Entertainment

Sri Lankan premier percussionist

by Mahes Perera

Hailing from Moratuwa, Sri Lanka's Sunil de Silva is today enjoying the prestigious position of being recognised as Australia's leading hand percussionist.

His reputation as a dynamic percussionist has resulted in him performing with the world's most respected artistes and covering a diverse and enviable range of music styles. In a recent visit to Sri Lanka Sunil de Silva recounted his elastic performing experiences over the years.

Pop fans will be happy to note that he played on tour with James Morrison, INXS, Midnight Oil, Jose Feliciano, John Denver, Jermaine Jackson. The Doobie Brothers, Bryan Ferry and a host of other international artistes, too numerous to record here.

In demand as both a free lance and session musician, Sunil de Silva was invited by Crosby, Stills Nash and Young to play on their CD, and has been the percussionist for most of the Australian TV shows.

Associated with LP percussion, Sunil de Silva made available to us an interview he had with Australia's Drum Magazine the Drum scene. Some excerpts for your reading pleasure.

What's your educational background?

I am basically self-taught but I was fortunate enough to meet Giovanni Hidalgo and spend five days with him. I learnt from this extraordinary master conga player by watching him play and just hanging out together. I have also learnt a lot by listening to some of the best players in the world through watching both live performances and DVD's.

What's your approach to playing with multiple percussionists?

Learn all the parts precisely and know the other players parts as well. Listen to and respect other players. Everyone has to contribute to achieve the final goal. How do you approach playing with a drummer?

Try to set up your gear as close as possible to the drummer. Make sure you can at least hear the hi-hat and the bass drum so that you can lock in with the drummer even in a very loud and difficult situation. Percussion must add to what the drummer is playing and make him sound even better. If you do this he will love your playing! It is also very good to be humble and friendly. Happiness is important.

What other percussion instruments do you play?

Talking drum (Senegal), Saba (Senegal), Batta (Cuba), Tabla (India).

Which style do you prefer or has influenced you the most - Cuban, Brazilian or African?

I love all rhythms and dance but I particularly enjoy West African rhythms and dance. If you can understand the dance you can understand the rhythms.

What are some of your favourite percussion Grooves?

I love lots of different grooves and use lots of different techniques. I have a DVD coming out soon so you'll be able to see for yourself!

Can you name some of your favourite Drummers?

Steve Gadd, Harvery Mason, Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Colainta and El Negro Horacio Hernandez.

What are some of your favourite CD's?

Giovanni Hidalgo - 'Bata Cumbale' Live in Puerto Rico, John McLaughlin featuring Zakir Hussein on tabla - 'Making Music'. Percussion de Guinea featuring djembe player Namudy Keitha.

What bands are you Currently playing with?

James Morrison - "On The Edge", Doug Williams - "The Mix"Plus various freelance gigs and sessions.

Any current personal projects?

I'm working on an instructional percussion DVD with Australian LP distributor Music Link using LP hand percussion.

Do you have a specific career highlight or highlights?

Playing with INXS, live. Also performing with Midnight Oil, live and the James Morrison 2003/4 European Tours.

Why do you use LP percussion?

After many years of experience I have found that LP products are the most reliable instruments on the market. I can attain the most consistent and high-quality sound both in the studio and live without much effort.

[email protected]

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Nuwara Eliya continues to tick

The entertainment scene at Nuwara Eliya continues to tick with excitement. Today the finals of the Road Races organised by SLMCC and the Nuwara Eliya Motor Racing Club will be worked out at the Race Course.

Tomorrow April 23 a Volley Ball Tournament for Boys at the Indoor Stadium, Nuwara Eliya will be held for the T. B. Ratnayake Challenge Trophy. Also for those who enjoy playing Kabadi a tournament will be worked out at the Municipal Grounds, sponsored by the Department of Sports.

On Tuesday April 24, a Volley Ball Tournament for Girls will be held at the Indoor Stadium. The cricket fever will be kept alive with a special tournament between Clubs for the Trophy presented by the Central Provincial Minister for Education.

On April 25 the Department of Trade, Commerce and Tourism will present a traditional Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim show.

There will be another Cricket Tournament on Friday April 27. This is the All Island Municipal Council Cricket Tournament sponsored by the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council. Also on the same day at the Lake Gregory site there will be an exhibition of Traditional Drum Beating rhythms.

For the adventours the Trails of the Mountain Bike Race organised by the Nuwara Eliya Motor Racing Club will be held at the Mahagastota Race Track on Saturday April 28 and finals will be on Sunday April 29.

MP

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Round the world breakfast

The National YWCA of Sri Lanka has chosen a novel and practical way to connect globally to celebrate World YWCA Day. On Tuesday April 24 the National YWCA will connect through PEOPLE globally ...... YWCA Women in over 100 countries will gather for a special celebration of Women's Leadership with a Breakfast Around the World. The celebrations start at 7.00 a.m. in Wellington, New Zealand and finishes 21 hours later in California, USA, British Colombia, Canada.

Due to security reasons the National YWCA will celebrate the breakfast in Sri Lanka from 8.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. on April 24 at the YWCA Union Place. At this same time Women in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh will be connected with Women in Sri Lanka.

A world YWCA fundraising effort for the training of Women and Girls, it is also a celebration of the power of women to change lives and communities. The special feature for the day will be a lucky draw for Rs. 50.

The Chief Guest will give her personal reflections on how the YWCA movement has empowered young women to be leaders in their communities as well as overcoming the effects of Tsunami by women.