RETRO GROOVE 2020

Forward by Farid Long

In a generation that emphasizes rather than embrace the age gap, music is probably the last true art form that bridges the "two masses" without being the object of lingering suspicion. Music transcends time zones, continents and cultures, invariably universal in it's appeal. I have always loved music from the 50s to the 90s, whatever the genre. As a young child on vacation, sneaking into my uncle's room to secretly play his prized vinyl collection of rock, soul, pop and blues legends, it left an impressionable mark on me during these "tender years" of mine. My affection for the music of this period has led to my endeavors to gather like minded musicians to play and enjoy songs that have reached "immortal" status within us.


Farid Long has been an active participant in the local music scene as a singer-guitarist in numerous groups including:


SHADES (The BEATLES of Singapore winners)


THE ESQUIRES (Soul Motown Band)


THE SHADY BLUES (3 piece power blues band)


PARTY DOLL BAND (8 piece 50s rock & roll show band)


SPIRIT VOICES (World Music Band)


THE OBVIOUS CHILD (World Music Band)


BDS JAZZ ORCHESTRA / COMBO (Jazz standards & big band material)


BUSY DOING SOMETHING (Dance band)


THE LUIZ SOLIANO BAND Jazz (Pop & Jazz)


THE MAVERICKS (Country & Western)



THE ROLLING BONES (Igor's first in-house "horror theme" dance band)


SHYYNE (Classic Rock band)


THE RIKI HENDRIX BACK UP BAND (Sessionist on Riki's live dates in Singapore)


SYNE OF TYME


THE MARINA XAVIER BAND


KENNY HOGAN'S HEROES


DANNY KOH &; THE HIGH COURTS


JACK VERSUS JILL


SYNE OF TYME


RETRO GROOVE


Farid also wrote the radio friendly hit singles "THE 5Cs" (Later covered by Siva Choy on his "Why You so like that" comedy album , "LOVE YOU AIDA", and also produced the music for the soundtrack of the "Dam Stoopid Video". A poke at the typically materialistic Singapore girl with songs like "Sarong Party Girl" and "Better Hammer This Fella". "GREENTHUMB" was a tune commissioned by the national parks board for their "Skyrise Garden Show" and "CITIZEN OF THE WORLD" won critical praise & top prize at the "LOVE THE EARTH" Band competition.


Farid's influences include Jose Feliciano, Chuck Berry, Dire Straits, U2, The Beatles, Steve Morse, classic rock acts and above all PAUL SIMON.