The Checkmates (1965)
The Checkmates, featuring Benny Chan (lead guitar), Hann Hussein (rhythm guitar), Lawrence Lee (bass guitar) and Amir Samsudin (drums). They recorded only once as a band, an EP consisting of four original instrumental compositions – 45 R.P.M. (Lawrence Lee) and Galaxy (Benny Chan/Lawrence Lee) are featured here. Philips Records had earlier signed them as an answer to the Quests and EMI.
The alumni of The Checkmates were like the Who’s Who in the Singapore music scene. The initial lineup consisted of Reggie Verghese who was replaced on lead guitar by the original bassist, Benny Chan, when he left to join The Quests. When they decided to add a vocalist, Shirley Nair was brought in. After she left to join The Silver Strings, Robert Song (of The Flamingos) was recruited but he was replaced by Vernon Cornelius (of The Trailers) when the band started to lean toward R&B. Vernon would again leave to join The Quests after Keith Locke returned to UK. The Checkmates’ new singer was a British serviceman, Bryan Neale of The Easybeats. When Brian Neale left to return to UK in 1967, The Checkmates continued to play as the resident band at Golden Venus until 1968. The Checkmates also recorded with The Cyclones and Bryan Neale.
a1. The Checkmates - 45 R.P.M. (2:46)
a2. The Checkmates - Sylvia (2:59)
b1. The Checkmates - Galaxy (2:15)
b2. The Checkmates - Lady In White (1:39)
Bryan Neale & The Easybeats (1966)
Here are Bryan Neale and The Easybeats introducing their recording in this EP album with the songs: 1. "Bless you," 2. "That's alright Jenney," 3. "House of the rising sun" and 4. "I'll never let you go."
Popular already on Radio and TV, Bryan and "The Easybeats" have established themselves as one of the best groups on stage, much in demand by show organisers. It did not take a long time before he was spotted by our talent scout, and the result is this début disk.
Supported by "The Easybeats": Neil Alexander lead, Danny Alexander - rhythm, Harry Woon - bass and Bakar Othman - drums. Bryan Neale proves his worth as an outstanding vocalist and is definitely a singer of the better grade.
a1. Bryan Neale & The Easybeats - Bless You (2:31)
a2. Bryan Neale & The Easybeats - That's Alright Jenney (2:34)
b1. Bryan Neale & The Easybeats - House Of The Rising Sun (3:13)
b2. Bryan Neale & The Easybeats - Bryan Neale & The Easybeats - I'll Never Let You Go (2:21)
Bryan Neale with The Checkmates (1967)
The two months or so of preparation that proceded this long-awaited break-through have been strenuous. Everybody suggested or composed songs furiously, and everybody else rejected them as furiously. W.8. Wright's (Bryan's pen-name) "Enchanted girl" came as a surprise because no one had expected the fiery rock 'n roll singer to sing a sentimental love song so magnificently. Within the next weeks, Bryan presented his "Man hunter" for approval, and Siva Choi of the Cyclones came up with "She". "Mojo" was added on an afterthought when Bryan felt he'd like to record his favourite stage-number.
"Man hunter" bursts into movement with a thunderous combination of all the instruments and is the fastest and most rousing of the four numbers. In "Enchanted girl" which presents some very clean lead guitar work, Bryan's voice takes on a gentleness that few would have thought him capable of, and reveals his versatility, both as composer and singer. "Mojo" is powerful and deliberately slower; it pounds to its climax with an off-note bass pattern. Bryan's singing on this track is more controlled and cool. "She" has a moderate beat between "Man hunter" and "Enchanted girl" and strikes a pleasing balance.
Well then, you are just about to listen to the best of Bryan Neale and The Checkmates in a star-sprangled EP. For all our fans who have waited so long, it is a fitting reward indeed.
a1. Bryan Neale With The Checkmates - Mojo (3:32)
a2. Bryan Neale With The Checkmates - She (2:26)
b1. Bryan Neale With The Checkmates - Enchanted Girl (3:14)
b2. Bryan Neale With The Checkmates - Man Hunter (2:06)
Thank you. The EP of Bryan Neale with the Checkmates is really great.
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