David and Jordie are joined by Ross Laird to look at some of the great pop records made in South East Asia in the 1960’s.
Ross has been a long time fan and is currently involved in a research project studying the history of the scene. Teenagers the world over were reinventing popular music and in the clubs and bars of Jakarta, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur it was no different. What’s also not widely known is that the industries in both South East Asia and Australia were very much interlinked with quite a few records appearing in the SE Asian market being pressed in Australia. The acts you’ll hear in this episode are:
The Crescendos - Long Tall Sally - Phillips - 1965.
When their debut single was released in 1963, the The Crescendos became the first South East Asian act to cut a locally recorded pop song. The five piece band, featuring Susan Lim on vocals, hailed from Singapore and opened the floodgates for a wave of local talent.
Doris Ang and the Sandboys - Crying In A Storm - White Cloud Records - 1968.
Crying in a Storm was originally recorded by Emy Jackson in Japan. Emy Jackson was born in England but was living in Yokohama and working as a radio DJ when she cut her version in 1965. It became a big regional hit and was the subject of many cover version including this gem. Doris Ang enjoyed a career that continued into the 1970’s.
Connie Lupang and the Jokers - Ginavo Ku Doiho (My Heart Is There) - Semco Records - 196?.
Hailing from Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, Connie Lupang released this obscure EP in the mid to late 60’s. She sings in the local dialect.
Siti Mariam and the Rhythm Boys - Sea Cruise - Eagle Record - 1966.
The influence of New orleans R&B spread far and wide in the 60’s including South East Asia. This cover of the Huey Piano Smith 1959 classic comes from Singapore-Malay vocalist Siti Mariam. Adding to its multicultural flavour the record was pressed in Australia. While most of her other records were sung in Malay this time she turned to English with fine results.
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/07/18/3272078.htm?site=canberra
