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| Sunday, 4 December 2005 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Golden Chimes celebrates 35 years in music : Spectacular reunion The ever-popular 'Golden Chimes' will be celebrating their 35 years in music this year. Marking a special day in their history the original members will join hands with the existing band at the "Golden Chimes then and now reunion concert" to be held on December 10 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. by Chamitha Kuruppu
The year was 1965. Father of Sri Lankan pop music Clarence Wijewardena and veteran musician Annesley Malewana was invited for a wedding reception. Although the two budding vocalists were invited as guests, they were requested to perform during the reception. The then famous dance band 'Beacons' backed the duo as they performed. Although Clarence and Annesley were popular with their band 'Moonstones'- the band was only playing calypso style songs with the box guitar. The duo was mesmerised by the experience they had had with the Beacons, which was a fully equipped band. Moonstones decided to call Beacons bassist Chanaka Perera for their next recording. Clarence believed that the music by Beacons was 'ideal' for their songs. The ever popular greens 'Kalu Mame', 'Rosa Male' and 'Goyam Kapanawa' were the songs Moonstones recorded with the assistance of Beacons. The songs were released under the Suriya label in 1967. The songs became popular and the Moonstones were loaded with bookings. On somedays the band had to attend several concerts held around the country. Clarence then felt the need to change their concept of playing the box guitar to a fully equipped band. This made them call Wijith Pieris, drummer of Beacons for their next recording. Just as they expected, the recorded songs by Indrani Perera 'Dilhani' and 'Sigiriye' became hits.
By the late 1960s, Clarence had left the Moonstones. Then working at Kollupitiya, Clarence often met Chanaka whose office was also located in the same area. These accidental meetings led to another milestone in their music career. In April 1970, Clarence organised a musical show at Moratuwa. This time they had a new member, Anton Gunathilake, a lead guitarist. The concert was titled 'Breakaways from the Moonstones'. The concert became successful, and for the first time the players realised the importance of forming a band of their own. As they all desired 'Golden Chimes' was formed in 1970. The name was suggested by Gerald Wickremasuriya of Suriya label. Songs 'Pata Pata Ranthatu', 'Sinhin Sinawai', 'Kimada Nawe' and 'Mage Pelpathe' were the first songs that were recorded by the Golden Chimes. Following Anil Bharathi and Lankika Perera joining the band in 1971, the Golden Chimes released more hits such as Malai Tharui, Sandai Tharui, Bethlehem Pure, Muhudu Rella and Kiri Muhuda. Lankika was one of the first vocalists in the country singing for a band travelling around the world. The Band which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2000 released a CD two years later along with several new songs. The Golden Chimes has done four records with god-gifted musician Clarence Wijewardena. The band was a milestone in Clarence's music career as it opened a new avenue for him as a vocalist. Although Clarence has done a couple of songs such as 'Maniyane' with Moonstones, the Golden Chimes made him popular for his exceptional talent in singing. However, Clarence left Golden Chimes in 1973 and formed the Super Golden Chimes with Annesley. Along with Clarence Dixon Gunarathne lead guitarist left the Golden Chimes and the two positions were replaced by Lakpriya De Silva and Rukshan De Silva. Songs like the 'Andurata Bena Bena', 'Molaketi Puthu', 'Dalada Perahera' and 'Hiru Ipadenavita' were some of the hits released by the Golden Chimes following the breakaway of Clarence and Dixon. The band has released four records since then. Although their fame had become less with Clarence leaving the band, Golden Chimes earned a name as a dance band during the 1980's. In 1986 they clinched the Most Popular Award at the Musical Awards conducted by the Sunday Observer. The band boasts of performing in several countries around the world. The original band led by Clarence comprised of Chanaka (bassist), Dixon Gunarathne (lead guitarist), Wijith Peiris (drums), Lankika and Anil Bharathi. Rukshan (lead guitar/vocal), Lakpriya (rhythm guitar/vocal), Laysaing de Silva (key board) joined Golden Chimes in the early 1980s. Terry Miskin (rhythm guitar/vocal) and Ravindra Fernando (keyboard) joined the band in late 1980's. The present band consists of Chanaka (leader/bassist), Lankika, Jagath Peiris (Vocal/lead guitar) who celebrates 25 years with the band, Pimal Fernando (Keyboard/vocal), Ajith Wijeratne (drums) and Dane Asmona (vocalist). 'Golden Chimes then and now reunion concert' will bring many special features to viewers. All original members will go on stage to perform at the concert where they will pay a special tribute to their founder, Clarence. To mark 35 years in music, 35 songs will be performed during the concert. **** Members profile Chanaka Perera Pioneer Bassist and Present Leader of Golden Chimes, he was the bassist for a dance band called 'BEACONS' in early 60s and joined the Moonstones with Clarence in 1967 and played for most recordings of the Moonstones. Formed the Golden Chimes with the late Clarence Wijewardene in 1970. He has been in the music field since 1965 and with the Golden Chimes for 34 years. He is a versatile musician/singer. Lankika Perera Female vocalist of the Golden Chimes since inception. She boasts of completing three decades with Golden Chimes. Versatile in both Western and Sinhala songs. Recorded many songs for E.P's Cassetes & CDs Kimada Nave, Molaketi Puthune, Malai Velai, Sandai Tharui are some of Lankika's popular songs. Jagath Peiris Lead guitarist/vocalist of the Golden Chimes for the past 24 years. He has 30 years experience in the music field. Versatile singer / musician / composer. Pimal Fernando Key Boardist / Vocalist of the Golden Chimes since 2004. Has 25 years experience in the music field. Ajith Wijemanne Drummer of the Golden chimes since 2003. Has 20 years experience in the music field. Talented & experienced drummer. |
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