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| Sunday, 16 May 2004 |
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This was in the era when music was played acoustic and the sound was personal and identified with a particular musician. Later on when electric instruments changed music he was not that happy with the sound. His expertise in arranging music for foreign cabaret acts or playing piano for an overseas band when featured in concerts in Sri Lanka was much sought, after. Many were such acts that arrived in our country in the 50s and 60s, and Miki was a familiar figure at the piano on stage. A music teacher as well, he put young musicians on the correct road to their career, imparting to them the rudiments of music theory and practice which has stood them in good stead till today. A friend to all, Miki hailed from a family of musicians his siblings being trumpeter Tom, bassist Ralph and pianist/keyboardist Helen Lucas. The music tradition is carried on by his son Roger and daughter-in-law Cheryl with their popular band 'Stay Tuned' playing at Centre Point in Australia. Eliza his daughter is an accomplished musician herself although she does not perform in public, while his wife Cynthia carries on the piano business started by Miki of hiring and tuning of pianos. |
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| Produced by Lake House |
Yesterday (May 15) senior musicians and younger musicians too, must
surely have paused a moment to remember pianist/saxophonist Mike Menezes
who left a void four years ago in the music scene. A fine
multi-instrumentalist who was also professional in playing the clarinet,
trombone cello, bass and drums, Miki's halycon days were not only when he
was playing in his father's Menezes Swing Stars but also when he fronted
his own dance and concert band the Miki Menezes Combo which was a popular
and leading band in the circuit.
