Entertainment

Debut CD from Surenie

By Mahes Perera

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Looks like this new CD by the young committed singer Suraniee de Mel which was launched yesterday is going to be a success for her. Titled Aadare Nam the CD contains thirteen melodic tracks which will capture the interest of many music lovers young and old. "I'm grateful to a host of composers of music and lyrics for assisting me in getting the CD off the ground. I've included one of my compositions Nil Daasin the lyrics were written by me and it is a love song that reaches out with emotion.

The song Aadare Nam I composed in 2006 and I've included it in my new CD. No. I haven't rearranged the music, it is in its original form. The album will be available in the market by March 10 and I'm hoping to stage a concert by the end of this year - I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that 'cos it's a lot of hard work," reveals Suranie when we reached her for news of her latest CD.

Leading names in the music scene have supported Suranie in the music compositions like Iraj, Bathiya and Santush, Kasun Kalhara, Thushith Niroshan, Sangeeth Wickremasinghe and Suresh Mariyaladde while the lyrics for her songs were handled by Wasantha Dukgannarala, Hemasiri Halpita, Denzil Nugegoda and Sunil Jayawardena.

Did you during your young days nurse a dream to be a singer? "Yes I think you can say that. Because I was always interested in music. I offered dancing and music for my A Levels. I received vocal technique guidance from Marianne David. Later I joined Chandral Fonseka's band Kings sang a lot of oldies, soul and R&B but by the end of 2006 I left the band because my regular job plus music was a bit difficult for me to cope up with. I wanted to do music full time. So here I am ready to launch my new CD on March 8!"

However this is not the first time Suranie has been thrown into recording tracks. She claims her first single Obe Mage Mai Kiya for which the music was composed by Sangeeth Wickramasinghe and Hemasiri Halpita was created by her on a low-budget-visual but received considerable telecast airplay. and she is proud of her initial achievement. Now she has signed up for releasing three albums and we wish her all success!

Saturday nights with Annesley

by Mahes Perera

"Saturday nights is going to be something special for us" says Annesley Malawana. "It will be a weekly traditional "Sri Lankan Night" in music and the entire environment at the Galadari Hotel will be truly Sri Lankan. This is something that is important to promote Sri Lanka with the tourists. In a backdrop of Sri Lankan batik wall hangings, woven cane baskets, stewards in colourful Island shirts, popular selective Sri Lankan cuisine prepared by Chef Lloyd Opatha and we the Super Chimes with our wide repertoire of Sri Lankan music - we are confident that fans will go home taking pleasant memories with them.

Annesley Malawana now a national musical icon has big plans for his band this year. A much sought after band for stage shows, weddings and for musical backing for any artiste be it Sinhala or English, Annesley with his wealth of experience has guided the band to be one of the leading bands in Sri Lanka. The Super Chimes comprises Jagath Kulasinghe on drums and vocals, Channa Athalage on lead guitar, Dimantha Seneviratne - keyboards, Prashan Fernando - rhythm guitar and vocals, Gihan Shalinda - bass/vocals, and ofcourse Annesley the lead singer.

Annseley who has been in the industry for over 40 years formed Super Chimes in 2004 and is proud of the fact that the band can play anything from Sinhala Classics, Sinhala Pops, songs of the Moonstones, Super Golden Chimes and music for dancing mixed with Hits of 60s and 70s. For a truly Sri Lankan cuisine and great Sri Lankan music join Annesley and the Super Chimes on Saturdays.

Musical Safari

by Mahes Perera

What will be the biggest attraction with the Norwegian group Safari will be the inclusion of many popular Sinhala songs in their repertoire which their leader Sri Lankan Ricky Senn has introduced.

The band a seven piece outfit will be featured at the Torana Lounge, Colombo Hilton from tomorrow till next Sunday March 16, from 8.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. each night. Speaking with saxophonist Ricky Senn who is no stranger to the Sri Lankan music scene he revealed "I've arranged many Sinhala songs for the group to play songs of Sunil Santha, C. T. Fernando and bailas including Nalevena Mau Ukule which are played in Dixie up tempo and the boys enjoy themselves thoroughly when playing the melodies. Of course quite naturally their repertoire comprises mainly Dixie Music and the Old New Orleans era music with many a twist.

Satchmo Armstrong is a great favourite with them and as such an impacting influence in our music. We also do other music as well like songs of the Beatles, Dutch Swing College and Norwegian folk songs." Well if Ice Cream, Mack the Knife, Hello Dolly are your favourites and you would like to re-live them as played by a professional band then join the musical journey of Safari the band at the Hilton Colombo.

The band comprises leader Ricky Senn - soprano and tenor saxes/vocals, Svein Saksen - drums, Olav Aune - sousaphone, Asbjorn Sylte - guitar, Gudmund Husby - piano, Per Gunnar Eidsaar - slide trombone and Torleiv Skjotskift - trumpet and flugelhorn. This is the second visit of the group to Sri Lanka.

Chill out with a variety of sounds

Chill out with the enjoyable sounds of the bands throughout the week at the Heist. On Tuesdays the folk-cum-dance group Fame will be in action. On Wednesdays it will be the newcomers to the music scene Coolset from 7.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. The popular Sohan and the X'periments will make your evening a happy one on Thursdays while on Fridays it will be the turn of Kings with Mariazelle, to drive away the work blues of the week. Saturdays belongs to the mystic Kismet and their enticing vibes.

Fusion and Latin vibes

After a lapse of time musicians get together to exchange their artistry, extempore-wise in fusion and Latin vibes which has always given them soul satisfaction. They meet today from 1.30 p.m. onwards at the CR & FC eager to greet each other and their music loving fans. At 1.30 p.m. the opening session will be by a group led by pianist Hilary Christie with Timal Jayamanne - bass and Shanthi Seneviratne - drums.

They will be joined by singer Antoinette de Alwis who just returned to island from Australia after successful engagements. The other band in the spotlight will be headed by vocalist Jean van Heer supported by the leading saxophonist Rodney van Heer, Alston Joachim will join them on bass, white Shiraaz Nooramith will inspire them with his drum language.

Rotti carts and Italians

The legendary "Rotti Cart on Wheels" strikes a new exciting cuisine note with Spicy Negombo Lagoon Crab Rotti at the Commons. It's out of the norm savoury fillings one is associated with. There are the other variants as well and coupled with the array of thirst quenching milkshakee it's an ideal way to chill out...

Go Italian and remember the saying when you are in Rome do as the Roman's do. No there will be no chariots to race along but certainly Insalatas, pastas and pizzas galore at the Bay Leaf. Vegans can have a field day with a wide selection of leafy dishes from the different regions of Rome.