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The background music you are listening to is an
original Jimmy Boyle composition titled "Putera Puteri".
Sequenced And
Recorded In Midi by:
John Lim
James Rozells
Michael Kay
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Whether we are actively pursuing a career in music or
are simply music lovers, it is unimaginable to live a
life without music. Penang has always boasted a long
list of music greats from the late Tan Sri
P Ramlee,
Jimmy Boyle, Joe Rozells and Larry Rodrigues to the new
breed of stars like the Alley Cats.
- maybe it’s the genes of the Penangite - it’s a
known fact that if you
are a good musician you would have most
probably come from Penang
- maybe it’s the surrounding sea air that we breathe -
islanders have
always been known to be musically endowed
- maybe it’s the peace and tranquility of the island
that gives inspiration
to our composers and musicians to
write and play beautiful music
- maybe it’s the Nasi Kandar that enhances our vocal
cords - check with
David & Loga of the Alley Cats or
Kathleen Rodrigues and Colleen Read
on their diet.
Unfortunately Zainal Alam is not around to give his
views
on the “wonders” of Nasi Kandar
Whatever it may be, Penang has always had a reputation
of producing many of the finest musicians, singers and
composers in the country.
With all due respect to the other musicians of Penang,
this paper focuses and highlights the Penang Eurasian
musicians, singers and composers - their roles, their
achievements and their contribution to the music
industry.
With this, nobody springs to mind first but one person -
Jimmy Boyle, the late Jimmy Boyle.
James W Boyle AMN (1922 - 1971)
Jimmy Boyle was born in Penang and educated at the St.
Xaviers Instituton where he returned as a teacher after
graduating from the Raffles College in Singapore. He was
a well-known Malaysian Jazz musician who developed his
own style. He was accepted as a Malaysian Composer and
Arranger for the “Classical Saxophone Quartet” of N.W.
University USA and “Kansas City University Brass
Ensemble”. His compositions and piano playing have been
beamed throughout the world by the "BBC" and the "Voice Of
America" and commented favorably by top jazz critics like
Jerry Muchigan. International jazz musicians like
Charles Lloyd and Jack Teagarden (who played his songs)
rated him highly. For 25 of his 49 years Jimmy composed,
arranged, played and recorded his music for National and
State functions, for radio and television, for schools
and associations and night-clubs. He was also a judge of
Malaysian Tune Writing and Radio Singing Contests since
1958. He composed the first Malaysian Jamboree song
“Kemegahan Negara Ku” which was played at midnight on
the birth of Malaysia in 1963. His proudest moment came
on 31 August 1957 when Merdeka was proclaimed at Kuala
Lumpur. The “Negara Ku” was not ready yet and when the
first Malaysian flag was raised it was to one of Jimmy’s
tunes. (Taken from New Straits Times - 11 May 71) .
Among his notable compositions were: “Putera Puteri”,
“Ingat Ingat”, “Jauh Jauh”, “Rayuan Mesra”, or “Melody
Of Love”, “Api Dan Air”, “Bunga Negara”, “Megah Rasa”,
“Chendering”, “Tepi Pantai”, “Berdendang Ria”, “Sang
Bayu”, “ Ke-Hulu Ke-Hilir”, “Pantun Melayu”, “Gemaran
Bulan”, “Bertugas”, and “Sungai Pahang”. Jimmy Boyle had
always been proud of being a Malaysian and through his
music he had hoped to perpetuate the soul and spirit of
his country and it’s people. A national song on the
Rukunegara is one of several unpublished works left
behind by Jimmy. A State anthem for Penang and scores of
beautiful Malaysian melodies were among other legacies
that his family had discovered in Jimmy’s treasure
chest. One week before his fatal heart attack he had
submitted his Rukunegara piece (his last composition) to
Radio Malaysia in the hope that singing it would help
bring together the various races in the country. The
late Jimmy Boyle whose work and devotion to music
commanded high respect from many, among those Tan Sri
Ghazali Shafie who at that time was Minister with
Special Functions and Minister Of Information. Quote:-
“This country has certainly lost one of her talented
sons in music, culture and sports and one who was
dedicated to the programme of nation building. His
contribution to the world of music in this country is
phenomenal and now that Jimmy is no more with us I hope
that young people in this country would be inspired by
his work and devotion to nation building through music.”
(Taken from The Straits Echo - 13 May 1971)
Jimmy Boyle by far is the foremost jazz pianist and
composer this country has produced. A man whose vision
and music abilities were years ahead of his time should
today be a source of inspiration for all our musicians.
Unfortunately not many people are aware that this great
man had written so much good music and yes, many have
not even heard of him or his music. We, Kathleen
Rodrigues, John Lim, Lee Chong Heen, Colleen Read and
James Rozells and a host of other musicians at the
ROZELLS Country & Western and Oldies Pub hope to promote
Jimmy Boyle’s music to the public so that his beautiful
music will live on forever. The late Jimmy Boyle and his
music had a tremendous influence and impact on many of
his fellow musicians in Penang. Playing alongside this
great musician always brought a sense of pride and
honour to any musician. Any musician you talk to who had
the opportunity to play or sing with Jimmy Boyle would
always talk in awe of the man’s music and ability. The
memory of this man and his music moves so many in so
many different ways and it inspires many to go out of
their way to preserve the legend of Jimmy Boyle and his
music.
Larry Rodrigues - “Lead Guitarist for Jimmy
Boyle”
Better known by many as Uncle Larry, he was by far one
of the leading jazz guitarists in the country. Started
playing with Jimmy Boyle in the 40’s at the Runnymede,
Sandycroft and the Penang Club for more than 20 years.
After the death of Jimmy Boyle, Larry led the band with
Steve (Rozells) Ooi on piano, and continued performing
at the Penang Club until he had a stroke while
performing at the club in 1981. All through the years,
Larry Rodrigues thrilled audiences in pubs, hotels and
clubs with his style of playing and till today many
guitarists still remember and marvel at the guitar
playing style of Larry Rodrigues. Larry always had an
eager following of budding guitarists and one of Larry’s
many promising proteges was the very well known and
talented lead guitarist, the late Teddy Beh. Uncle Larry
also made numerous recordings with Radio Malaysia where
he played many of Jimmy Boyle’s compositions. Larry’s
proudest musical moment was when the great American jazz
guitarist Charlie Byrd performed in Penang in the 70’s
and invited Larry to jam with him.
Rudy Baum - "Penang's Father Of Country Music”
Started singing and yodelling at age 14 after the war.
Rudy sang for Redifussion and did several recordings for
Radio Malaysia after winning a few singing talentimes.
Rudy and his band “The Country Lads” comprising younger
brother George Baum, Ralph & Bonnie Jeremiah were the
top and most sought after Country & Western group at
that time. Today, 57 years later, strains of Frankie
Laine’s “Mule Train” can still be heard from Rudy, now
age 71, who still sings and yodels at private functions
and parties. Lest we forget the tradition of the Baum
family and their yodelling prowess, we are inspired by
the fact that daughter Michelle, who is similarly
inclined, will continue to maintain the family skills at
yodelling.
Joe Rozells - "King Of The Hawaiian Guitar"
Joe Rozells and his Hawaiian Palm Beach Boys were the
top Hawaiian band from the 50’s to the late 60’s.
Patrons of The Green Parrot, Springtide, Chusan
Nightclub and Shanghai Restaurant would fondly remember
Joe Rozells and his Hawaiian music. They were the most
sought after Hawaiian band then for dances, parties, and
shows. Among the song birds that sang with Joe when he
started was his lovely wife Stephanie and 17 year old
daughter Priscilla. Over the years Joe Rozells did
numerous Hawaiian recordings for Radio Malaysia in
Penang and also T.V. shows for T.V. Malaysia in K.L. Joe
Rozells was always the inspiration for many budding
Hawaiian guitarists, for example Edwin Rajamoney, who
picked up the instrument and carried on playing Hawaiian
music in Penang for another two decades after his
passing in 1970. Apart from leading the most popular
Hawaiian band in those days, Joe Rozells is fondly
remembered by many musicians today as the “father” who
provided them a platform to launch their individual
music careers.
Musicians Who Started Or Played With Joe Rozells & His
Band :-
Drums : Spencer Rangel George D’Almeida William Scully
Douglas DeSouza
Guitar : Peter (Baba) Rozells Leander Jeremiah Patrick Daniel
Jimmy (Rozells) Ooi
Vocals : Colleen Read
Kathleen Rodrigues Ruby Rozells
Stanley D’Almeida
Ukulele : George Baum Noel (Bull) Remedios
Bass : Ralph Jeremiah Horace Olivero Leslie Scully
Piano : Bertie Limuco
Stanley D’Almeida Guitarist / Singer - Stanley was
probably the finest singer of Hawaiian songs who
performed at the renowned “City Lights” and “Green
Parrot”. Not only a fine singer he also had a reputation
as being one of the finest guitarists in the country
Spencer Rangel Drummer / Guitarist - Started playing
drums for Joe Rozells from 1955 to 1960. Joined Edwin
Rajamoney & Island Rhythmics from 1960 to 1970.
Performed at the Casuarina Beach Hotel in 1975, at the
Ship in 1985 and from then on with D’Serenades with
Edmond Prior and William Scully at the Park Royal Hotel
till today. A music career spanning 47 years
Max Fletcher Bass / Ukulele - Started playing for Jimmy
Boyle in late 40’s. Not only did he play the bass in the
band, Max was also a skilful ukulele, clarinet and
saxophone player
James Symons Drums - James was the original drummer for
Jimmy Boyle in the late 40’s
Andy Costello Singer - Andy who now resides in the USA
sang in Jimmy Boyle’s band in the late 40’s
William Scully Saxophone / Drums / Bass - Started
playing drums at age 17 in Joe Rozells band. Played
drums and saxophone with Edwin Rajamoney & Island
Rhythmics from 1965. Played saxophone with In-Jazz
Quartet and The Jazzocrats at a few top hotels for many
years. William now in his late fifties plays double bass
for D’Serenades at the Penang Park Royal Hotel.
Douglas DeSouza Drums - A very competent drummer Dougie
played drums for Joe Rozells and also for Malaysian
trumpeter Syed Agil. Performed a few years in Bangkok
before returning to Malaysia where he still now performs
in K.L.
John (Scully) Lim Guitar - Arguably the most versatile, gifted
and talented musician in Penang. John, a self taught
musician excels in any musical instrument he chooses to
play. John is known by far as one of the most
accomplished jazz guitarist in the country. John also
plays country & western pedal steel guitar which was
also self taught. He now performs on the keyboards where
he does gigs and private functions.
Leo Aeria Saxophone - Popular saxophone player who
performed at “City Lights”
The "Songbirds Of Penang"
Colleen Read
Started singing at age 15 at the Green Parrot with Leo
Aeria in 1959. Joined Joe Rozells in 1960 at the
Springtide. Moved on to K.L.Embassy Hotel with Victor
Felix & Stanley D’Almeida and did a few recordings with
Radio Malaya. Colleen’s career then took her to
Singapore where she did T.V shows and recordings with
the luminary Gus Steyn. Came back in Penang in 1963 to
the Chusan Nightclub and in 1964 performed at the Penang
Sports Club with the Blue Notes comprising Colin and
Harold Capel. Moved on to Kuala Lumpur again for another
3 years where she sang at the Selangor Club, B.B. Park
and Lake Club. From 1970 till 1979 the name Colleen Read
was synonymous with the Captain's Bar at the Mandarin
Hotel. Colleen also did jazz stints with Chong Heen and
The In-Jazz Quartet at the Mutiara Beach Hotel, Holiday
Inn and the Golden Sands Hotel for a few years. Colleen
Read, Penang’s singing grandmother with a music career
spanning 43 years also performed with Chong Heen at the
ROZELLS Country & Western Pub from 2000 till 2005 and
still has a loyal following of music lovers.
Kathleen Rodrigues
Lovingly known as Penang’s Child Singer, Kathleen
Rodrigues, daughter of famed Penang jazz guitarist Larry
Rodrigues started singing at age 7. Ukulele cuddled in
her tiny arms, imagine this child sweetheart singing,
“I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles”. Kathleen, the “Child
Singer” was always in great demand as a guest artiste
for talentimes and shows and was an attraction whenever
and wherever she performed - somewhat of a Shirley
Temple of Malaysia. The young and talented Kathleen
Rodrigues was also the lead guitarist of the first all
girl band - “The Ladybirds”. In 1963 at age 16 she won
the title “Linda Scott Of Penang” where she had for
company the likes of Rubiah Lubis who won the title
“Connie Francis Of Penang”. Kathleen started singing
professionally at age 18 in 1965 with Joe Rozells & His
Hawaiian Palm Beach Boys and since have performed with
many other top musicians in just about all of the top
hotels in Penang. Kathleen, always sought after for
recordings at Radio Malaysia did 13 recordings with the
late great Jimmy Boyle that was aired nationwide
continuously for 13 weeks. After 37 years of singing
professionally at the highest level, Kathleen still
holds her own as being one of the top singers in the
country. Presently a partner in ROZELLS Country &
Western And Oldies Pub, Kathleen Rodrigues still draws
packed audiences.
Ruby Rozells
Started singing professionally at age 18 in Bangkok.
Called “The Songbird Of Bangkok” Ruby spent most of her
12-year singing career in most of the top nightspots in
Bangkok, Thailand. Rated one of the top jazz lady
singers in Thailand and Malaysia, Ruby came back to
Penang a few years ago and has been singing jazz in the Mutiara
Beach Hotel and Casuarina Beach Hotel. Ruby presently
performs with Wilson Quah at 32 The Mansion in Penang.
Christina D’ Almeida
Christina, daughter of Stanley D’Almeida started singing
in 1982. She has since been singing in many of the top
hotels in Penang and K.L. She is presently singing jazz,
standards and oldies with D'Serenades at the Golden
Sands Beach Resort in Penang.
Joyce Emuang
Joyce Emuang, blessed with a natural country voice been
singing in most of the top hotels in Penang and Kuala
Lumpur and East Malaysia. She mainly does shows and
functions now.
Mary Carlos
Mary Carlos, mother of 7 children, winner of 1st Mrs
Malaysia/World Beauty Pageant 1987 and represented
Malaysia at the Mrs World Beauty Pageant in Hawaii, she
now sings and performs in the various clubs and hotels
in Penang.
The "Part-Timers"
The part-time musicians of Penang also played an
important role in the music scene in Penang. Most of
them were employed in the government service and schools
and they made use of their spare time and talent playing
for dances, company dinners, weddings, anniversaries and
private functions. Among those musicians that spring to
mind are : -
Scullys - comprising Alphonse, Francis, Oswald, William
Jeremiahs - comprising Bonnie, Leander, Homer, Ralph
Priors - comprising Edmond, Douglas, Arthur
Boudvilles - comprising Donald, Malcolm, Gilbert,
Vincent
Penang in the 60’s had an abundance of music talent and
many of our top musicians were lured overseas by better
and more lucrative job opportunities. Among the many
that went to Thailand and other countries were a host of
talented Eurasian musicians from Penang.
Bonnie Jeremiah
Bonnie started playing bass in 1958 at age 12 with a
band called “The Pinheads” comprising Ralph Reutens,
Homer Jeremiah and George Baum. Learned his trade and by
the time 1969 came, performed in Bangkok for 3 years
before returning to Penang in 1972. In 1974 it was off
to Kuala Lumpur where he spent 16 years with various
bands performing in most of the top hotels. In 1991 it
was back to Penang where he joined country band the
Color Phases and performed in the hotels for many years.
A renowned bass guitarist of immense talent and an
accomplished country singer, Bonnie Jeremiah is very
highly respected in the Malaysian music circle.
Frankie Rozells
Frankie Rozells, the eldest son of Joe Rozells is surely
one of the most proficient guitarists from Penang.
Started playing in Penang in the 60’s with the
well-known band, “The Equinox” he later moved to
Thailand where he spent more than 20 years playing in
top clubs and hotels in Pattaya and Bangkok. Returned to
Malaysia in the 90’s where he performed in various top
hotels and solo stints in the pubs and clubs in Penang.
Frankie is now back in Thailand where he still performs
in many of the top clubs in Bangkok.
George Baum
Dubbed the “Kenny Rogers” of Malaysia, George will
always capture an audience with his fine brand of
country & western music. Good country vocals and clean
country guitar is George’s forte. He spent about 8 years
in Thailand from 1969 playing with a host of other
Malaysian musicians like Tony Perkins, Harold and Colin
Capel, Ooi Eow Jin and Saloma, all from Penang. Came
back to Malaysia in 1977 where he performed in K.L. for
a while before returning to Penang where he performed
with the Color Phases at the Rasa Sayang and Golden
Sands Resort. George presently solo, sings country &
western at the Liverpool Bar in Penang.
Colin & Harold Capel
Spent many years in Thailand playing music with famed
Malaysian musicians in some of the top hotels in
Bangkok. After over 40 years of plying their trade,
Colin and Harold are today still performing in top
nightspots in Kuala Lumpur.
Virgil Reutens
Penang born Virgil Reutens has put Penang on the country
& western world map by winning the Country & Western Gum
Leaf Championship 6 years running.
The "Music Of Today"
Edmond Prior
Started his singing career in 1977 in the Crazy Horse
Saloon and the Welsh Dragon Pub. Recorded an album under
WEA in 1984 after winning a local talent competition.
Started performing in various top hotels in Penang in
1985 till today where he sings at the Penang Park Royal
with William Scully and Spencer Rangel. Edmond is widely
known as the Johnny Mathis of Penang.
Casey (D’Almeida) Subramaniam
Top recording artiste Casey, with already 2 hit albums
that topped the charts in Malaysia is the son of
Christina D’Almeida and grandson of famed guitarist
Stanley D’Almeida. He played bass for many top Malaysian
bands including “Asia Beat”, and is now presently with
“The Big Band” performing in Kuching.
ROZELLS Country & Western And Oldies Pub
Situated in Batu Ferringhi, “ROZELLS” is probably the
only pub in the country that specializes only in country
& western music and the old songs. Idyllically set by
the sea it brings back fond memories of places like
Springtide and the Green Parrot. It is owned and managed
by two enterprising Eurasians, Kathleen Rodrigues and
James Rozells who incidentally also sing and perform
there. It is the place to go for good music, excellent
Eurasian home-cooked food, where the ambience and
atmosphere is almost perfect and the patrons just about
the most fun loving and friendly people around. The
music, the songs and even the old music photographs that
are displayed there bring back fond memories and a sense
of nostalgia to the Penangite. Many patrons and
customers have dubbed “ROZELLS” the pub and it’s owners
as “The Living Music Heritage Of Penang”.
Clair Rozells
Probably the most promising Eurasian hope for the
future. Clair, daughter of James Rozells started her
singing career in 1999 at the Flying Club, Sheraton
Hotel Penang with Ronny of the famed Sweet September
Band. Experienced a short stint with a 7-piece show band
in East Malaysia before returning to K.L. where she sang
with Richard Hoon for functions. Back in Penang now
Clair sings with Freddie Chin at the Flying Club. Being
the most talented and sought after budding singer in
Penang now, Clair Rozells carries the hope and future of
the rich Eurasian music heritage of Penang.
In concluding this paper, may I suggest to the members
of the community represented by the Penang Eurasian
Association to make a commitment to revive the dwindling
numbers of Eurasian musicians and singers in Penang
through the establishment of music schools and
programmes which will encourage young musicians to take
on music as a professional career.
To the young Eurasians, for example Christopher
(Rodrigues) Estrop, Darrin James Rozells, and especially
the descendants of the great musicians that we have
mentioned in our paper who are embarking on their music
careers now, we urge you to take advantage of your
natural talent acquired from your family heritage, and
partake in your personal musical growth and development,
not only in current music trends but also in the good
ol' oldies, traditional and Malaysian music.
In addition, we would like to appeal to the State
Government, relevant Government authorities, the
Penang Heritage Trust, the hotels and entertainment
outlets to encourage the music profession
so that it will become a viable and profitable
professional career for generations to come. One step in
this direction would be to promote the employment of
local Penang musicians in our rich Penang entertainment
outlets rather than employ foreigners who would
naturally not reflect the "Music Heritage Of Penang".
"The Penang Story" - February 2002
"The Music Heritage Of Penang" by
Kathleen & James
Rozells
More Articles
"Young
Penang Musicians"
By:
James A Rozells
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