at a Marina Barrage gathering where he was accompanied by a guitar group of serving MPs. But I don't know if he has a list of favourite pops?

President Obama singing at the White House in February 2012

So for today's posting I decided to pick one down to earth, casual and pleasant world leader's choice of personal pops and since he will have to face challenger Mitt Romney for the next *US presidency in a few days on 6th November, I thought it a good idea to find out US President Barack Obama's taste for pop hits. Not a Herculean task since the information is easily available.

Sheryl Crow

According to some websites he has a list of songs that he loves and this groovy guy makes no qualms about who his favourite music-makers are. The bands and artistes from the 60s and 70s include, The Rolling Stones, Sheryl Crow, Elton John and Earth, Wind n Fire. And Stevie Wonder is his hero since the 1970s.

It is common knowledge that The Rolling Stones' song, Gimme Shelter (1969) tops his favourite pop list. His selection also contains about 30 songs from Bob Dylan, especially the composition Maggie's Farm (1965) which "speaks" to him because of its political rhetoric. And his choice of jazz legends? It has names like Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Charlie Parker. Fantastic! This man knows his music. A cool dude indeed!

Vinyl record cover features Bruce Springsteen

Another pop star whom Obama looks up to is Bruce Springsteen. Not only does he love Springsteen's compositions, he loves him as a person because, according to The President, Springsteen has never lost track of his roots, knows who he is and has never put on a front. And Obama addresses him as the Boss.

Screen Grab from You Tube: White House with brilliant array of pop music makers.

And like PM Lee, does the US President sing? Of course. He gave his rendition of Sweet Home Chicago, a 1937 blues standard during the Red, White and Blues event at the White House this year (2012). He sang the few lines, Baby Don't You Want To Go... with some persuasion from B.B. King, Mick Jagger and Buddy Guy who were present.

60s Music on RTS (image from Mun Chor Seng).

I wonder what it would take for some of our chieftains to have at least a pop song list, let alone sing in public. Yes, we understand. As government leaders you need to be serious with election promises, the economy, etc. but too serious an image may lose you votes. So come on out with your list of hits. Even Singapore pop songs from the 60s, 70s and beyond?

Comment anyone?

Images from: Google and You Tube screen grabs.
Image 6: Mun Chor Seng (Copyright).

[The U.S. Presidential Election is on Tuesday, 6 November 2012 between Barack Obama - Democrat and Mitt Romney - Republican.]

OBAMA wins Presidential Election 2012. Most US citizens in Singapore share joy.

SONGS I LOVE:

I usually post the image of a book cover (below) when I wish to discuss the pop song connected to the book. When the classic novel A Many Splendoured Thing (1952) by world renowned author *Han Suyin was made into a successful Hollywood movie in 1955 starring William Holden and Jennifer Jones, the song came together with the movie.

Han Suyin

The song, Love Is A Many Splendoured Thing, was not only publicised in the movie but went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Music was by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster.

The best selling version was recorded by The Four Aces (above), issued by Decca Records. It hit second spot in the UK Singles Chart and first spot on both Billboard in 1955. It had been recorded since by Johnny Mathis, Ringo Starr, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Nat King Cole and Barry Manilow. Neil Sedaka and Connie Francis recorded the song in Italian.

Now here's another sound bite. Author Han Suyin was a staunch supporter and lecturer at Singapore's Nantah or Nanyang University (now NTU) teaching contemporary Asian literature and Linguistics from 1956 onwards when the university began its existence.

Image from Penguin Books

I must admit that I never read the book having pooh-poohed it as romantic fiction especially for a young boy living in the 1950s. And I never got to reading it afterwards so when the author passed away at the beginning of this month - 5th November 2012 - I decided to borrow a copy from our library. Sad to say, not even one is available. No more said.

Seniors who are familiar with the song can enjoy it again on You Tube. For the young 'uns, do listen to a composition that held many people spellbound when it was first released. Truly one of my favourites.

*Han Suyin was a Eurasian doctor/writer who was born in China. She passed away in Lausanne, Switzerland, on November 2nd at 95 years young. She had written about 40 books.

Information: Wikipedia. Images: Google. You Tube by: Scout4Me1.

When Allan Thompson and Ms Chong Yoke Lin wrote to me recently in response to my previous post about Han Suyin, they have one thing in common. Both had been in the restricted military compounds of Singapore's RAF base camps in the 1960s. Below are their letters about wearing kipper ties, meeting William Holden, Roger Moore at a shop doorway and impressionable teens watching movies at RAF cinemas:

1. Sound track credits Riz Ortolani.

1) A note from Allan Thompson

Dear Andy,

I saw your feature on Love Is A Many-Splendoured Thing (previous posting) which is a film I enjoyed as much for the music as the story. Its male star, *William Holden, did quite a lot of filming in the East, partly because he loved Asian women (and who could blame him?).

2. British trad: kipper-tie

I remember buying a pair of slacks in Singapore in 1964/65 from a shop called Chosenco which had a life-size cut-out of William Holden in the doorway.

Apparently, when he was in Singapore, he had some clothes tailored by them which is why they called themselves Chosenco! He also filmed The 7th Dawn in the region, co-starring Susannah York, and the **film score was composed by Riz Ortolani.

When I returned to Singapore in 1968, I bought a gaudy tie from Chosenco and found that a life-size cut-out of Roger Moore was standing in the shop doorway because he had recently been filming there and had some suits made by them. Poor William Holden had been relegated to the back of the shop near the changing rooms!

Incidentally, I still have my gaudy Chosenco tie because it has a special significance for me. I was based at RAF Tengah from 1968-1970 and I worked on 74 Squadron which flew Lightning jet fighters. One of the youngest pilots was a Scots chap called John Webster who used to wear brightly-coloured ***kipper ties at Squadron functions.

3. Song Sheet courtesy of Allan Thompson.

Some of the other men tried to outdo him in this respect which is why I bought my tie. Sadly, John was lost in 1970 (or 1971) when his aircraft hit the sea during a night-flying exercise in the Malacca Strait and neither he nor the aircraft was ever recovered. I wrote a poem about him many years later called "No More Kipper Ties" which I will send you sometime if you wish.

Regards,

AllanThompson.

*According to the local dailies, William Holden had been in and out of Singapore countless times. He must love Asian women. Holden was in Singapore in 1963 on transit to Bombay and in 1975 to promote his movie, Towering Inferno. Roger Moore was in Singapore in 1965 to promote his TV series, The Saint.

**The haunting theme song had been recorded by Filipino/Chinese pop singer Jose Mari Chan. (It's on the right bar of this blog.)

***A Kipper Tie is a necktie fashionable in Britain in the mid 60s to late 70s. The characteristics are its extreme breadth - 4.5 to 5 inches - with unusually garish colors and patterns.

2) A note from Ms Chong Yoke Lin

Hi Andy,

I read The Rain My Drink (also by Han Suyin) a long time ago but can't remember what it's about. Such reads are not meant to be retained --not even in long-term memory bank. I watched A Many Splendoured Thing in the mid 50's in an RAF cinema (could have been Seletar).

4. Astra Cinema @ RAF Tengah Singapore.

My father, a radio technician, saw to the smooth screening of films in the RAF cinemas in their 4 base camps - Changi, Sembawang, Tengah, Seletar. So on frequent weekends, we lucky kids got to go to the movies.

5. Projectors in use at an RAF Astra cinema.

Love Is A Many Splendoured Thing was one memorable picture for an impressionable mid-teen fed on a diet of movies produced in the west. The film was rather short-lived but not the theme song. It brings back fond memories whenever I hear it.
Regards,
Lin.

Original articles by: Allan Thompson and Ms Chong Yoke Lin.
Image 1, 2: Google.
Image 3 courtesy of Allan Thompson.
Image: 4, 5 from: http://cinemawales.homestead.com/SKC.html

Large cleats and horseshoe

"Me and my friend came walking down the avenue/Just like the girls we had nothing to do/So we both whistled but they wouldn't look back/And four little heels went clickety clack... 'Four LittleHeels' (Brian Hyland)".

I remember in the 60s when Beatle boots were in fashion. Nearly every Singapore band boy was buying a pair to show his worth.

Some of these boots even had cleats (left image) which were metal on sole, supposedly to provide secure footing. They made a clickety-clack sound to announce the arrival of the proud user who would display his footwear either on the streets or the dance floors.

Then came the extraordinary. Some of these boots and common leather sneakers or loafers were fitted with horseshoes, yes, horseshoes. Youths of yesteryear had genuine horseshoes on soles to prance and gallop around with.

"See the way he walks down the street/Watch the way he shuffles his feet/My, he holds his head up high/When he goes walking by, he's my guy/When he holds my hand, I'm so proud/'Cause he's not just one of the crowd... 'He's A Rebel' (Gene Pitney)."

This freakish fashion footwear was the ultimate in the 1960s as teenagers would cock their fancy studs, some with cowboy stetson hats and flowery patterned garb to boot! Like the young ones today, 60s kids wanted to be different. Like James Dean - a rebel without a cause.

Horseshoe on sneakers or loafers.

I bought a pair of horseshoes myself and had them nailed to my boots for a while. They were shiny when new and rusty when used and had holes for the iron nails to fit into. Some boys had the horseshoes nailed loosely on the leather heels to accentuate the sound. In fact the owner could tighten or loosen the nails until they were comfortably right. They went chink, chink, chink as the owner strutted around. Exciting it was!

I don't remember where I bought my pair of horseshoes but they were available at the cobblers on the streets, in shoe-shops and at some hardware places but when my father saw me one evening clickety-clacking in the middle of the night on the cement floor of our home he literary put his foot down. I had to get rid of them sooner than I thought.

"Do anything that you want to do, but uh-uh,/Honey, lay off of my shoes/Blue, blue/'Blue Suede Shoes'... (Carl Perkins)."

"The boots look good but the chink, chink, chink sound is annoying!" remarked my father glancing at my shoes while reading his favourite Indonesian newspaper.

Rusty horseshoes and large cleats on boots.

Of course I didn't get rid of them but hid them in my cupboard and would only put them on when I was out of the house. So with slick, greasy hair, a pair of moon-glasses, a yellow shirt, tight drainpipe blue jeans and leather boots I thought I had it made. But it didn't go that way for me. Ah, but it was fun while it lasted.

"Now I’m stepping out this old brown shoe/Baby I’m in love with you/I’m so glad you came here/It won’t be the same now,/I’m telling you... 'Old Brown Shoes'. (The Beatles)."

#With the latest dance craze where Gangnam Style takes the world by storm and Korean singer Psy leading the pack of galloping horses followed by nearly one billion You Tube viewers, I am just wondering how effective the movements will be if he wears a pair of boots with cleats and horseshoes intact.

These gadgets are made for the speedy trots. But there will be more noise I suppose. Someone could offer him a pair of these shoes when he comes to Singapore 's Marina Bay Sands (MBS) on Saturday, lst December, 2012. Perhaps you could do it?

Images from http://tapgrrl.wordpress.com
Gangnam: http://www.alldayjokes.com/2012/09/oppan-gangnam-style-cartoon-gif.html

Original Article: Andy Lim.

(The above video is a masterpiece, creatively crafted by Shane Woodbury showing Bruce Lee at his peak. Watch it in full.)

When martial-arts mania flexed its muscles and extended its flying kicks in Singapore 70s, "Kato" or "Big Boss" Bruce Lee became a cult hero on the big screen and "Grasshopper" David Carradine became one on the goggle box. I remember watching these two actors who had by then a large international following.

1. Carl Douglas Album Cover

Every other day some exponent of TKD, karate or whatever else was chopping bricks, slicing wooden boards on TV or at the Community Centres in Singapore. The mass hysteria even produced a single called Kung Fu Fighting (not Kung Fu Panda) by Carl Douglas that sold eleven million copies in 1974 (plenty in those days).

So everyone listen up, for here's a story about what happened at a cinema in Singapore in 1972 when fists of fury found their target on blackmarket ticket thugs.

2. Poster of Bruce Lee's movie in the 1970s.

The writer is a friend of James Kwok who is with our FOYers Group:

Hi Andy,

It would be nice like they say to *talk cock (pardon my language) and reminisce over the good old days, especially those days when T-Dances were so popular! One of my most unforgettable memories, and believe me, there're quite a few, was an incident at **The Orchard Theatre, which I would like to share with you.

3. David Carradine on the goggle box.

I vividly recalled, it was the first screening of Bruce Lee's Fist of Fury and the queue for tickets was almost a kilometer long. I was in the queue, like all law-abiding citizens, when I noticed a gang of black-market thugs jumping the queue in front, shoving, and threatening those who dared to voice out.

I overheard one lady screaming, "Where's the police?" and was immediately told off by one of the gang members. That was when I sprung into action. With my revolver at my side (I was in plainclothes), and fresh from receiving a black belt in TKD (Tae Kwon Do from one of my Korean Masters at the then, Gay World), I started pulling these thugs out from the line.

They were too shocked by my action to retaliate,and before they were aware of what was going on, two of then were on the floor after having received my TKD kicks while the others took off!

4. An artist's impression of TKD which need not necessarily be violent.

I was pleasantly surprised when most of the fans in the queue started to clap and shouted their approval after what I did. How about that! Pity it was not reported in the local media then. Anyway, that was a REAL Bruce Lee's preview-lah and I did not even realise my action then.

So many stories to recap Bruddher, and this is just one. I simply love those good old days and can never, never, forget that, no matter where we are to-day.

Till we meet over our teh-tarik, and maybe, roti prata again.

God Bless,

Guru Happy.

About the writer:
Guru Happy lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada and is in the Police Harley Davidson (the latest Police Escort Bike) as their Fleet Co-ordinator, after retiring from the RCMP (the Federal Police). He was with the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) to supervise the fleet for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

He was the first, and only former Singaporean - an honour he is proud of - to be involved with the security for the Olympics which was a once in a lifetime dream. He was entrusted not only with the arrangements for the local VVIPs, but also the US President, working along with the US Secret Service Agents.

5. Letter writer Guru Happy with his Harley Davidson.

Like the saying goes, "Once a cop, always a cop" no matter where you are. Happy promises more stories on this blog soon.

Original article/image 5: Guru Happy Copyrights Reserved.

You Tube video from: Shane Woodbury.

Images 1, 2, 3, 4: from Google.

*Frivolous chatter. Perhaps coffeeshop talk.

**Orchard Cinema, Grange Road (1965-1995)
In 1965 when Singapore gained independence, Cathay Organisation opened their second cinema after Cathay. It is the Orchard Cinema (国宾戏院) at Grange Road. It was closed in 1995 for renovation and re-established itself as Orchard Cineleisure today.

As the population is greying, we are looking for like-minded, humble retired musicians to get together for afternoon tea and jamming sessions just to pass the time fruitfully and build friendship. As such we are looking for the following:

Guitarists, Drummers, Keyboardists, Vocalists and music enthusiasts to come together and have fun.

No agenda other than friendship and fun. If anything serious develops, it's a BONUS. During our silver years we need only each other to make our days fruitful.

Those interested please leave your contact on the Comment page below. Let's meet later to take it a step further. Your contact details will not be published.

(I have been asked by a retiree friend to forward this announcement. Do write in if you feel it in your bones. This posting does not generate any revenue.)

The following post about pianist Teresa Khoo is information from a letter by Horace Wee (thank you Horace) and articles from the daily newspapers published in Singapore. I do not know her personally but have seen the Khoo family perform on TV and listened to them on the radio. I thought she deserves some recognition since she was one of the pioneers in the music industry from the 50s.

Hi Andy,

You may want to post this as it is about Singapore musicians from the 60's.

Teresa Filmer (nee Khoo) the pianist wife of bassist Winston Filmer passed away on November 8th 2012 in Melbourne Australia. She was 70 years old and had been in ill health the past few years.

She had a hit song that was popular in Malaysia around the early 60's I think. Not sure the title but was it called, *Say Yes, My Boy (image 1), recorded on the Decca label. She spent her years in Melbourne teaching and I think she was on the board of music examiners for the state of Victoria/Australia.

She is from the well known family of Khoos in Singapore that include Victor an entertainer and ventriloquist, The Singing Khoos comprising of her brothers. Her father (Khoo Teng Eng) used to perform magic shows in those early years as well.

Cheers, Horace Wee.

1. Mono Extended Play. Cover Photo: George Abbas.

Teresa Khoo was one of Singapore's most talented daughters from the 50s who acquired her LRSM (London Royal School of Music) in piano when she was only 15 years old. According to reliable sources, she was a prefect at school and was usually on stage to lend support by playing the piano for numerous occasions.

She started the first ever all girls band called the Blue Belles in 1960, way before any guitar group could ever claim that status. The group came in third in a "battle of the bands" contest that year and were a hit when they appeared in nightclubs all over Singapore and Malaya playing jazz standards.

Their ages ranged from 17 to 21 and the combo consisted of a double bassist, a wind-instrumentalist, an accordionist, a violinist, a guitarist and Ms Khoo herself as pianist. But she was also deft on the accordian, flute and vibraphone.

Sometimes, as a family, Khoo was assistant to her father's magic shows but music was her first love and her musical interest expanded when together with the Singapore Musical Society she formed an official choir of thirty singers. From classics to combo to choir.

When she turned professional Teresa Khoo and her Three Notes entertained regularly at some of the more established nightclubs in Singapore, namely The Raffles and The Adelphi Night Club and Peacock Bar in the 1960s. With her classical music background her versatility was obvious when she gave her own twinkling trademark to the pop songs she rendered.

2. The Singing Khoos and sister TeresaKhoo at the piano were
performing an item at the Victoria Theatre on 5 October 1960. The show
was organised by the Chinese Section of Radio Singapore and the
compere was Mr. Wang Shih Ming.

Khoo cut an album on Decca Mono DFE 4003: Teresa Khoo and Her Five Notes. Her songs include: You Don't Know, Baby, Unspoken Words, Say Yes, My Boy and A Lover's Concerto. She has another record on Decca F 22658 called Teresa Khoo and Her Five Notes with Tonight in Tokyo/This Must be Love (1967).

Produced by Darling Lim Geok Lin with cover photo by George Abbas the record sleeve reads: "Presenting for the first time on record as a performer in her own right - the talented and versatile Teresa Khoo. Teresa was trained as a classical pianist, obtaining the music degree LRSM (London). Indeed she has her own music school in Singapore but at night - she sizzles. Gone for a while are the classics and, leading her Five Notes, in comes the beat. Teresa prefers sentimental songs. Just listen to her rendering of Unspoken Words."

Unspoken Words climbed the Singapore Charts and was published under Hits of the World on Billboard Magazine when it hit number two in February, 1968. Image below shows the song position where it bettered Cliff Richard's, All My Love and Bee Gees' Massachusetts, losing only to the Foundations' Baby, Now That I've Found You.

3. Teresa Khoo's Hit at Number 2 on Billboard.

In the early 80s when the SSO (Singapore Symphony Orchestra) recorded their first album Ms Khoo was the pianist selected for the occasion. Together with other musicians they formed a contingent and had put on CD a collection of Chinese melodies.

Khoo's popularity allowed her to promote a local product and she was described as "one of Singapore's most respected pianist, a busy woman with performances, recording schedules and also teaching at a well-known music school." In the newspaper advertisement the tag-line was, "I must have soft and supple fingers or my playing will not be up to standard."

If there's anyone out there who wishes to provide more information about Teresa Khoo please do so and I will be only too willing to publish it on this blog. Thanks.

NB: According to the record cover and newspaper advertisements her name is Teresa and not Theresa ie: without the letter h.

You Tube Video You Don't Know Baby song downloaded by: blastfromdepast.
A researched/original article/Image 1: Andy Lim Collection.
Images 2: Mun Chor Seng Copyrights Reserved.

Image 3: Billboard Magazine: February, 1968.

If you are copying the information for your own use (book, magazine, blog, website, etc.) please acknowledge me on your bibliography.

                        凌霄 - 過去的春夢 You Tube Video by zoundcracker.

It's been a while since this blog features local Chinese singers.   Well a pleasant and kindly reader magg jnne, who lives overseas, wrote:

I am wondering if you have any uploads or if you know any links for Ling Seow/Ling Xiao's concert dvds - his nostalgic 40 years concert 2007 and the one in 2011? Any idea where to get the dvds?  I can't find them anywhere in the stores.

Rita Chao

I really love his rich and soothing vocals, and would love to view his past concerts in recent years. any idea if the singer is ever married... or some profile on him? Please assist. Thanks.

2. My reply:

a. Thanks for visiting this blog but I am not in contact with DVD shops nor suppliers. I hope readers can help you.

Sakura Teng

b. Regarding your second query. If you wish to help you can write a profile of him and I can post it on this blog. Readers can expand it somehow with their contribution. Would be a nice idea.

3. Her response and pretty piece of prose profiling of Ling Xiao:

Thanks Andy for your quick reply.

Music, besides writing, has always been a therapeutic retreat for me, ever since I was a child.

I grew up with a fusion of English and Mandarin melodies, though I am not that proficient in Mandarin. But music cuts across all languages; it bridges boundaries.

I love listening to some of the soothing oldies. First, it transports my mind back to cherished moments of yesteryears. Second, it reaffirms the timeless beauty of good music and vocals.

Personally, I feel that the veteran singers in the 70s and 80s have richer vocals that even till today, continue to delight our ears. I love listening to songs by Sakura & Rita, Ling Xiao, Maggie Teng and Yang Xiao Ping. I was just a little kid and though I couldn't appreciate the lyrics as much as I do over the years, the melodies were enough to soothe and inspire me.

Ling Xiao (凌霄) dazzles audience with timeless vocals

Singapore singer Ling Seow/Xiao (凌霄) is a legendary icon in the music industry. His love ballads remain as soothing and magically enticing, even till today. I am grateful for the many uploads of his albums in the web, and just listening to his rich, melodious voice is indeed heartwarming. One can truly feel all the emotions in his songs, and the magical part is that his voice is so amazingly smooth, gentle and rich.

Even till today, I believe he continues to dazzle audience with his timeless vocals and evergreen looks, especially that alluring smile that is so personable and real. So far, there is no male singer who can match his unique voice that is rather feminine yet masculine in some ways, and perhaps that remains his charm. I believe like the characters in a good play that live on long after the play is done, his songs and voice will leave lasting imprints in our hearts and minds as the years roll by.

There has been nothing said about his personal life, and it will be good if some can shed light on this here. He still has the looks and composure, and in his heyday, he was the delight of women. It will be insightful to know a little about his private life.

I missed his concerts in 2007 and 2011 as I am based overseas now, and i would really be grateful if anyone can offer to upload them or sell me the dvds.

Yang Xiao Ping

"Music, when soft voices die, vibrates in the memory."
From:
magg jnne

Thank you for your response and beautiful writing. If readers can provide some information about Ling Xiao we will all be grateful.

Readers write: Click 'comments' below to read about support for our local artistes.

Original article by: magg jnne.
You Tube: I Really Don't Want To Know by zoundcracker.
Images: Andy Lim Collection.

Artwork: Scott Yardley: credit ChristArt.com.

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he that is born King of the Jews for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.' (King James New Testament: Matthew: 2. 1-2)."

A Merry Christmas and Happy New 2013 to all my readers. Thank you for the huge support.

Used as a teaching aid in a Singapore school textbook some years ago, this international pop anthem about the street poor was first recorded in 1969. It is the third time I am posting *Streets of London on this blog. I would probably post it again in another year to remind us of the squalor, deprivation and loneliness of many homeless people in this world today. Some things never change.

When you are sipping that glass of champagne and slurping the caviar, tucking into succulent chicken rice and downing it with Tiger or just watching the ushering in of New Year 2013 on TV please remember the very poor who need our help.

I am not being hypocritical but perhaps just two Singapore dollars placed in the hands of someone who needs the money is sufficient. Or more if you wish. Depends on how much your heart (not head) is willing to give. Don't force yourself. If you can't, don't.

Watch the above video to the end because it's different from the others available on You Tube. wildfiremedia who produced the clip had an interview with Ralph McTell on the streets of London.

Happy New Year... hopefully.

If you can spare something, check out the list below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_voluntary_welfare_organisations_in_Singapore

Video: from wildfiremedia on You Tube.

Streets of London is written by Ralph McTell, first recorded for his 1969 album Spiral Staircase but not released in the United Kingdom as a single until 1974. It was his greatest commercial success, reaching number two in the UK singles chart, at one point selling 90,000 copies a day.

As McTell explains on the video it could be any street in any big city in the world. He was inspired by an older song called, Poor People of Paris (1954) made good by Les Baxter and Orchestra. I remember this one, do you?

Over two hundred artists have made covers of this song including Cliff Richard, Blackmore's Night, Mary Hopkin, Raffi, Sam Hui, Sinéad O'Connor, Schooner Fare, Anti-Nowhere League, Roger Whittaker, Cleo Laine, Cat Stevens Oskar Weise/Tom Brner, Tommy Korberg and Liam Clancy. Its popularity was also the subject of a comedy sketch on BBC show Big Train. Read more from wikepedia.^.

Impian Semalam: The Dream Last Night: Encore!

A Happy Teachers Day With Lulu and Doris Day

A Moonlight Swim At Changi Creek In 1965 Part X

At The Market, Ladies Cry Out, "Salt Fish Is Nice"

Formula? Painting Singapore Red With A Fiat 600

When Grease Was King: A Photo Shoot With Kheng

A Slow Boat To China: Yangtze River Avatar Part I

China Girls n Boys: Hunan Folk Music Journey Pt II

Penang Yodeller Bryan Jeremiah: Bakat TV 1971

60s Halloween Hantu Heritage: Pontianak Pop Hit

President Obama's Hit List? What's Yours PM Lee?

A Many Splendoured Thing: Han Suyin's Legacy

Of Kipper Ties n Impressionable Teens At RAF Bases

Horseshoes: Freakish Fashion Footwear 60s Teens

1972: Singapore Bruce Lee Beats Thugs At Cinema

Wanted: Like-Minded, Retired Musicians For Jams

Memory Trail: Teresa Khoo Music Pioneer From 50s

Blog Reader Says Ling Seow Is Magically Enticing

Seen His Star In The East, Come To Worship Him

Someone Needs Help Badly, Will You Give Some?