A night of memories

by Mahes Perera

I t was a night of memories! A wealth of songs from the 70's came alive at the BMICH on Friday March 23 when the members of the popular Spitfires came together to treat the audience with their Spitfires - Reunion Concert. It was sheer entertainment rarely seen on our stages.

This was no presentation where the audience had to sit through singer after singer introduced by the compere, he or she standing straight on stage singing his or her song and walking back to the wings. This was a different kettle of fish.

The singers and musicians reached out to the audience in a collective effort to ensure to their colleagues that all of them were behind him or her with their musicianship. Who could have asked for a better front line - strong and fabulous were Conrad de Silva, Maxie Rosairo, Priyanthi, Budrin Musafer, Noeline, Dalreen and Desmond de Silva, giving that extra thrust with their harmonies for practically every song and with bassist Laurenz

Manricks, guitarist Ronnie Boustead and guitarist Raja Jalaldeen joining in as well. Of course we cannot leave out the rhythm section with Chinti Perera on drums, Claude Fernando - keyboards augmented by Chrys Wickramanayake - keyboards and Lelun Ratnayake - percussion.

More than fifty songs were performed with an attractive opener of a medley of Beatles hits before Conrad took over for his special of Tom Jones favourites which included Help Yourself, Ten Guitars, Man Without Love.Dalreen's effervescent rendition of Harper Valley PTA and Sweet Inspiration with Desmond brought back the era of the Spits.

So too Maxie's Have You Ever Seen the Rain and his stunning tour de force Bridge Over Troubled Water. There was Noeline with the songs she was noted for - Proud Mary and To Love Somebody which saw ready audience participation. Buddy with his Trini Lopez favourites that included Shame and Scandal spread the humour ingredient, so typical of Buddy, and later his signature song Crying Time with Conrad.

Desmond in the first half so suave in his rendition of My Girl, Oh Danny Boy a dedication to the late Marci Perera, Yester me Yester you Yesterday the Motown favourites and of course he threw in Chuda Manike with Buddy.

The solo spotlight next fell on Priyanthi in fine form, who rocked it up with Get Ready and a strong To Sir With Love. Also her duet with Maxi in My Cheri Amour and her duet in the second half with Desmond in Quando, her solo Too Late and again an Unforgettable duet with Raja, proved her faultless artistry. It was a Santana contribution from Raja.

The haunting Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va with Maxi joining in was tremendous. There were more fabulous songs to mention but space is limited. What stood out that evening was the enthusiasm of the musicians to entertain the audience with their gifted artistry and presentation and to give their fans lasting memories to take home - they succeeded.

All thanks to DK Promotions for getting the Spitfires members on one stage, just for our entertainment. The print media sponsors were Sunday Observer and Daily News.

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