|
|
|
  |
| Sunday, 6 February 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Magazine |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Fame's their name and aim by Mahes Perera
Twenty three year old Ranga Perera, a bassist and vocalist, is smug about the success of his group Fame, he put together last October to meet the year end demand for musical performances. Nurtured in a home where his parents listened to the Beatles, Bee Gees and singers and bands of that era since hip-hop and rap bounce were not high in their pop hit list, Ranga acquired a wide knowledge of retro music which surprises himself. But then of course we must remember that Moratuwa is well recognised for its musicians besides fishermen! Whatever the age, music is in the bones of the inhabitants. "The rest of the members have had experience working in a band and I wondered at the start whether I will have problems tackling them - because I'm younger than them, but I must say I was happy working with them. We had many rehearsals before we launched our band Fame. We have a regular working gig now at the Galadari Hotel on Saturdays, and at the Bentota Beach Hotel on Mondays. Our repertoire is basically music of the 60's and 70's and we enjoy playing the hits of Kool & the Gang, Earth Wind and Fire, the blues of Joe Cocker and of course standards, swing and Sri Lankan pop" express Ranga who is quite serious about his music career. Holding a day job in an auditing firm Ranga had a formal education in Oriental music and is quite adept at playing the violin and sitar. So taking to the bass guitar was no problem at all. The Oriental scene is heavily competitive today, so he thought it was better moving into the western scene. The other members of the band Royle Illaperuma - guitar/ vocals, Chami Mendis - drums/ vocals and Suneth - keyboards/ vocals, alternate on vocals which gives the band a wide variety in music. "Chami Mendis is a strong vocalist who enjoys singing the covers of CCR, while Suneth the keyboardist is quite talented in composing Sinhala songs, so this helps us to have original creativity in our repertoire. Royle's guitar-work gives a lot of colour to our music. Of course our manager is Cumar Pieris, keyboardist of the Gypsies and he has helped us tremendously in the arrangements of the music in our repertoire," comments Ranga. Fame have been fortunate in making other appearances at corporate functions, weddings and dances. Endowed with a natural flair for friendly public relations, Ranga keeps his team together with ease. This is reflected in their performances as they jell together smoothly and make music that is ideal for an evening of entertainment. Catch them on Saturdays at the Galadari Hotel. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Politics | Produced by Lake House |
