Donald used to live in Depot Lines before he moved to PECHS (Society).
The first band he played with was the Talismen. He then joined Blind Faith and they performed mainly in Lahore and Rawalpindi before they were finally stationed at Tarbella.
Blind Faith was also sponsored by Lawrencepur (the famous fabric company) and for a short period with Pepsi Cola. They also did many jingles for an advertising agency in Karachi.
Donald then moved to Austria and had his own band performing all over the country. He has written a few original tracks and here is one of them. Enjoy!
The Rock Stock 75 ~ at Beach Luxury, late ’70s. L-R: Nadeer Contractor, Farhad Behrana, Jamshed Dubash and Philu Bharucha. (on the extreme right is hotel manager Mike)
My path towards music started with the BVS Parsi High School band which was a good marching band. I played the bugle, flute and trumpet. It was here that I discovered that I had a natural inclination towards music and could play any instrument that I wanted to.
The Smash – 1969 The first real break came after I finished year 10 (the Matric board exams in Pakistan). We – four classmates – formed a Pop Band called “The Smash” with Maneck Bharucha (lead guitar/vocals), Sam L. Tengra (bass guitar), Jamshed Hira (drums) and myself (rhythm guitar, vocals). We started playing for various functions in 1969.
In the 60s, almost every event (weddings, dances, community or other ceremonies) that took place in Karachi had a live band in attendance and the music entertainment business was thriving and competitive.
It has to be said here that Maneck was the real driving force who contributed immensely to our band.
Voodoo at the Bandstand, Clifton, early ’70s. L-R: Sam L. Tengra, Maneck Bharucha, Farhad Mistri, Rayomand Masters (RIP) and Farhad Behrana
Voodoo – 1970 After about a year and a half with The Smash, late Rayomand Masters (RIP) joined us on keyboards and vocals; he was extremely talented and brought great musical value to our band. This five-piece band was now called “Voodoo”.
Voodoo at the Discotheque, Hotel Metropole, early ’70s. L-R: Sam L. Tengra, Farhad Mistri, Maneck Bharucha, Rayomand Masters (RIP) and Farhad Behrana.
Jamshed Hira later migrated to Canada and Farhad Mistri, a very talented drummer, joined us. We played mostly for Parsi weddings, navjotes, anniversaries, New Year’s Eve balls and some short contracts at night clubs. The “Voodoo” was active until 1973.
We were extremely fortunate to get a short contract, in the early ’70s, to play in “The Discotheque” at Hotel Metropole. Most Karachiites will remember that it was the first Disco in Karachi and any band that got in there had to be really good.
In those days, “The InCrowd” was the regular band and they played awesome music and were a great inspiration for us.
Voodoo at Beach Luxury Hotel, early ’70s. L-R: Farhad Behrana, Jamshed Hira, Maneck Bharucha, Rayomand Masters (RIP) and Sam L. Tengra,
The Rock Stock ‘75 In 1975, we formed a new four-piece band called “The Rock Stock 75”. The line up for this band was Philu Bharucha (keyboards, vocals), Nadeer Contractor (bass guitar, vocals), Jamshed Dubash (drums) and myself (lead & rhythm guitar, vocals).
The Rock Stock 75 at the Samar night club, Hotel Metropole, late ’70s. L-R: Jamshed Dubash, Nadeer Contractor, Farhad Behrana and Philu Bharucha
A good break for us was getting a contract at the popular Samar night club at Hotel Metropole. The regular band at that time was “The Captivators”.
We were the second band that followed. The club owners wanted to have nonstop live music on Saturday nights so the two bands changed over several times to keep up with the live music and regular patrons.
The Rock Stock 75 at Hotel Metropole, late 70’s. L-R: Philu Bharucha, Farhad Behrana, Nadeer Contractor and Jamshed Dubash.
Other Bands After the Rock Stock disbanded in 1985, I started playing solo with keyboards and vocals. Then in the early ’90s, we formed a three-piece band ~ myself, Spitaman Petigara and my Rock Stock organist Philu Bharucha.
After a year or so, it was me, Spitaman and Arif Bharucha (as many of our generation musicians know Arif is another legendary and veteran musician). We carried on for some years.
Our Kind of Music As mentioned earlier, most of our public appearances were at Parsi weddings, navjotes and anniversaries, and they were usually at the two popular and great hotels Beach Luxury and Metropole. Occasionally we played for New Year’s Eve dances/balls, diplomatic functions and short contracts at night clubs.
We played Pop and Rock and I have personally liked these genres from the very beginning.
The Land of Oz Most of our Karachi musicians have left the country and in 2000 I made that decision too. I have settled in Sydney, Australia and have been here ever since.
Due to my passion for live music, I have continued playing keyboards, guitar and now mainly do backing tracks with guitar and vocals.
I would advise young musicians to follow their dreams with passion, practice hard, be inspired by music legends, enjoy live music and keep playing forever… it doesn’t have to stop… after all, music is food for the soul.
Voodoo at the Discotheque, Hotel Metropole, early ’70s. L-R: Sam L. Tengra, Farhad Mistri, Maneck Bharucha, Rayomand Masters (RIP) and Farhad Behrana.
That’s me (Clyde aka Irfan) on drums. My friend Shahzad Hameed is a fine guitar player; writes his own songs and compositions. We put together an album called “Songs from the Nowhere Land”. It consists of 9 tracks. I worked on all the drum parts and helped with song structure and whatever else I could throw in. ~ Clyde Frances
Clyde Frances 1986-87 ~ concert at NAFDAC with band “Progressions”
Clyde Frances
Born in Karachi – 1961
My father – Charlie Frances – was a renowned jazz drummer/ pianist. We moved to Lahore the year I was born in 1961.
He played in the night club at the famous Falattis hotel which had cabaret, a bar and live music. That was the regular kind of atmosphere in all the major cities in Pakistan as far as live music entertainment was concerned.
Music started for me in 1970 when we moved from Lahore to Rawalpindi. Dad and my brothers Nino and Geoff were already in the music scene and it didn’t take much time before I started banging on the drums, strumming a six-string and croaking ‘Country Roads’.
The Vibrations (Intercontinental hotel – Rawalpindi) 1980 ~ Seated below L-R: Ricky Cumine (RIP), Clyde Frances, Gerard Vanderlowen. Above L-R: Phorsu, Ian Birch, Alex Rodrigues (RIP)
My Inspiration and Mentors My dad, Charlie Frances was definitely my greatest inspiration and mentor followed by Nino, Geoff, Alex Rodrigues, Alan Vanderlowen, Billy Cobham, Ian Pace, Floyd, Beatles, Duke Ellington and the list goes on.
International Music Festival 2008/9 with Shahzed Hameed in Lahore
Performances and Public appearances My first appearance on television was in 1976/77 on a PTV kids show. At the same time, I was playing at the Intercontinental hotel with a jazz quartet; Mr Alex Rodrigues (legendary saxophonist), myself on drums, Melvin Orr on bass and Cyril Shadwell on keyboards.
2007/8 Rafi Pir Theater with Shahzad Hameed ~ Lahore
The most satisfying performance would be the International Music Festival held in Lahore 2008/9… nailed 6 original tracks with guitar player, songwriter and vocalist, Shahzad Hameed.
Live Entertainment – Is it possible to revive?
Getting public interested in live music and bands again in Pakistan is like a HUGE No! It’s mostly commercialised and actually fizzles out at Coke studio etc. Sad but true that the raw live music as we knew it in the good ole days will never come back again in Pakistan.
Doors and minds have closed!
1988 Band “Cruzex” Islamabad
Regular live music more or less fizzled off in 1987 after the General Zia regime clamped down on the discos and entertainment venues in Pakistan.
In 1981, I started teaching music at the private school level but unfortunately, even the education sector succumbed to having quality music teachers removed to make do with mediocre CDs / iPods and crap.
2014 Indus Valley School of Learning Bon Fire ~ Rawalpindi
So basically, guys like me whom you call legends really don’t have much to look forward to as far as the music goes!
To the young and upcoming musicians – well… just keep the faith and let the music play on…
Clyde Frances 1986 with band “Progression” Islamabad
The Cossacks at the Midway House ~ L-R Clarence Andrade, Paul Rodrigues, Francis Azevedo, Joe Fernandes and Richie D’souza
The Fleet Club There was a lot of music happening in my time. Karachi had an active nightlife; very unlike today. There were a lot of concerts with different bands performing. If I remember correctly there used to be a place called “The Fleet Club” where they had a nice hall and that is where the bands used to perform.
My Life in Music I play the drums; have always enjoyed playing the drums. In fact, I must mention here that my dad and my brother Diego made me my first drum set. In those days they used animal skin which would get loose in the cold and tight in the warm weather; that is why I used to have lights installed in my drums. I really wish I had taken a picture!
I have played all over; Midway House, Karachi Sheraton, Holiday Inn where I used to have my own band. Other than that, I have played almost everywhere in Karachi. Some of the bands to mention were the Cossacks with Joe Fernandes; Dad’s Gratitude with Fali Cooper, Rizwan Fancy, Salim Akhter, Arif Bharucha and myself; with Peter Paul (RIP) Dimensions at the Sheraton Hotel; for a while with the Moonglows too… and many more.
Dad’s Gratitude ~ Fali Cooper, Rizwan Fancy, Salim Akhter, Arif Bharucha and Richie D’souza
The Four Notable Venues
When I got famous with Alamgir and performing on TV etc. we used to go to perform in Peshawar for the Air Force Mela each year. We were specially flown there in the Air Force C130 from the Drigh Road air base. It was an honour to play for the Air Chief who at that time was Air Chief Marshal Anwar Shamim (I think) He came and met each one of us personally.
I used to play for a lot of Christmas shows in Manora. This is a small island. I clearly remember, we used to take all the equipment by boat at some point, (I can’t remember where exactly) and play; surrounded by the sea. They had powerful generators for electricity. What swinging parties! Dancing the night away!
Toxy Cowasjee used to organize parties, mainly for the Parsi community at Hawesbay. I used to DJ for them at the beach. In her news bulletin, she would refer to me as “Richie on the Rocks “
Every year, I used to play the drums with the Ismaili Orchestra at the Aga Khan Hospital for the Annual Convocation. The Chief Guests were either, the Governor of Sind, Chief Minister or some very senior official along with His Highness Prince Aga Khan. I suspect the only reason I was asked to perform there was mainly because of my “Drum Roll”! Don’t really want to boast but there was no drummer who could drum roll for the National Anthem like I. Therefore, for me it was truly an honour to play every year at the hospital for the Convocation.
Dominic Gonsalves, Alamgir and Richie D’souza ~ Photo credits Syed Mahmood Ali
Television Boosted My Career
Being on television made me pretty well known in Pakistan. I also remember Sr. Joyce (RIP) from St. Lawrence’s Convent used to invite me to play for the girls marching. Can you imagine the whole girl’s school and just ME!
Richie D’souza, Shehzad Allahditta and Wasi with Alamgir in front (side profile)
Exactly the same was at P.E.C.H.S Girls College where Mrs. Asma Ahmad was the P.T. Instructor. She invited me and her famous daughter Afshan was there too. Sometimes, when I look back I just cannot believe that I played at all these places.
I used to play for all the main music shows on TV with Runa Laila, Shehnaz Begum, Zia Mohiuddin, Sheshay Ka Gar, Neelam Ghar Jankar etc. I also played the drums for many Pakistani movies, songs and background music. Later, I joined Alamgir and that added to my popularity. I remember while walking in Bori Bazzar, people would approach me for autographs.
Richie with Dick D’costa (double bass) and Dominic Gonsalves (saxophone)
My kind of Music I was always attracted to Jazz music. I used to listen to a lot of Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, Joe Morello (drums) who played the very popular “Take Five “. Later on, started playing the regular pop music and also switched to Eastern music with Alamgir.
The Media Business Negative people are all over the place. Yes! I did come across people during my time whose ideas of music did not match or agree with mine but that is OK! I just carry on and do what I think is best.
L-R David Braganza, Frankie, Godwin D’souza, Lal (Srilankan) and Richie D’souza
It has been almost 22 years now that I have been out of Karachi, so I really do not know what the music industry is like at present.
I have settled in Toronto, Canada and rarely get the opportunity to play the drums; you need a few people to play along with and it is a different life completely compared to back home. I took up to ‘DJing’ and play at different functions, events, New Years etc. Music is in me and therefore will carry on as much as I can.
Sounds of the Silhouettes It has been over 50 years for me in music; most of the new musicians may not have been born when I started. All I can say is that if you have a passion or inclined towards music in any way – whether playing an instrument, singing or anything – do not let anyone put you down. There will be ups and downs but just carry on and you will be up there one day.
I would also like to mention that I recorded the First Stereo Album in Pakistan called “Sounds of the Silhouettes”. The musicians that were part of the project were Javed Allahditta, Ajmal Khan (Jimmy), Mansoor, Azam Sheikh, myself and Anjum Effendi.
The Silhouettes with Javed Allahditta, Ajmal Khan (Jimmy), Mansoor, Azam Sheikh, Richie D’souza and Anjum Effendi
There was a famous Magazine in Pakistan called “OffBeat”. I have the original but it is so old that even the front cover is torn and fallen off. A write up on my musical career was also featured there. The person who wrote it knew me for over 10 years even before he wrote that, so you can imagine how long this would be. I am very bad at remembering dates or which year etc.
On my first stereo album of the Silhouettes, I played for Runa and Dina Laila. They were very famous at the time. Here is the link. Check it out.
At 3, my mother had to take me outside the church as I insisted on humming the hymns during mass. This was despite the fact that my timing and pitch was pretty accurate for a child of that age.
When I was 6, the holy statue of Our Lady of Fatima was making its journey around the world. At the Karachi gathering of the faithful, some thousands of devotees attended this holy event and I was held up to the mic and sang the hymn ‘Our Lady of Fatima’. This was my first ‘sanctioned’ public appearance!
Not much of any note took place for years after as we moved to (then) East Pakistan, but I did sing at various school concerts.
When we got back to Karachi, after school, I joined the Moonglows along with newcomers Jimmy and Kenny Peters. This lasted for years but my involvement in music wasn’t restricted to the band.
Young Arthur Turner
At age 21, I was part of the Fatima Choral Group that decided to do the GilbertandSullivan Operetta“Trial by Jury”. It was done for 3 days at the Metropole Hotel. This was a huge success and my first serious singing exposure after which I got recognized.
The next big undertaking was a large production ‘The Gondoliers’. We had a cast of about 50 with an orchestra as well. It was held at an auditorium which was a big deal in those days. I was asked to sing the part of the Duke of Plaza Toro. This too was a huge hit! At about the same time some foreigners living and working in Karachi put together a jazz band called the Indus Basin Seven and I was roped in to play bass. That was an enjoyable experience.
Then, the Intercontinental Karachi, approached me to sing nightly at the Cafe Suroor. The fact that I could sing and play a whole heap of songs helped. I ended up having a lot of foreigners coming down to hear me. I also gathered a group of locals who would come and request songs which was engaging.
Meanwhile, Ninette Mordaunt who was a musician from the US and Chappo Rizvi decided to join forces and do a production of the Broadway hit ‘The Fantasticks’ at the American Center. They had auditions for two days. It was just at the end of the second day that I walked in and sang. I was barely halfway through the song when they requested that I meet them backstage. They offered me the part of el Gayo immediately. I so relished the role and I guess it showed! The reviews were quite flattering! This started a long association with me and Chappo and the American Center.
He made us do, in order… Accent on Folk with a group of friends and singers which we trained in harmonies for a list of popular songs. Next, we revived another production of Trial by Jury. By this time, I was directing singers from all the parishes in carols, etc, and we called ourselves the Joint Parishes Choir.
Finally, I got ambitious and decided to do a huge production of the vastly popular Jesus Christ Superstar. Chappo directed for the stage; I the singers and music. We gathered in all over 100 people for this production; locals and foreigners.
We did this for three nights at the Ebrahim Alibhoy Auditorium. Bobby Frederick sang the part of Jesus. Vicki DeSouza sang the part of Mary Magdalene. I was Judas. The controversy surrounding the production, I suspect added to the publicity with two sides….one saying it was a bad idea, the other saying ‘go for it’!
Even the priests and nuns got involved! The crowds were overwhelming as was the reaction. It turned out to be so popular and many couldn’t get tickets, so we actually revived it the following month for 3 more sold out days!
The Moonglows ~ L-R Roland Trindade, Max Fernandes, Arthur Turner, Jimmy Peters and Dominic Fernandes.
It was about then that one night singing in the Sind Club with the Moonglows, a lady called me over to her table. She said, “You really need to get out of here!”. I laughed and said, “How?”. She then gave me her card and asked me to meet her. It turned out that she was the visa officer at the US Consulate. True to her word she asked me to bring in my passport. They called me a couple of days later and asked me to pick it up. In it, was a 5-year business visa for the US, something unheard of then!
My other notable musical event was in 1976. It was the US Bi-Centennial Celebrations. The famous jazz group Clark Terry and the Jolly Green Giants was touring the world for the state department and leading them was the famous blues singer Joe Williams. I was now fairly well-known in the diplomatic circles. The Consulate asked me to join them and sing with them on this segment of the tour. This was quite a thrill and scary as hell singing with a world-famous group of musicians!
Johnny Lion of the Jumping Jewels passed away in Breda, Netherlands on January 31, 2019, at the age of 78.
His group was famous in Karachi as they played nightly (except Fridays) at the 007 Night Club of the Beach Luxury Hotel during the early 1960s.
Among their popular songs were Tra la la Suzie, Devil Woman and Gypsy Woman. Their songs were also played on the western programs of Radio Pakistan during the ’60s.
Musicians: Hans Van Eijk, Johnny Lion, Joop Oonk, Kees Kranenburg Jr. and Tjibbe Veeloo.
Tribute to Johnny Lion of the Jumping Jewels – courtesy Michael Ali
This was the last contribution by Michael Ali before he passed away. Thank you Mike! For all your support and contributions towards LMK. Rest in Peace!
Hands-on with The Keynotes My interest in music took root in the late 70s when I would go and watch the Keynotes perform at the Mariott Disco. The line-up at that time was Hilary Furtado, Maxwell Dias, Nobby Furtado,Ainsley Highfield,William David andTrevor D’mello. The first kit I sat on was Ainsley’s and since then… never looked back…
Allan Smith ~ photograph credits Popcorn Head
I’ve had the most hands-on experience learning from the best musicians and have always stated in many interviews over the years that where I am today is because of the great legends that I encountered who were truly dedicated and passionate about their music and instilled the same in us.
Besides Ainsley, I am greatly indebted to drummers like Glenn DCruze and Tony D’souza aka TJ to name a few who were extremely supportive and encouraging during my early years as an upcoming musician.
In those days the city of Karachi was alive, safe and clean. There was less technology around and everything was learned through practical communication.
Live Jam ~ Russell, Jesse, Allan Smith and Jon Saville
From ‘live bands’ to mainstream and international gigs I started off playing with quite a few bands; the most prominent ones being Keynotes, Radiation, Fuel to Fire and Visions’. At that time, live music was still happening in Karachi. I gradually moved out of live entertainment when I got an offer from the Milestones. With them – Candy Pereira, Ali Tim and Ziyyad – my career moved towards mainstream music.
credit ~ Arif Mehmud for Milestones L-R Ziyyad Gulzar, Allan Smith, Ali Tim and Candy
I had a fantastic time playing with the live bands and the most memorable days of my life were the early 80s when I performed along-side my buddy and groovy bass player Russell Owen D’souza at the many weddings in Nazimabad. I love performing with Russell; we go a long way and our friendship has been a great support over the years. Now we both have moved to bigger arenas.
Allan and Russell ~ Soundcheck for Shafqat Amanat Ali concert
In the 90s; my most memorable performances were with the Milestones in Turkey and Cyprus (my first international gigs). It didn’t stop there… and blessed to say that I have continued to perform in 19 different countries with the top bands and musicians of Pakistan. Besides Milestones, I have performed with Aamir Zaki, Aakash, Ali Haider, Nazia and Zoheb Hassan, Vital Signs, Awaz, Junaid Jamshed, Ali Azmat, Hadiqa Qayani, Imran Aziz of Qawalistan, Junoon, Aaroon/Haroon, Karavan, Rocklite, Motorcad and presently with Shafqat Amanat Ali.
Aakash with Ziyyad, Ali Tim, Allan & Ali Haider ~ courtesy Ali Tim
Chand sa Mukhada and Musicology With the Milestones, I appeared on a TV drama called ‘Chand Sa Mukhada’. Besides that, I also did two seasons as a VJ for a show called ‘Musicology’ in 2005 which was written, directed and produced by Ali Tim and aired weekly on Hum TV. On the show, we had celebrity guests like Mekal Hassan, Ayesha Umer, Saleem Javed, Russell Owen D’souza, Jawad Ahmed to name a few. I’ve appeared in 30 or more official band videos and talk shows including radio shows.
Feel the Music ~ Radio Awaz
All them Styles with my own Style To be honest, I’ve never had the opportunity to stick to one particular genre because of the various bands and artists I’ve had to perform with over the years.
Ya! I play all them styles and it is an advantage in the industry to be flexible and adaptable. I’ve worked on a few experimental projects that have turned out pretty good!
The Drummer that Explores I mainly focus on my drumming skills however, over the years, I have learned to play multiple instruments which I believe every musician can and should be able to do. I absolutely enjoy learning and developing new skills and therefore keep exploring.
With band Rocklite
‘Live Music’ would have continued if Musicians were supported! It’s too late!! I believe a lot could have been done to support musicians from our community; especially after the political changes in the late 70s which got even worse in the 80s and 90s. I can blatantly say that we musicians, artists and vocalists put in so much effort but sadly do not receive the kind of encouragement or support that is required to be in this profession.
Today we have great talent and I urge writers and bloggers to continue to promote our young talent. Brands like Pepsi and Coke will never use our talent and we all know why!
With Rocklite at Studio 3
Dealing with the Media To this date, I have never experienced any negativity or poor publicity and by the grace of God, have continued in this profession with nothing else but hard work! I’m proud to be an industrious and dedicated musician of Pakistan.
Current and the Future Currently, I am producing and scoring music for plays and commercials; I am also in a band plus teach music in a school in Islamabad where I live. I rejoined Shafqat Amanat Ali and looking forward to the gigs ahead!
Rocklite
My love and encouragement to all young and upcoming musicians – follow your own dreams and not the dreams of others; make and create music which you love! Develop your own individual style.
Be devoted and not arrogant because it is easy to get carried away once you’re in the limelight. We musicians from our community need to continue to be united with love and peace as we always have been!
Photograph credits Madhouse
Celebrating 4 decades in the Music Industry. Allan Smith, loved by many for his infectious laughter and genuinely warm personality. It was an honour for me to do this interview with my friend who is my brother! Thank you!
I grew up in the 70s watching bands like the Black Jacks, Keynotes and Xperiment – which was one of my most favourite band at the time.
I recall fervently sitting near the stage as a young boy idolizing them at various shows, weddings and other musical events.
Alan Dias and Alan Vanderlowen would come over to our place as they were old family friends… And whenever they turned up, a guitar session would ensue. I was amazed at how many songs they knew as they would go on playing for hours!
I suppose watching them, inspired me and I started learning to play the guitar with my mentor, Gerard Vanderlowen. I was so keen that I would go all the way to his place in Mahmoodabad by bus for guitar lessons. He even fixed an old guitar which I got from someone with new strings and keys.
The first song I learned was ‘House of the Rising Sun’ by The Animals.
It was somewhere in 93 or 94, not sure of the exact year when I started off in a band with a bunch of great guys – Dana Pereira (Keys), Titus Pereira (Lead Guitar), Blaise Pereira (Bass) and Jason D’Souza (Sylvester). We called ourselves ‘Reckless’ and would practice all the way in Mahmoodabad.
At the time, we couldn’t afford a proper PA system, so we built something on our own. We just loved to meet up and jam and did songs from Dire Straits, Huey Lewis and the News, Spin Doctors and Phil Collins. No major shows; maybe a wedding or two…
It started with the band Reckless
Live music was still happening around that time with bands like the Visions which was one of the top bands along with Radiation and Variations. Alan Vanderlowen (aka Vandy), Alan Dias and Gerard Vanderlowen had a band at the Sheraton (can’t remember the name of the band) and they were something else! Playing tunes from The Beatles, Crosby Stills and Nash and others.
Whenever I would go to watch them play, Vandy would call me up to sing. I loved it and would sing my favourite Beatles song ‘Saw her standing there’.
Our older veteran musicians always encouraged and supported the news guys on the block!
Razzmatazz ~ 1997
The music became a bit more serious when I joined Razzmatazz, this would have been sometime in 1997. We did many shows, weddings and a lot of concerts at the PACC – Pak American Cultural Centre. The line up was Adrian Fletcher (drums and vocals), Alex Manual (keys), Titus Pereira (lead guitar), Blaise Pereira (bass and vocals), Bobby AKA Nash on lead vocals and myself on rhythm guitar and vocals.
At the New York Cafe
We also had a three-piece band going on the side with Alex Manual, Bobby (Kevin) and myself; playing 3 nights a week at a venue called The New York Café located on Zamzama Street in Defence. That contract lasted for about a year.
It was around this time (the late 90s) when the live music scene began to dwindle and more people started using digital drum beats.
The last band I played in Karachi was called The Black Knights with the late Shujaat (keys and vocals), Tahir Khan (lead guitar), Jason D’Souza aka Sylvester (vocals) and me on rhythm guitar and vocals. We played every day in Al-Bhustan at the Sheraton Hotel.
Rock 4 A Cause ~ Charity Event
I grew up listening to a great variety of music as my older siblings had different preferences. My eldest brother, Gerry would listen to bands like Frank Zappa, Crosby Stills and Nash, James Taylor.
Personally, I like classic rock with bands like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, ACDC, Queen, Bob Marley and one of my favourites; Guns n Roses
Many of our Karachi musicians have migrated all over the world and I have had the pleasure of meeting a huge number of them here in Toronto; where I have been living since 2007.
Live Music event in Canada
Last year, we organized a Musician’s Nite ~ dedicated and remembering all the great and talented musicians of Karachi that have passed away. It was very successful!
We had musicians and patrons flying in from many countries to attend and for me to be part of it, was simply awesome! The guest list rose to 450 people and we had to keep many on a waiting list as we couldn’t accommodate any more. I was one of the youngest organizers but the support I received from all the musicians made it even more special.
Some of our Karachi musicians based in Canada
We are now planning the next event for Aug 2020 and hope that we are able to get more of our ‘live’ musicians from overseas to come, perform and pay tribute to our Beloved Musicians who have passed away, over the years.
To all the young musicians, I would like to say. You gotta love what you do and don’t be afraid to show your talent. Always remember you’re never too old to learn something new……
On the Island
We grew up at the naval compound in Manora – a small peninsula located just south of the Port of Karachi. It was pretty much like living on an island… secluded and being a naval community, all the amenities were nearby.
Growing up in Manora
I was not the studious type at all, for that matter, I bunked school most of the time and was only interested in sports. My elder brothers, Farooq and Ayaz were just the opposite; they did go to school but never stepped out of the house for anything else. They were complete homebodies with a few close friends that would come over.
Our mum loved to sing and would take regular sitar lessons from a tutor that would turn up at the house. The music gene definitely stemmed from her as our father – a well-built naval officer – had absolutely no interest in music. I suppose he thought that his four sons would join the navy and therefore made sure we were good swimmers.
Something Big About to Happen
When I was about 10 we moved to PECHS (nursery). The Beatles were all the rage in the 60s and we were thoroughly influenced by them. My brothers started growing their hair long and began dressing up like them; they looked like real musicians before they even knew how to play any instruments.
When they walked on the streets, the public would stare at them; some even thought they were celebrities and would surround them.
Just by looking at them… one knew something big was about to happen.
The Bugs ~ Photograph courtesy Uzma Javeri
In those days, instruments were hard to come by so Farooq and Ayaz went to a carpenter to try and make a guitar; obviously that didn’t work!
Then Farooq decided to make his own guitar and without any input (I don’t know how) he actually succeeded. At the same time, he got his hands on an old guitar that his friend gave him which he tuned by listening to songs of the Ventures and Shadows on the radio. Both Farooq and Ayaz were immersed with the instrument and since there was nobody to guide them; everything was self-taught.
They recruited Afzal Javeri; he looked good as a bass guitarist so they decided he would focus on bass. Jimmy Jamshaid looked good as a drummer so they made him the drummer. Jamshaid used to practice on pots and pans like most beginners and gradually ‘The Bugs’ were taking form.
The Bugs ~ Jamshaid, Ayaz, Afzal and Farooq. Photograph courtesy Farooq Fatah
The Benefactor ~ Mr Jeff Waldron
When Farooq got a hang of his guitar; they started off playing just instrumental music. They looked like the Beatles but played music that sounded like the Shadows and Ventures. At first, they began to play at family gatherings. I remember the first time The Bugs performed at our house, my father invited some influential people so that they could help provide some finance for their equipment.
Initially, they didn’t sound all that great! Until my friend’s eldest brother who had some influential contacts introduced The Bugs to a Senior Manager at Bayer (the Aspirin company) Mr. Jeff Waldron. Jeff was well connected with the music industry back in London and when he heard them, he was impressed and could see the potential. He decided to manage the band and on one of his trips back to the UK, got approx. £10,000/- worth of equipment; from guitars, drum-set to Vox amp shipped to Karachi. He even got The Bugs a signed autograph from the English singer, Sandie Shaw wishing them good luck! He was a great encouragement and support to The Bugs and without him, the band wouldn’t have existed.
From family social events, they secured a contract at the Midway House in ‘62. They then decided that Ayaz would sing and he diligently focused on his vocal technique alongside the old hand-winding record player. These chaps would practice for eight hours daily while I was busy playing cricket. We had close family ties with Jimmy Jamhaid and both he and Afzal were always in our house to the extent that they would sometimes end up having breakfast, lunch and dinner with us. When these guys took a break, I would go and check out Afzal’s bass guitar and my interest in music sparked.
It just happened that on one occasion, Afzal got sick and they asked me to cover for him at the Midway house. It was a tough set for me playing that first night because I was so afraid that I would mess up and was struggling to keep up with the rest. Moreover, I couldn’t help but feel conscious of the surroundings and the audience. I ended up playing with them for a couple of nights.
People gravitated towards The Bugs and whenever or wherever they played; it was to a packed audience. They would walk in and people would surround them; screaming and cheering. They had die-hard fans that would turn up every night to see them.
The shift from instrumental to vocals, opened doors at all the hotels and the demand for them grew rapidly. They were the first Pop band in Pakistan to cover music from the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.
With a 10 watt Vox amplifier The most memorable event for me was the 1st Battle of the Bands that took place at the Naval Fleet Club on October 29, 1967. I was in the audience with my dad, mother, sister and the rest of the family watching my brothers on stage with their band. We were screaming hysterically in excitement with the rest of the crowd to the extent that it took us a couple of days to recover.
A funny thing did happen that night… After the concert, I had a bottle of scotch with me and mixed some Lal Khan in it… Strong stuff! They drank it and were completely out of their minds; they started crying and cursing me. We had to physically carry them back home.
The Bugs ~ Afzal, Ayaz, Jamshaid and Farooq
Another memorable event was a New Year’s dance at the Intercontinental, Karachi. On the top level was a foreign band and on the lower level were The Bugs set to play for the evening. When they started everyone began leaving the party upstairs and filtering to the lower level till there was absolutely no place to move and they did it with a 10 watt Vox amplifier. That evening they played some wrong chords but nobody knew or could tell because the overall sound was good. Finally, Jamshaid’s father got them a really good amplifier from Germany and they sounded even better.
From West to East and East to West They went on a month’s tour to East Pakistan (Dacca) and when they were leaving, crowds of fans surrounded them and started crying at the airport. They also played for Radio Pakistan on Eddie Carapiet’s show.
Farooq Fatah
Farooq was the dedicated one. He would set up all the equipment and make sure the instruments were properly tuned before the others strolled in. He would also prepare the music list for the shows.
The paradox of it all was that Farooq and Ayaz were never comfortable performing in front of the audience but they did it.
Ayaz was most interested in focusing on his original music so they composed a four-track record and released it through EMI.
By about this time The Bugs were falling apart. Ayaz wanted to end the band and left for Denmark but the next day he got deported. His simplicity, as usual, got the better of him. They asked him if he was going to stay back and he said ‘Yes!’. When he got back, he was utterly depressed and took his girlfriend Meg and went off to East Pakistan.
The Bugs disbanded just before the separation of East and West. Ayaz was lucky to get out alive! He met an old Commando friend who squeezed him onto one of the flights back to Karachi. Sadly, that same Commando friend – Jhangir – did not make it.
Bugs disbanded
Bloody What’s the Matter and Jim and the Junks Whilst all this was happening, in came Bloody What’s the Matter? with Afzal Javeri (RIP), Asif Nasir, Aslam and myself and then Jim and the Junks.
Bloody What’s the Matter?
Bloody What’s the Matter? got the Air France contract at the Nefertiti Club (Hostellerie de France) which was just opposite the airport. The nightclub was not successful because the guy who owned the club survived an air-crash but lost his mind.
Jim and the Junks was more of a party band. We got a contract at the Falattis Hotel in Lahore and moved there.
At one of the gigs at Falattis, I saw this girl that I liked and while I was playing asked her for a dance even though I could not dance. The session ended, I got off the stage and was heading in her direction when I noticed another attractive girl walking in. I quickly changed my direction and asked her for a dance instead. This girl – Carol Humphrey – turned out to be the one that I would marry and we have raised a beautiful family ever since.
After Ayaz got back, he along with Farooq, Iggy (Khalid Saeed) and Neil Blackwell (my ex-brother-in-law) formed an underground band called SOS and only focused on studio recordings. They released an album on an EP 45.
The Trump Card
One evening, our youngest brother Mansoor came in and played in front of us with his band and completely shocked the hell out of us! We had absolutely no idea that he too was into the music scene as well.
To our even bigger surprise, he turned out to be exceptionally talented and a multi-instrumentalist. After Ayaz heard all of the musicians, the idea reeled in his head and in came the Fatah brothers and we formed a band called ‘Like Harvest’ in 1971.
Like Harvest ~ Photograph courtesy Khalid Fatah
Before Ayaz would sing 90% of the songs but with ‘Like Harvest’ all of us started to sing which put less pressure on Ayaz. For us, that was the quintessential experience as musicians and we never sounded better! It was not long before we got a contract at the Flashmans Hotel in Pindi. But just before we hit Flashmans, Mansoor, Ayaz, Iggy (Khalid) played at the Falattis in Lahore.
Like Harvest ~ Photograph courtesy Khalid Fatah
Like Harvest in Pindi
Either they Loved us or Wanted to Cut our Hair! The night before we started our Flashmans contract, we heard of some foreign band that were playing there. Ayaz and I went to check them out and when they took their break; for some reason they called us up to sing.
Ayaz started singing “Oh Darling” by the Beatles but the tuning was so high that he couldn’t hit the high notes and we looked terrible. Oh! The embarrassment was difficult to handle so I asked the guys to give us another opportunity and called Farooq and Mansoor to join us.
That night we blasted them! I mean we ripped the place apart and the people loved it! That was the first time they heard all the brothers together. By the end of it I announced that we’ll be at the Flashmans hotel and the other musicians did not like that at all!
One evening, my father turned up in Pindi while we were playing and I still remember him in tears when he saw all his sons performing together. He was so proud of us!
It didn’t bother him that our family was like an outcast in our own community and neither were we fazed; the less people around the better it was for us.
Once the gigs were done we retreated to our own privacy. On one hand, we got amazing public support for our music and on the other, the mulla crowd would wait outside to try and kill us or cut our hair!
Jea Sindh and The Who I remember this open-air concert that we did somewhere in some village in Sindh. It was the most surreal experience of our lives! People there had never seen a guitar before and were literally putting their faces up close to the instruments.
They had absolutely no idea what we were singing or playing and we had no idea why we were there in the first place. The organizers told us to sing “Jea Sindh” after every song. So we did just that and the crowd became wild like some revolution was taking place. They started clapping and we started singing “Jea Sindh”. That was one unforgettable experience!
Then The Who came to perform in Afghanistan; their equipment was stolen and smuggled into Pindi. Somehow Mansoor found out and managed to get hold of their Hiwatt amp. It was the best amplifier we had ever used! We used it till Farooq sold it to Allan Dias just before he left; The Rs. 7 or 8 thousand he got went towards his ticket to Canada.
The Son of Tarzan
In 1972, I went to Canada; Mansoor and Farooq did the occasional gigs and played with other bands; Hello Why are you? was one of them with Atiq ur Rehman and Karim Pirani and they were the first band to get a contract at the famous Horseshoe Restaurant.
Ayaz – the elusive one – was in his own world and doing his own music till eventually, they all left Karachi. I must mention here that it was my wife Carol who sponsored not just me but the rest of the Fatah Brothers to Canada.
The Son of Tarzan ~ Mansoor Fatah. Photograph courtesy Carol Humphrey-Fatah
Mansoor, the youngest was fearless; first, he hitchhiked all the way to Amsterdam and then all the way back. When he got back home, his shoes were worn till you could see his feet and he was eating like he hadn’t eaten in days. He found his way back to Amsterdam and called himself the ‘Son of Tarzan’ and had a huge following.
The first time I visited him, I went to his gig and from the outside I thought a band was playing as the music was intense. When I got inside, I was stunned to see Mansoor alone performing as a one-man band. He created this set up where he could drum, play the guitar and the keys all at the same time and the audience loved it.
Both Farooq and Mansoor were multi-instrumentalist and exceptional! Ayaz was definitely the best vocalist and then came Mansoor. I was mainly a bass guitarist but could play rhythm, lead and the drums. Mansoor would often switch instruments, if someone didn’t show up.
Massey Hall with Al Green
In Canada Ayaz, Farooq, Neil Blackwell, drummer Mike Rosten and I formed the band – Serum. We played music from Led zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Supertramp, Bob Marley, Police, Chicago, Beatles and others.
Our first gig was in Quebec at a Rock Club. Everybody loved us but for some reason the club guys wanted us to wear Tuxedos. We were not tuxedo kind of musicians therefore refused and left.
Then we played in Newfoundland but there were not too many gigs there; Niagara Falls and then The Drake.
Our final performance was in 1980 at the prestigious Massey Hall opening for Al Green to a packed audience. That was the biggest and the last concert we did!
By then, our families had grown and Ayaz was simply not interested in performing live anymore. He just wanted to focus on his studio recordings. A musician’s life is by no means easy. There is a lot of hard work involved. Even now Ayaz is still composing music and I go and work with him sometimes. Once we asked Farooq to join us and he turned up, plugged his guitar and realized that he had no strings on his guitar. That was a laugh!
Karachi ~ the Party House
My personal memories of Karachi were great! The city was one big party house and we grew up in the midst of it all. It was innocent, fun and the friendships we made were lifelong. There were hardly any restrictions and the people were more tolerant.
Growing up, we treated the house help as part of the family. I would watch the cook prepare the food and then later take him out to see me play cricket. I’m glad I spent that time with him because when I came to Canada I used to recall how he would prepare the food and do the same. I enjoy cooking! Also when I left for Canada, our poor house boy came all the way to Pindi to see me off but by then I was already gone.
My sincere suggestion to all young and upcoming musicians
~ Produce your own music; have your own original sound and identity. Take one step at a time and time will be on your side.
Calfskins and Clay pots
Music came naturally to me and as far as I remember I would play the drums on mum’s cooking pots, the wooden staircase, the electricity poles with two stones or anything where I could make a noise. I was so keen on music that I would go to the Goan Club on Chick Gali to watch the musicians play when they had their Konkani sing-alongs. It was there that my enthusiasm for music grew and at the age of 14, I knew that I wanted to be a musician. I then went to Empress Market, picked up some calf skins and clay pots and made my own drums.
Young Joe
My God Mother Thelma Nazareth (sister of Max Nazareth, the famous RJ for Radio Pakistan) fostered the interest and sent me for music classes and even paid for my drumming lessons. This continued till I got some experience and training from the great drummer who I admired – late Mr Sydney D’souza, who played for a popular band ‘The InCrowd’. Sydney was the brother of Norman D’souza. Another fantastic band of the 60s were ‘The Bugs’ that were doing some solid music and had great musicians.
The Pearl shipped via HMS Royal Navy
Andy, my brother worked for the HMS Royal Navy and knowing that I loved music he would bring me all sorts of different instruments but I was most interested in a drum-set. I remember waiting at the dockyard for my first kit; a Pearl. I was so excited that I kept calling out what colour is it? What colour is it? It turned out to be orange and since then Pearl has always been my favourite drum-set to play on. I’ve used others like Ludwig but have been loyal to Pearl.
Joe with friends
Princess Amina at Le Gourmet ~ Palace Hotel
I was still quite young when my school friends Danny, he used to be a limbo dancer; Errol and Emmel whose father used to run the Star Circus asked me if I was interested in auditioning for a cabaret show. I was a skinny young boy and nervous as hell but Danny kept insisting that I go for the auditions. I turned up and found Mr. Felix Carvalho and his sons Cyril and Tony who happen to be excellent jazz musicians rehearsing there. The belly dancer was none other than Princess Amina!
I along with the other drummers did our audition and it was not long before I found out that she chose me. So we rehearsed and my first show was playing for Princess Amina while she gracefully danced and among the crowd were our esteemed guests; Mr Bhutto (who was the Foreign Minister at that time), Henry Kissinger (American Politician) and members of the Bugti family. I still remember the tune we played ‘Caravan’ which had a long drum solo and I gave it my best! The audience began clapping feverishly and I was so excited and towards the end, Princess Amina announced that I was the greatest drummer that she ever worked with. I was so happy that I actually fainted!
Joe Menezes with the Midniters
The 60s at the Penthouse ~ Excelsior Hotel
I was always a jazz drummer that could play cabaret-style music as well. After my contract at Le Gourmet, I started playing at the Penthouse and we had some super talented jazz musicians that frequently performed there. There was a white guy, Ziggy on the piano, Tony Carvalho on saxophone, late Sunny Dias on trumpet
At Sherezade Islamabad
(Sunny was the father of Maxwell Dias and he was a brilliant jazz musician) and various other high calibre musicians that I had the opportunity to perform with. The talent that came out of the city was immense and I was blessed to be part of it.
Another great musician I had the chance to play with was Ivan Menezes. I met him at the Palace Cinema and we became good friends. When he found out that I was a drummer, we got together with Lourdes (from Society) and formed a band called ‘The Beetroots’ and did some music from the Doobie Brothers, Beatles and other songs of the time at the Four Seasons, Metropole.
With Dominic Gonsalves band at Intercontinental Lahore
The 70s in Lahore, Islamabad and Pindi Dominic Gonsalves got a contract at the Intercontinental Lahore and asked me along with Steven Francis, Cyril Shadwell (late) and Phorsu to join him. We had the most luxurious lifestyle there with free accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was somewhere in the mid-70s when we got back to Karachi and then Alex Rodrigues approached me to join his band ‘The Midniters’ with Melvyn Orr, Phorsu, Cyril Shadwell.
Cabaret with the Midniters at Intercontinental, Pindi
We first went to Hotel Sherazade in Islamabad and then later moved to the Intercontinental Hotel in Pindi. Sometimes Alex would sing a couple of tunes and then I would sing as well as play the drums but later we had a solid vocalist Mr.Ivan Bawa who joined us and sang with our band. After he left, Salim Jadoon joined us as the lead vocalist and we shared a room at the hotel. Both Ivan and Salim were excellent vocalists but sadly, due to the political issues in Pakistan, after Bhutto was hanged at the Central Jail in Rawalpindi in April 1979; everything closed down. They destroyed the bar and all the equipment at Intercontinental Rawalpindi. We left!
With Jazz band ~ The Midniters
Before I go further, I have to mention that both Dominic Gonsalves and Alex Rodrigues were true maestros in music. They were multi-instrumentalists that could effortlessly play the drums, piano, violin, saxophone, clarinet… any instrument. I remember Hilary Rodrigues (late Alex’s grandson) as a kid, he would sometimes come on stage and sing his favourite song ‘Oh Mamie Blue’.
The Midniters
I have to mention Max Nazareth – the RJ for Radio Pakistan – who used to mail all the latest music to me. He even sent all the latest recordings via PIA courier mail when I was in Pindi.
Music in Muscat ~ 79 Thelma Nazareth – my Godmother – was visiting Karachi and suggested that I come visit her in Muscat where she resided. It is amazing where life takes you and later in 79, I found myself on a 3-month visit visa to Muscat. She kept suggesting that I stay back and find something in Muscat. Somehow, I got chatting with a
Muscat
Photographer/artist at his shop and told him about my music career and shared some photographs of my band with him. By luck a few days later, members of the Royal Family came to his shop and in conversation mentioned that they were looking for a musician. He told them about me and I was finally approached. When things are meant to be, they happen and it didn’t take long for them to arrange my work visa, for that matter they even got me a job at the GTO, Ministry of Telecommunication with full training by some German staff. The money was good and before I knew it, I could afford to buy my own house in Pakistan. In Muscat, I played for various different shows and events. Late Francis Sebastian (brilliant vocalist) also joined me and we were part of a Filipino band. I remember Bosco Dsouza visiting and staying at my place there.
Muscat
Then came the war in the neighbouring countries (Iran/Iraq) and Sultan Qaboos ordered that all expats should be sent back home and in 1987 I was back in Karachi.
Village and the Four Seasons
When I got back, I joined Angelo D’cruz’s band with Robert D’Cruz and Boniface Herbert at the Village and because many musicians were leaving Karachi, so many joined and then left that I can’t quite remember all their names. But after Peter Paul Fernandes (Captivators) sadly passed away, I was given the Four Seasons contract at the Metropole and got Tino, Stephen, Colin, Johnny to join me. This was my last band in Karachi.
With Robert D’Cruz, Angelo D’Cruz and Boniface Herbert
I have to mention that besides live music I was also doing studio recordings, back up music for jingles, tv commercials and other studio work. I did the back-up music for 3 Pakistani movies and can still remember my family waiting to catch a glimpse of me in the movie.
Oklahoma at the Four Seasons, Metropole with Colin, Johnny Tino, Stephen Gonsalves and myself on the drums
Brotherhood of Musicians
I was good friends with all the top drummers of Karachi; Thaddeus Pinto, Martin of Talismen, Roland Trinidad. Roland was not just a great drummer but a fantastic human being, cool-tempered and an amazing friend. Freddie Barrell ~ I used to pick up Freddie and train him at the Palace Hotel. He was my student who later became one solid drummer. I was so proud of him and it broke my heart when he passed away. I attended his Tribute here in Toronto and really wanted to play for the event but there were so many other musicians lined up. We were good friends that learned so much from each other and focused on becoming better at what we did. It was a Brotherhood of musicians!
Joe Menezes on vocals with Doc Shamin, Willy Joseph and Ainsley Highfield on the drums
Karachiite to Canadian
Initially, I didn’t like Canada! I was missing being part of the live music scene and did feel homesick. But somehow, it was my destiny to continue the music in Canada too. I met a guy from Trinidad at the Radio Shack and we got chatting about music. I told him my story and soon I found myself in a Basement Jazz band with trumpet and sax, called the ‘Dream Catchers’. I got some musicians that I knew from back home to join us; Tino and John Louis (musician from Lahore). Then Lady Melba from Burma joined us and we did a couple of shows. Gradually the dynamics of the group changed as some musicians wanted to do just jazz and others wanted to spread out and do a bit of commercial pop music. Some musicians left and we now have a band called ‘Revival’. Besides, live music I love to DJ! Now I don’t know how the transition happened because I am not great with computers but because I love music, I applied myself and figured out the technology with the help of my son, Jason who is tech-savvy. So even though I am supposed to be retired, I still keep busy with various shows and events.
Dream Catchers ~ band in Canada
Can’t buy Talent
Either it’s in you or it’s not! None of my children picked up any instrument. My daughter played the saxophone in school but then lost interest and dropped it. I was the only musician in my family and therefore my advice to all upcoming musicians is that if you have that desire to learn music then you must act on it immediately and dedicate your time to practice. Practice, practice, practice… and don’t give up so easily especially when you don’t get it right initially. I remember these two young brothers that were starting off before I left Karachi; Gerald and I can’t remember the other chap’s name. They were young and inexperienced kids and now I see them on Facebook and they have become pretty good musicians. But I remember distinctly how those boys practised and took interest and that’s the key.
As a veteran musician, my message to all beginners is when you form a band, drop the attitude and make sure you have good understanding and cooperation with all the musicians so that you can bring out the best in each other. Do your homework and develop a professional attitude built on respect!
Joe the DJ!
Note: Joe has just recovered from his fourth heart attack and is currently recovering under heavy medication. We did this interview via a telephone conversation and it was the most delightful account of his experience of the jazz musicians from as far back as the 50s and 60s. He lived through it and was part of that dynamic breed and we are truly grateful to him for sharing his memoirs with us.
Legendary Musicians of Karachi 