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| Sunday, 17 August 2003 |
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The music industry in Sri Lanka lost another talented musician - keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist Calvin van Gramberg who passed away recently on the day he was due to perform in the evening. Calvin was playing a regular duo scene at night spots and enjoying his music in his characteristic quiet and calm manner which was respected by all his fellow musicians. He was not a musician who demanded the spotlight or nursed a jealous grudge against another. In fact the leaders of the groups he played with are full of praise of his cool manner and dependable teamwork. Calvin's launch as a professional musician goes back to 1963 when guitarist/vocalist Raj Senewiratne formed Savage with bassist Evan Balasuriya, guitarist Calvin van Gramberg and drummer Bertram Daniel. This was the era when guitar groups were riding high on the global scene and the Beatles were in full flight. This was also the years, the halcyon years for Savage when the group was selected to play in Vietnam for a period of two and a half years, performing for the Forces, two shows a day. "Calvin was a 'rock' in the group Savage," reflects Raj Senewiratne, "soft spoken, he never lost his temper with the band in its eight year existence. He was a self taught musician with a keen ear for music and his contribution to the band was extremely valuable. Like Evan, Calvin was with my band till we disbanded. His teamwork was tremendous, and laudable. His voice was soft and mellow and strong on ballads and I'm thankful Calvin was introduced to me by Augie Raneweera's father, at his studio in Bambalapitiya, we were firm friends until his passing away. It was a shock". After Vietnam, Calvin was with Savage where they performed in Singapore for another two and a half years, before the band returned to Sri Lanka and captured the top slot with their many popular concerts including the Phase One, Two and Three series held at Navarangahala and Kandy, their performances at the Savoy Cinema and at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. With change of personnel, Raj Senewiratne switched Calvin to play keyboards which he accomplished with quiet ease and was recognised for. When Savage disbanded Calvin played with Masquerade at the Cat's Eye Supper Club Inter-Continental Hotel, with others like Sarath Jayakody Stuart Mayo, Alston Joachim, Joe Thambimuttu, Clarence Corera and Keerthi Abeywickreme. He was also the keyboardist for Dalreen for her playing dates. Playing with the Gypsies led by Sunil was another important aspect in Calvin's career. He was the second keyboardist for the band and was active with them from 1981-95. Sunil Perera recalls "he was the nicest chap I've ever known. I had no problem with him. He was punctual, he was methodical and he was a good vocalist too. I could always depend on him and he had nothing, nothing against any other musician. He left us to join 'Eternal Soul' and when that group disbanded, I was happy to have him back to help me out in all the administrative work of the Gypsies. He was also playing a duo scene and in fact the Saturday he died, he was due to perform, but sadly that was not to be. I will miss him."... So another era ends Farewell Calvin. |
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