Tuesday 30 October 2012





IRAMA EP 33
RITA ZAHARAH
Band: "Simanalagi"
Conductor: Jules Fioole

 Surat Undangan - ( Jules Fioole )                         
Cai Kopi                         
Asal Ale Mau Nanti - ( C. Hehanusa )                         
Lamunanku - ( Sohar W. )    

It is an EP record, while in Europe and the U.S. on the contrary, the single 45 rpm records were populair, one song on either side.
Just imagine, put the ton arm with its needle precisely on the record, just in order to hear a song that lasted 2 minutes or so.
Not many records from this singer exist. This record is quit old, mid sixties I think.
"Surat Undangan" - Invitation letter.
"Cai Kopi" - Tea? and coffee -, it is in Sundanese. Interesting sound, like we' re in a cafe in Baghdad or Cairo.
"Asal Ale Mau Nanti" - If you can wait - Sweet sound from the Moluccas.
"Lamunanku" - My daydreaming. The song has some lazy hot afternoon atmosphere. Just imagine the sixties, at noon, the whole kampong is very quiet, everyone seeks shelter from the hot sun. you are in the bathroom, which is is above open to the sky and the outside world .The sunrays reflecting in the "bak mandi" ( water tub ) its You hear sounds like this from a distance, maybe a few houses away. Thats the feel of the tropics.


Sunday 28 October 2012

Mansyur S., Nanin Sudiar and others

Mansyur S. , Nanin Sudiar and others - Sunda



 Es Lilin                  Mansyur S.       
Batik Ti Tasik             Nanin Sudiar-Mansyur S.       
Minta Kawin             Nanin Sudiar       
Jing Gojir             Mansyur S.       
Pisang Goreng             Nanin Sudiar-Mansyur S.       
Jalir Jangji             Nanin Sudiar       
Dengkleng             Mansyur S.       
Ucing-Ucingan             Nanin Sudiar       
Paanteur-anteur Julang         Mansyur S.       
Rangda Jeung Duda         Nanin Sudiar - Mansyur S.       
Si Lengser Midang         Wanade - Sup Y.       
Tandur Jajar             Mustafa Wiriyat - Fifi K.       
Ngibing                  Mustafa Wiryat - Fifi K.       
Nobenok             Mustafa Wiryat - Sup Y.       
Bareng Kasawa             Mustafa Wiryat - Fifi K.       
UlaElo                  Wanade - Sup Y       
Pang Layar             Wanade & Sup Y       
Deuh Deuh             Panutan - Wanade - Fifi K.       
Ula Ala Eun             Mustafa Wiryat - Fifi K.       
Goreng Repok             Wanade & Sup Y.        

The cassette, probably from 1973 or 1974 is recorded from 2 previously relased LP albums, I presume.
LP 1, songs 1 to 10 on this playlist:
NANIN SUDIAR, MANSYUR S.
Band:Ilin's group
"Sunda Melayu"
Its called "Sundamelayu" but its not a mixture of these 2 styles, its different.
""Es Lilin" ( Ice Lolly. the cry of an ice vendor ) has a typical Sundanese sound it is a well known song to be found in many versions.
"Minta Kawin" is kind of a wordplay. First she sings: "Minta Kain" ( I want a piece of cloth )
later followed by "Minta Kawin" ( I want to marry ) sounds roughly the same, in the song the melody originates from the song "Sorban Palid"
"Pisang Goreng" = fried bananas, a delight
Most other songtitles are in Sundanese, which is rather unknown to me. "Ucing Ucingan is about a cat? "Batik Ti Tasik" = Batik
( printed cloth ) from Tasikmalaya ?

LP 2, SONGS 11 TILL 20 ON THIS PLAYLIST
WANADE & SUP Y.
MUSTAFA W. & FIFI K.
"Si Lengser Midang"
Band: Yukawi
Conductor: Mustafa Wirijat.
The name Mustafa Wirijat I had knowledge of before, he was also a composer.
"Tandur Jajar" is a nice song, nice voice of FiFi K., never heard of before, maybe a local star, in this period regional productions became more important, not all singers went to Jakarta to gain nation-wide fame. but just stayed in their own region.
All titles are in Sundanese. "Ngibing" I think, is a word for someone who is a long time guest with someone, without paying anything.


Friday 26 October 2012

Inneke Kusumawati - ( Canary CLP 17005 )




 Naik Kuda                           Yasir Syam
Tinggalkan                           Tom R. S. -Tati
Mujur                                   Tom R. S. -Tati
Minta Izin                             Ireng Maulana
Kenangan Cinta Pertama      Ireng Maulana
Janjimu                                 Yasir Syam                 
Meidi Adikku                       Tom R. S. -Tati   
Kata Mama                           Mus K. Wirya   
Pantai Pasir Putih                 A. Riyanto
Doa Bagi Ibu                        Parlin K.       
Nasib Jaket Tua                    Parlin K.

INNEKE KUSUMAWATI
Band: "Eka Sapta"
( Ireng Maulana, Bing Slamet and Idris Sardi )
Good sound quality, recorded by the Metropolitan studios with their modern equipment.
The record is from 1970 or 1971

Naik Kuda  -  Horseback riding
Tinggalkan -   Left behind
Mujur          -   Lucky
Minta Izin    -   Ask permission
Kenangan Cinta Pertama   -  Remembering a first love -
Janjimu         -  Your promise  -           
Meidi Adikku  -   Meidi my little sister  -                
Kata Mama      -    Mama said -           
Pantai Pasir Putih       -   White sand beach -  ( nice song and orchestration )                
Doa Bagi Ibu     -   A prayer for mother -           
Nasib Jaket Tua    -  The fate of an old jacket -    

Thursday 25 October 2012

Melayu Songs - ( Ellya Khadam, Ida Laela and others




 Side 1:
Ratapan Anak Tiri             Tetty Kadi       
Magdalena                        Muchsin       
Kopi Susu                         Rifa Hadija - Nanang Qosim       
Marlina                             Mansjur S.       
Pengertian                        Ellya Khadam       
Untuk Wanita                   Muchsin       
Kakek Yang Lucu           Wiwiek Abidin       
Keagungan Tuhan           Titiek Sandhora       
Manusia Dan Peristiwa    Muchsin       
Di Gosok                         Anna Bahfen       
Ciumlah Bibirku              Elvy Sukaesih       
Ke Salabintana                 Anna Bahfen       

Side 2:
Tamasya Ke Tawangmangun         Lilis Surjani       
Khianat Cinta                                 Mansyur S.       
Harapanku                                      Ida Laela       
Katakan Saja                                  Wiwiek Abidin       
Insyaflah                                         Nanang Qosim       
Kembalilah                                     Ida Laela       
Tak Kusangka                                 Fauzi       
Bertaqwa                                         Ida Laela       
Cermin Kehidupan                         A. Kadir       
Ditinggal Pergi                               Ida Laela       
Bilakah                                           Nanang Qosim       
Mencari                                          Fauzi

 The photo of Tetty Kadi on the cover of this cassette is rather out of place because she is represented with only one song.
She was not a typical Melayu Singer.
This Cassette is full with Melayu styled songs, so a better title could be: "Aneka Lagu Melayu" ( all kind of melayu songs )
"Melayu" is not a sharp defined term.
Before the boundaries were set op there existed many kingdoms and sultanates which extended well over the borders between the present day South Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, East Timor and Indonesia. Malay or Melayu is a tribal identity in Malaysia, the Riau and the Lingga Islands and the East coast of Sumatra, the coastal regions of Kalimantan and scattered in many other places in Indonesia. They were the original speakers of Malay, which was later also used as a second language by other nations in the area.
In the 20th century the Malay language became a national language. In Malaysia it is named "Bahasa Melayu" and in Indonesia "Bahasa Indonesia" so these two languages are basicly the same. Its like the language spoken in Holland is called "Nederlands" and the language of northern Belgium is called "Vlaams" and have a lot in common. At least as people are not talking teir respective dialects, then the pattern changes and it becomes difficult for mutual understanding. The two languages are drifting apart maybe, for instance the modern everyday Indonesian is heavily influenced by all kind of dialect words from Jakarta.

Melayu in the way of singing is the cultural part: way of singing is influenced by Middle Eastern musical styles, because of early contacts with Arab nations and India. this style had already been a long time there but maybe not named "Melayu" but just a very common style in the above mentioned areas. After 1972 appeared many bands and singers who did Melayu songs also many who were originally not singing this genre. A few years late the Dangdut style evoluted from the Melayu style, more flutes and drums were added and the beat was speeded up. This genre became very popular and lasts on till now.
Many songs originate from the present Malaysia, the ones from India I think later, made populair by these Bollywood styled movies the people like those films with their colourful drama, dancing and singing. It was an escape for the working class who could spend a few rupiah in cheap cinemas.
Don't blame me if I cannot mention the originating countries of some songs. The composes are not mentioned on the cassette sleeve.
Its the same as in Holland, some songs considered "typically Dutch" by many people in fact originate from Germany or other countries.

The first song "Ratapan Anak Tiri" is o.k. and already discussed on another playlist where its oploaded from a LP record.
"Magdalena" by Muchsin this time alone, not with his usual mate Titiek Sandhora.
"Kopi Susu" ( Coffee, with milk ) is a nice one it originates from India but luckily they did not follow the way of singing from those Indian movies. There is also a version by Elly Khadam and Mansyur S. which is more close to the Indian way of singing.
"Marlina" by Mansjur S. shows already some transition to Dangdut, with those flutes and drums.
"Pengertian" ( Understanding ) by Ellya Khadam ( also known as Ellya M. Harris ), following the Indian way of singing, she recently died november 2009.
"Untuk Wanita" ( For women ) again Muchsin going solo.
"Kakek Yang Lucu" ( Funny granddad ) by Wiwiek Abidin. I like it. Its about the indecent behaviour of an old man at granddad age, with the unforgettable words:"Todays old men are not what they used to be"
"Keagungan Tuhan" ( The greatness of God ) a religious kind of song solemly recited by Titiek Sandhora.
"Manusia Dan Peristiwa" ( Mankind and Events ) Muchsin agan more dramaticly when he sings alone.
"Di Gosok" ( Rub it ) Its a nice one about the urgent need to take a bath,"it takes the itchy feeling away". Yes, indeed in those tropical countries one can become overheated and bathing is a relief. I like the song, cannot find more of this singer, she's unknown to me - alas.
"Ciumlah Bibirku" ( Kiss my lips ) its not a request, its a demand, with much sensualism like the previous song, its one of my favo songs from this list.Elvy Sukaesih became a famous Dangdut singer, then she was the "Queen of Dangdut" , Rhoma Irama was the king.
"Ke Salabinata" ( To Salabinata ) Another nice one by Anna Bahfen, I would like to find more of this singer, bit I think its hard to find more. Nice Instrumental also. Sadly the song is broken its of the end of the tape reel, Cut off songs occurred often in the cassette era.
"Tamasya Ke Tawanmangun" ( A Day Out To Tawanmanggun ) Don't forget to take a "Tikar" ( straw mat) for the picnic because the red ants are everywhere. "Tamasya" is a word I only heard in songs, never heard someone say "Hey let's go bertamasya, mostly one just says: "Ayo, kita pergi" ( C'mon let's go ) the song is by Lilis Surjani a well known singer from the sixties, many other songs to be found on this blog.
"Khianat Cinta" ( unfaithful love) by Mansyur S..
"Harapanku" ( My Hope ) Ida Laela. Not my cup of tea, its too Indian In voice, but maybe you like it.
"Katakan Saja" ( Only words ) by Wiwiek Abidin. I like her voice.
"Insyaflah" ( By the will of God ) Nanang Qosim is the singer, He is rather well know some more recordings can be found.
"Kembalilah" ( Come back ) again Ida Laela
"Tak Kusangka" ( I will not doubt ) By Fauzi. do not have other recordings from this singer.
"Bertaqwa" dont know the word, its taken from the arab, because there is a q in it. Many arab words used in Indonesia have a solemn or religious meaning.
It is sounding more like a prayer than a song.
"Cermin Kehidupan" ( Mirror of life ) by A. Kadir. He was the leader of the "Sinar Kamala" orchestra. The song sounds Arabic. Some artists on this playlist were of Arab ancestry.
"Ditinggal Pergi" ( Left to Go ) Ida Laela
"Bilakah" ( When? ) Nanang Qosim
"Mencari" ( Search ) Fauzi

The songs by A. Rafiq. Ida Laela, and Fauzi, ( they sound the most Indian-Arabic ) are probably taken from a record with the orchestra "Sinar Kamala" maybe other songs from this list were also previously released on LP records. As you can see from by the above songs some are spiritual and solemn, and others are very "down to earth

Titiek Sandhora ( Mutiara MLL 034 )

Orang Tua Enggak Akur - ( Hamiedan )                          
Hati Yang Mulia - ( Is Haryanto )                          
Si Jaket Biru - ( Zakarya )                          
Gang Senggol - ( Jessy Wenas )                 
Ibu Tercinta - ( Lyrics Setiawan S.)                          
Satria Pujaan -( Parlind - D. Djufari )                          
Mami Pilih Mantu - ( A. Rijanto )                          
Potong Padi - ( Lyrics - Surjadhi )                          
Menanti Teman Hidupku - ( Harry Santosa )                          
Putus Cinta Di Batas Kota - ( Jasir Sjam )                      
Belum Tentu Ya - ( Wisjnu Mouradhi )                     
Buku Harian - ( Mus K. Wirja )                 


MUTIARA MLL 034 ( Remaco prod: 12287 - 12288 )
TITIEK SANDHORA
"Si Djaket Biru"
Band: Empat Nada
Conductors: Jadin / A. Rijanto.

The 11th LP album of this artist issued by Remaco dating from 1969

" Orang Tua Enggak Akur "  - The parents do not agree -
" Hati Yang Mulia " - Noble heart -
" Si Jaket Biru " - The one with the blue jacket -   Composed in Melayu style by Zakaria
" Gang Senggol " - Senggol alley -    Sennggol, to touch someone accidentally, because the alley is very narrow.
" Ibu Tercinta " - Beloved mother -   A " Mandarin " song originally titled: " Ma Ma Hao "
" Satria Pujaan " - Noble sacrifice -     Another Melayu sound.
" Mama Pilih Mantu " - Mama find a man for me ( and a son in law for you )
" Potong Padi " - Harvesting rice -    A " Mandarin " sound, cannot trace the original
" Menanti Teman Hidupku "  - Waiting for a friend for a lifetime -        Nice song
" Putus Cinta Di Batas Kota " - End of a love at the outskirts of town -
" Belum Tentu Ya " - Not steady yet -
" Buku Harian " - Diary -

Sunday 21 October 2012

Yanti Bersaudara - Polydor 2399005



 Hariring Kuring                         
Sabilulungan - ( Mangkoko )                         
Tekad Pahlawan - ( Mangkoko )                         
Badminton - ( Mangkoko )                         
Leungiteune - ( Muslihat )                         
Rarakitan - ( Mangkoko )                         
Bandung - ( Mangkoko )                      
Sapunyere Pegat Simpay                         
Lembur Kuring                         
Bulan Dagoan                         
Gumbira - ( Mangkoko )                         
Yanti - ( Muslihat )             

POLYDOR 2399005 YANTI BERSAUDARA The band is not mentioned Mazef's favo "Badminton" The group is playfully diverting from their chorus discipline, adding good humoured Sundanese talking. An older version is in the collection; by Etty Bardjah, will be uploaded later. The most well-known songs from this record: "Leungiteune". "Sapunyere Pegat Simpay" "Bulan Dagoan". The songs are on various other playlists with Sundanese music All songs are set in typical Sundanese tone-scale. This record is from aprox. 1970

Sunday 14 October 2012

Tanti Josepha ( Remaco RL 068 )






Kembali - ( Enteng Tanamal )                          
Seiring Sejalan - ( Wedhasmara )                     
Kroncong Modern - ( Jessy Wenas )                          
Bernyanyi Dendang - ( Jasir Sjam )                          
Selamat Bahagia - ( Wedhasmara )                          
Milikmu - ( Jasir Sjam )                          
Jauh Darimu - ( Jessy Wenas )                          
Akuarium - ( Jessy Wenas )        


REMACO RL 068
TANTI JOSEPHA
"Si Pendatang Baru"
Band: "Buana Suara" Conductor: Johnny Swadie With Guest Star Enteng Tanamal ( Guitar )
 The record is from 1967 or 1968. Probably her first one, regarding the title which can be translated as
 "The newly arrived". On the photo of the cover its quite an arrival. Dynamic poses like depicted on this cover never to be seen on photos of for instance: Tetty Kadi.
 The other photos on this blog are from the magazine "Varia Nada" 1969. You can see the artist carrying a portable shop, probably borrowed from a passing by bread seller. After the photo shootings she was chased by a fierce, enormous turkey from a nearby village, so she ran away screaming, the beast still after her.
The turkey story is from an interview in the above mentioned magazine. If I remember well from reading other magazines: Tanti Josepha and Enteng Tanamal married a few years later

Thursday 4 October 2012

Elly Kasim - ( Mesra LP 21 )




Main Kim - ( Masroel Mamudja )                          
Minang Maimbau - ( Sjahrul Jusuf )                          
Dua Hati Telah Bertemu - ( Zaenal Arifin )                          
Indang Singguling - ( Sjamsu Arifin )                          
Bayang Salido - ( Adjis )                          
Dirantau - ( A. Basahil - Benny Faisal )                          
Ka Iyo Tenyeh - ( Masroel Mamudja )                          
Batu Manangieh - ( Pusako Minang Riak Talago )                     
Kunanti Di St. Balapan - ( Zaenal Arifin )                          
Tabik Matohari - ( Traditional )                          
Sahabat Lama - ( A. Basahil )                     
Jakarta Indah - ( Zaenal Arifin )             


MESRA ( by Dimita ) LP 21
ELLY KASIM
''Main Kim"
Band: Zaenal Combo
Conductor: Zaenal Arifin.
Main Kim = Playing "Kien" or "Kienspel"( In Holland )
at present named "Lotto" or "Bingo".
On the photo of the album cover: Elly Kasim shaking the drum with the numbers to be drawn.
The rattling sound to be heard in the title song.
Some other songs are "deep" Minang in orchestration.
The "Saluang" can be heard, a bamboo flute used in music from the Minangkabau region.
The three songs by Zainal Arifin are more like the regular non-Minang songs.
This composer achieved better on other recordings.
ATTENTION: The record is in bad condition.
Still it can be interesting for anyone who wants to make a hisorical survey of this music.

Song titles I could translate:
Main Kim - Playing Bingo
Dua Hati Telah Bertemu - Two hearts already met
Dirantau - Living abroad
Kunanti Di St. Balapan - I wait at the Balapan Station
Tabik Matohari - Goodbye sun
Sahabat Lama - Old friend
Jakarta Indah - Beutiful jakarta