A Tribute To The Late Paul Cheong: By Jerry Fernandez [The Neu Faces]

A Tribute To The Late Paul Cheong. 

By Jerry Fernandez.

With a medley of Cliff Richard songs:

'Living Doll, Young Ones, Please Don't Tease'.

YouTube Video by: Paul Cheong.

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   30 CONDOLENCES    

Good bye my dear Brother Paul Cheong [75 years young], who passed away this morning at 11.40. It's the saddest day for me and our family, not forgetting his friends and his own folks. We had a friendship of 60 years from school days at St. Joseph's Institution till this very day. Driving me to school too, I am ever so grateful... 

My brother, thanks for all the memories from Serangoon Garden Estate to Jalan Rebana. And the bands you fronted; Paul and The Herons, The Firebyrds, The Silver Strings and the release of two albums, if not mistaken, under Polygram. 

Then those important events as a host, i.e., my Wedding Anniversary, my book launch and the 50th Anniversary of my band Jerry and The Neufaces, where you sang with the group. You have always been around for our family events. 

Paul you are at Peace with the Lord Almighty and the choir of Angels; someday we will meet. Till then good bye Paul. Rest In Peace.

Condolences to the family and friends of Paul Cheong.

[Brothers David, Patrick SY Cheong , Francis & family members of Paul, God bless all of you.] 

Comments, condolences, tributes are welcome.

Written By:

Jerry Fernandez 

'I Was Only Joking': Sung and Produced

On YouTube Video by: Paul Cheong.

'Goodbye Girl'

Sung and Produced on 

YouTube Video By Paul Cheong.

Jerry & The New Faces: 51 Years In Singapore Show Biz!

Jerry Fernandez

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Jerry Fernandez and I met and we chatted... I asked, "So it was 51 years ago today? Tell us Jerry."

"SINCE 1972 , it was Rock and Roll all the way. 

The journey was inspiring but with Blood, Sweat and Tears. Can't deny it Andy.

It wasn't a bed of roses. Only through sheer determination and confidence did we manage! That was the essence!  And facing the unscrupulous industry was challenging. 

My heartfelt thanks to my founding members:

Francis Ho (Mr. Genius in Taiwan), Francis Chan, Ricky Gan (Ah Seng), Elmy Tahir (US & Indonesia), Osman Said (the Ultimate One - Australia), Ramon Renee Francis and the late Henry Tham. 

Not forgetting my very first lady vocalist Norma Zainal ( Singapore's Shirley Bassey) and though she was with us for only three years she did the utmost. But she left when the wedding bells beckoned. Thank you Norma.

The current Neu Faces include: Yuni, Amir, Salim and Amri.

Alumni Brother is Mokhtar Hassan (The Rock) the late Joe Haron. 

Thanks to our members and friends for their support and I thank the Lord for blessings because each time I fall, he picks me up.

That's about it Brother Andy."

"Thanks Jerry. Coming from you, that's 51 years in a nutshell. And I love your phrase, unscrupulous industry! " 

We sipped our coffee amidst Jerry's green green grass of home, at Pek Kio... That's Jerry about showbiz and how he managed the arduous but  exciting journey.

Jerry Fernandez with blogger Andy

YouTube Videos by Fabian Foo Jong Fook. 

Thanks Fabian.

'Rock Around The Clock'

'Runaway'

At the Esplanade Singapore [2021]

Further reading on Jerry Fernandez, link below or check Labels:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2009/07/jerry-fernandez-neu-faces-to-be-rock.html

Kallang Theatre Rock n Roll Music Festival

Photographs From

Rock and Roll Music Festival 

Kallang Theatre 23 December 2017

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Jerry and The Neu Faces, The Silver Strings, 

The Dukes, The Beejays, The Easy Beats, The Revival Band.

The cast for the show that evening, 6 bands, including 2 lady singers with one MC in charge. That's the man in red, Jerry Fernandez. (Top two pix were taken from Kallang Theatre AAC Facebook).

(A) The snapshots below have been taken by the musicians themselves using their mobile phones or cameras, and are not clear. 

I have only downloaded what has been sent to me. Please do so if you wish them posted on this blog.

The Revival Band are back again. Let's have more of them after Kallang.

The Easy Beats with their two lady singers, one in a resplendent red gown and the other with boots that are made for walking.

60's recording stars, The Dukes, all looking smart in their fancy vests.

Projection of the Silver Strings on the Kallang Theatre backdrop during the rehearsals.

Jerry and The Neu Faces taking a breather during practice. It's one of the most recognised band in Singapore and current too.

The Beejays performed at the Kallang to much excitement and cheer.

The man himself, producer, MC, bandleader and singer of the Neu Faces, Jerry Fernandez.

The Silver Strings during practice with the official cameraman at work. The backdrops are astounding.

From left: Rickie Chng, lead guitarist, John Cher, drummer and Andy blogger at the lobby, before the show

The decorated lobby of the Kallang Theatre that evening.

(B) The rest of the pictures below have been taken officially by the organisers of the show and can be viewed at Kallang Theatre AAC Facebook account:

https://www.facebook.com/kallangtheatreaac/

The keyboard personality who sings Queen like no one can, Nicholas Stravens.

Name the song and he'll sing and play it for you. Michael Bangar, many songs, anytime.

A shot on stage, accompanied by a band of professionals, Andy the amateur singer. With Audie, Michael and Nick.

Rickie Chng focuses on what he has to deliver. 

Bossman, bassman, Audie Ng's been at it for 55 years plus. The Paul McCartney guitar is a new toy he acquired.

Andy had a forceful backing from his bandmates. He thanks them for their superb accompaniment.

The Dukes with Zainal Abidin leading the group. Cool and comfy: that's Capt. Z.

Here's Cath Wee.  Her boots are made for walking and strutting the floor with The Easy Beats as she sings the Nancy Sinatra pop hit.

Red means danger, here comes the big man, Jerry Fernandez leading the Kallang pack that night with his powerhouse singing.

Jerry's band for many years, The Neu Faces provided the oomph for the festival. Closing number for this Christmas Festival, Feliz Navidad.

The Beejays have always been in the limelight, with their fab sound and stage performances. 

From the Easybeats, this lady in red named Jessica Koo, sultry and smooth, lighted up the stage that evening.

The Revival Band in resplendent black suits and matching silver buttons knocked the audience with their rock melodies.

Disclaimer:
Since this blog is a personal one and some photos are from Kallang Theatre Facebook, I have only posted a selection. Please inform blogger if the images are copyrights and they will be deleted immediately. 

Other band photos can be found on The Kallang Theatre ACC Facebook account.

https://www.facebook.com/kallangtheatreaac/

Australian Influence: Ray Brown and The Whispers Part 2

Ray Brown and The Whispers: (L-R) John Manners, Pat Jeffrey (seated), Lawrie Barclay, Ray Brown, Al Jackson (line up: 1964).

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When 60's Music Friends Had A Get-Together In Singapore (2):

When Dr Steven Farram (Darwin U, Australia) came to visit Singapore recently, it wasn't the first time. He's familiar with a lot of Singaporean activities, its culture and history, especially with the local music 60's scene.

I first met him ten years ago when he introduced himself, all wet and hot, after rockin' and rollin' to Mike and Herb's (Beatles of Malaysia) stage performance in 2008 at the Vivo City Roof Top. We became good friends and he never failed to write an article for the blog when I made the request.

Steve wanted to interview some band boys so I managed the help of Mr Michael Bangar (professional guitarist playing rhythm for Silver Strings) to speak to him. We had our first session and a few days later, a larger group came. 

With Andy: Michael Bangar and Steven Farram during the interview @ a food court.

Our 2nd session ended after Steve interviewed guitar legend Horace Wee, bassist Zainal Abidin, drummer John Cher and singer/DJ Jerry Fernandez (images below).

It was a successful meet when Mr Bangar provided Dr Farram with the necessary information he needed. The interview and informal chit-chat over coffee lasted nearly four hours. The lecturer was satisfied with the outcome.

Steve brought with him some vinyl records. I list the artistes and songs covered on both Side A and B. All artistes were from Australia:

Ray Brown and the Whispers:

Now Is The Time        
In The Midnight Hour (YouTube Video above)
Pride
Say It Again
20 Miles
Devoted To You
Go To Him
Fool Fool Fool 

Normie Rowe:
Ain't Nobody Home 
Ooh La La

Johnny Young (image) Let It Be Me 
Step Back

The New World: Try To Remember
The World I Used To Know 

Col Joye and the Joy Boys: (Rockin' Rollin') - Clementine 
Fools Like Me

Clockwise from left: Zainal Abidin (Dukes), Michael Bangar (Silver Strings); Pete Hanoken (CD Producer, Helsinki); Jerry Fernandez (Neu Faces); Andy Young (host); John Cher (Writer, Silver Strings); Horace Wee (Guitar Legend, Radio/TV Singapore); Steve Farram (Lecturer, Darwin U, Australia).

Here's a list of Australian pop stars on the international scene that I am familiar with:

Slim Dusty,  John Farnham, Olivia Newton-John,  Rick Price, Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia, Rick Springfield, Tina Arena, Tommy Emmanuel, Johnny O'Keefe, The Seekers, Men At Work, The Easybeats (YouTube video below), Air Supply, AC/DC INXS, Little River Band, Savage Garden,  Keith Urban, Helen Reddy and of course, The Bee Gees. And the names go on...

It's time we have some writing about pops Down Under since we're neighbours but I am not an expert with 60's Australian pops so I have left Steve to elaborate on the records he provided. 

But that's Part 3 in this series.

RICK SPRINGFIELD, HELEN REDDY, LITTLE RIVER BAND, OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN

Images: Steven Farram, Personal Collection.
YouTube Videos.

Wes Cossacks Singapore band covered Sorry under a Singapore label. Video from The Garage 1966. Thank you.

Read connection below about humble George Chew who used to play lead guitar with Wes Cossacks and in recent years, The Burns. Wes Cossacks had recorded a few instrumental numbers in the mid-sixties and The Burns in the 2000's which has disbanded since.

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2009/07/quiet-unassuming-but-friendly-george.html

Music Jokes And Cartoons Adapted For Singapore

Thanks to:

Jerry Fernandez, Amal Singh, Henry Chua, John Cher.

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2017

The news these days were unsettling. There's the passing away of news reader Duncan Watt; Riem de Wolff from pop duo the Blue Diamonds; Don Williams a country singer, and an election that never was. The great storms and floods in Texas and Florida upset many of us here in Singapore.

Most readers were a little groggy, so  I pulled this post out of the top-hat.

All in fun, no offence meant, for comic relief.

The Elvis Presley tribute artiste called Amal Singh above, who singhs well, was asked what his favorite song was.  

He replied, "Amal Shook Up."  👳

Enjoying his meal, as he usually does, Jerry (Neu Faces) was asked if he was eating torsay. 

He replied, "No, it's Cha Cha Cha-party!"

"Charpati? Kong ho-say. It's Torsay Jerry." 😝 

"My biggest fear is when I die, my wife will sell all my guitars at the second-hand shops for what I told her they cost." 🎸

What The Dukes' bassist, Daniel Abidin would advise his good friends, especially where local politics are concerned.🎸

When Jimi Hendrix was applying to work in Singapore in the 60's, he was interviewed by the management of a local music company.😕

"Here's a song about heartbreak, pain and lost love which I wrote when I was about to quit smoking. Now you know why I look so happy," says Michael Bangar (Silver Strings).

Changi Prison used to allow inmates to bring their own musical instruments for entertainment.🎵

Henry Chua (Quests) told his audience, "My neighbour knocked on my door at 3 this morning!"

He added, "Can you believe it? At 3 this morning! Luckily for him, I was still awake playing the guitar; and John was drumming." 😤

Images: A Personal Collection and Google.