THE late Doe Lone was a much-loved pioneer of alternative music in Myanmar, and one of our first singer/songwriters in this genre. So it is appropriate that among the rash of tribute memorial albums, one has now been released for this iconic figure.

Last week Heart Music issued the tape, CD, VCD and also DVD of a concert, Doe Lone Alive at the International Business Centre in Hlaing township on January 6, 2004.

With the late singer’s band BPM (Beat Per Minute), more than 20 singers of different ages, from middle-aged singers like Chit Kaung and Connie to the new generation young singers like E Toe, Khin Phone, and Kai Zar Tin Mone performed their favourites of his hits.

Some new singers such as Khun Myo Min Ni and Bway Min Han also joined in to pay tribute to the late singer who died in September 2003.

Ko Maung Maung Htway, the producer of the live album who arranged the live concert first met Doe Lone in 2000.

“I started working with him from his third album. He was a guy who devoted his life to alternative music,” he said.

“Organising this concert was a remembrance to him and for his family, not to make a profit. All the singers performed free of charge in memory of Doe Lone.”

It took him more than a year to make the album because there were so many singers and some wanted to re-record their tracks in the studio for better quality.

The first track was the BPM members’ group performance of one of Doe Lone’s greatest hit Su Taung (Prayer).

Starting with the chorus ‘May all beings have long lives in good mental and physical health, I am praying,’ by Chaw Su Khin, Doe Lone’s widow, the song is about the peaceful world we would have if all beings loved one another.

Chaw Su Khin sang three songs written by her late husband including Ta Yauk Thaw Chit Thu (Only one lover) and Ein Mat (Dream).

Taunggyi singers, El Naung and El Phyu, also perform on the album to honour their soulbrother Doe Lone, who also hailed from that town. El Phyu, well-known singer and songwriter from The Ants, who has also since died, said at the concert he was remembering a curly-haired kid who was wearing green longyi and didn’t stay quiet for a single moment.

Doe Lone’s most memorable song, the acoustic version of Machit Bu Ma Pyaw Bar Ne (Don’t tell me you don’t love me), was performed by pop singer Tin Zar Maw.

Saw Yan Naing, the lead guitarist of BPM band, said, “We miss him so much. I am wondering if he is looking at us from heaven with a big smile.”

Doe Lone began his career in 1997, declaring that he would only ever perform original, alternative songs.

“I’ll be doing what I want. I’ll never let go of alternative. I strongly believe in this music style,” he once said.

He proved this with four solo album releases of alternative songs – Ayoe Htee Aung Yu (Crazy To The Bone), Doe Lone?, Tayauk Thaw Chit Tithu (My One and Only Lover) and Doe Lone’s Greatest Hits.

In 2001 he teamed up with rapper Myo Kyawt Myaing on Sar Thone Kyee (Taste it), pioneering the first fusion of alternative and rap.

He married pop and country Chin singer Chaw Su Khin in 2002 and died of liver disease at just 26 on September 3, 2003.

His last album, Alo Taw Ataing (As God’s wish), featuring his wife Chaw Su Khin was released in April 2004.

Die-hard Doe Lone fans might be a little reluctant to accept his songs performed by other singers, but if you are a fan of alternative music, this album is recommended for your album shelf.