ROMAN

If there is one Canto-Pop star that gels with my vintage and music preferences he would be Roman Tam, who lost his battle with liver cancer 10 years ago.  As I write there is a special 10th Anniversary exhibition at the Shatin Heritage Museum in his memory.  Any fan of Roman, and anyone who identifies with music in that era should make the effort, you will not be disappointed.

Roman could sing, dance and talk, all at the same time.  He was the proverbial all-rounded entertainer whose showmanship, on and off stage, was the envy of the music world, old and new. What gave him the definitive edge was training received from conservatories and dance schools in Guangzhou during his childhood, a solid and disciplined foundation he built on since landing in Hong Kong in the 1960's as a teenager.  I loved the way he articulated lyrics, the way he held every note right at its pitch, but above all the way he put tons of feelings in whatever he was asked to sing.  Remember 'Under the Lion Rock', the theme for the RTHK series, a real classic.  Roman was a true professional during his time, an idol whom his peers wish to emulate, and a maker of history many times over in his industry.  I often listen to his award winning CDs in the still of the night, alone, and enjoy being overwhelmed by the mood this magical voice still engenders.

The exihibition opens with a truly well deserved accolade " ... A Voice Hong Kong is Proud Of .....".   It is extremely well done, please do not miss it.