GYPSY - Sep 2007
Gypsy, the band, is notable because 4 of the 5 original members were brothers – Dixie, Don, Joe and Mel Ferdinands. Gypsy was officially formed in 1979. Prior to that, the brothers were playing in a number of different bands. Only when they decided to combine forces did the chemistry really take off. They unleashed a brand of entertainment, vocal harmony and versatility that was never seen in Singapore. Gypsy was also one of the pioneer bands to introduce Rock Music to the local night scene. What made the group distinctive was their innate ability to switch between genres of music easily and competently.Gypsy was also well known for their histrionics and energetic live performances. The Merlion Week Concert 83' (Light Up December) was held at the Padang with an audience of over 80,000. Gypsy also participated in televised concerts which were broadcasted live – notably at the National Stadium and the Padang. Amongst the many of their numerous coups pulled off, one that still stands out took place at the first ever Police Week Concert held at the Police Academy (Thomson). Gypsy thrilled the crowd when they performed together with the Police Girl Pipers, something never done before and never done since.The members of Gypsy also enjoyed success as recording artistes, both collectively and individually. Joe and Mel recorded with Spider label and WEA, Dixie also enjoyed success with 2 solo albums, and Mel released an album with Pony Canyon.Gypsy was one of the first few bands (during the 80s and 90s) to perform their original compositions. The members are prolific song-writers and are all pioneer members of COMPASS (The Composers and Authors Society of Singapore). Mel is currently a member of the Board of Directors for COMPASS.Although the band had not been performing together for some time, Gypsy decided that it would be a great opportunity for all the brothers to get together and perform for the National Museum in Sep 2007 for the "Homemade" concerts, when approached by the organisers. However, Don who is now residing in Australia will not be able to participate this time.
However, Gypsy will once again be keeping it all in the family. Dixie, Joe and Mel have enlisted brother Dennis (who used to manage the band) on drums, and Dixie’s son, Joey (Suicide Solution, Bad Obsession, Fynderz Keeperz) on guitar.
DIXIE FERDINANDS
Dixie currently conducts his own "School Of Rock"-styled Guitar/Bass & Drum instruction for both individuals and bands at The Eurasian Association; and has released two independent CDs on his own in the mid 90's, Wild And Free (1994 - Thailand only release) and Still Wild & Free (1997/Spider Records)... Over the years Dixie has done countless music and production work for both local and international artistes and has worked with numerous local personalities and celebs throughout his career. Dixie is always available for Music and Jingle Composition/Music Arrangement, Studio Production and Live/Recording Sessions. Dixie can be contacted at
[email protected] To book Gypsy, contact Dennis Ferdinands
[email protected] or send GYPSY a message thru myspace.
GYPSY edits their profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V6.66
