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| Sunday, 28 March 2004 |
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Ezra has just released an EP : Worshipping God thro' song by Umangi de Mel They rock the floor with great gusto, Their sole focus is not just ordinary rock. Gospel music seems to be their fodder, religion being their greatest characteristic. "Ezra is a prophet that comes in the bible who led the christians who were in captivity, out of it.
Talking about the year 2003, Ezra says that it was quite a busy one. "We've been performing at all the rock company gigs and Rock Saturdays. The crowd response has been quite a good one too". They've also been a success during Christmas, "It was over Christmas gig and we performed at the Bible house auditorium". The guys have played for the 'Rock-fest' that was held in Kandy at the old Trinitian Sports Club. The event was a hit in Kandy and the crowd appreciated our music as well", says a very satisfied Billie. Having completed nine original tracks Ezra has already released an EP. "Out of the nine originals, 'Nazarene' talks about Jesus, his life, death and the reason why he died for us and what he expected the mankind to be today.
The seventh track which is called 'Rescue Me' is praying for God's protection against civil works. The final track which is called 'Rafaha' talks about the qualities of God' they say ending a list of gospel tracks. According to the guys, lyrics, music and melodies are Ezra's own productions. Speaking of the EP, the outfit says that they'll be releasing three songs, "Are you Ready, 'Nazarene' and 'Deweshaya' are the three tracks. We released the EP in August, last year. It was recorded in Ranga Dassanayake's studio called 'Hit factory'", Billie says they are headed towards releasing their debut album. "The EP contained three tracks instead of one as we wanted to give a better offer for the customer. But the album will have 10 tracks". Speaking of all those who deserve to be spoken about, the guys say, that the Rock company egged them on to release the EP. "It involved lots of funds, nobody agreed to sponsor us but all individuals and close friends helped us financially. Ajith Perera was very supportive and Ranga Dassanayake was the other person who gave us a hand". Ezra is planning to do a gig in July and fly to Dubai for a concert that is organized by the Sri Lanka - Dubai Entertainment company. Times change and Ezra too has a change in their line up of members. "Yohan and Dale have left for higher studies and Joshua's replaced Yohan, while the Nigel quite new replaced Dale. Now it's myself Romesh, Joshva, Nigel and Devashrie who's our vocalist", explains Billy. Planning the times ahead, the guys say, that they hope to go to England to perform and do a bit of studies. We want to learn to improve as a band and as musicians. And we are planning to get down a premier gospel artiste to perform with", they say wrapping things up for the time being. |
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They had no freedom to worship God, 'Ezra' enabled them to praise and
worship God the way they wanted", Billie Fernando, leader of the band
says kicking off the conversation. "We, as a band are taking people
who ain't able to worship God to a place and a time where they can worship
God", he says explaining the reason why the outfit is being named
after the prophet. 'Ezra' is a rock band that plays other music as well,
most of which being gospel rock, the guys says they'd like to stick to
that sort of music.
The second one which is called 'Dweshaya' talks about Malice. How
malicious an individual could be and how it controls him. It shows how the
grace and mercy of God delivers it from him", he continues, "the
third one' 'Are you ready' is about the 2nd coming of Jesus. The fourth
one which is called 'An evening prayer is about crying out to God, for his
blessings and protection. The fifth song, "I believe' is about the
basics of the Christian faith". Billie says their sixth track
'Dependence' talks about total dependence on God.
