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| Sunday, 9 February 2003 |
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He launched his musical career no sooner he left his alma mater St. Joseph's College, Colombo by leading his first band 'Dakotas' with his brother Mohan on rhythm guitar, Milroy Peter on bass, Junior Weerasinghe on drums and Noeline vocals. The band had a successful run playing at many dances and variety shows which was in vogue then. Later there were a few changes in the personnel of Dakotas. Felix Liyanage, Desmond de Silva and drummer Hassen Musafer joined the band to continue its popularity. Music, in the words of song, was Joe's life. He nursed a secret dream of being a showman and decided to set up an entertainment business. He called it J.J. Entertainments and enthusiastically got involved in organising dances, stage shows, plays and more events which threw him into the limelight of the entertainment scene. With the advent of the global Tijuana sound Joe judiciously changed the sound of Dakotas with the introduction of a powerful wind section and renamed his band 'Talk of the Town' which further enhanced his popularity. The band comprised talented musicians at various stages like pianist/singer Louise Crake Anandappa, drummer/keyboardist/singer Dharshika Perera, Saxophonist Benny Victor, Saxophonist Mervin Fernando, trumpeter, Cecil Fernando, trumpeter, Denzil Lazarus, Keyboardist Navin Fernando, drummer Refaai Thowfeek and saxophonist Kumar Molligoda and vocalist/guitarist Glen Outschoorn. Talk of the Town true to its name enjoyed success and Joe even arranged many playing dates in Dubai. The band had a weekly contract at the JAIC Hilton last year and he was playing at the Galadari Hotel with Talk of the Town the week before he collapsed with illness. A forthright and energetic musician his bandmates are carrying on the show - like he would have wanted. Farewell Joe. |
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| Produced by Lake House |
The
Sri Lankan music industry has lost another reputed musician band leader
Joe Jayasuriya. A popular guitarist he was last playing at the Galadari
Hotel. His band 'Talk of the Town' maintained a special identity despite
the speedy changes in music. With his friendly characteristic smile, that
never left him whatever the situation he was in, Joe who earned himself
the affectionate label of 'fairy godfather' was a friend to many
musicians, always ready to lend a helping hand to those who were in dire
straits.
