Entertainment

Los Caballeros nostalgia

by Mahes Perera

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The legacy of Sri Lankan music left behind by the highly versatile acoustic classical guitarist and vocalist Neville Fernando, according to many music afficionados, is hard to beat. He and his group Los Caballeros burst into the music scene in the 60’s with a creativity that soon became the rage in town.

The flexibility in the arrangements of his songs, which leant on Paraguayan rhythms, was irresistible. Remember the songs Gayana Gayum which was featured in Lester James Pieris Delovak Athara, Master Sir from Kalu Diya Dahara composed by Nimal Mendis, Samudra Devi, Ran Maliya, the song which he sang with Rukmani Devi Mal Bara Himidiriye and Sandath Nage, Sandath Giley Sagarey to name a few?

Well I guess that they will never fade away from the music firmament. To keep alive the memory of Neville the singer with a fabulous voice, a special programme will be broadcast on Radio Lakhanda on Friday May 2 at 9.30 p.m.

The programme will be compered by Sureweera with musician Anura Jayasinghe in conversation about the life and music of Neville Fernando. Los Caballeros when they launched out was a five piece outfit with Neville at the helm, responsible for all the arrangements. His vocal artistry and his classical guitar artistry gave that rich depth to the music of the group.

Others were Harold Perera - percussion and vocals, Annesley Perera - bass guitar and vocals who we understand is the only living member to date.

Vernon Perera played rhythm guitar and joined in on vocals with Clement Roland - vocals and rhythm guitar.Los Cabelleros’ popularity escalated with their Radio Shows on then Radio Ceylon and later on SLBC in the programme series, In Concert style which went live weekly at 7.30 p.m.

Soon this fascinating group was a popular act at many Variety shows and concerts. Neville also launched out in recording music for films. He was responsible for arranging the sound tracks and he sang as well.

Thirty three years ago sadly on April 23, he was a victim of leukaemia. Join Radio Lakhanda and relive the nostalgia of the music of Los Caballeros, on Friday May 2 at 9.30 p.m.

Nil Tharu the debut CD from Tharaka

by Mahes Perera

Becoming a solo artiste is every singer’s dream. And dreams they saw do come true in this wicked world if you are persistent and committed. Tharaka Karunanayake is determined to achieve his life’s ambition even if it takes him, a couple of years. With that idea in mind Tharaka has released a CD with two of his songs Nil Tharu and Daasiya.

“I intend releasing an album with fourteen songs. I haven’t decided on the title of the album as yet. The singles I have released to Yes FM for airplay and I’m told that the airplay is now frequent. That’s good news”, says Tharaka.What are your themes for songs and have you composed songs for your album?

“The themes are popular love songs, dance songs and hip hop. The music was composed and arranged by Eranga Jayawardena and Udara Dandeniya. The lyrics for my songs were written by the versatile Kelun Srimal and I’m extremely thankful to him for his assistance. No I haven’t composed any songs.”

Taraka is no stranger to the music scene in Sri Lanka. A member of the youth group 6th Lane, Taraka is their vocalist. He has no intention of leaving them in his pursuance to be a solo artiste.

“I want to be a solo artiste and 6th Lane have released two albums. I’m in both of them. Being a solo artiste in the Sri Lankan music scene is a big challenge but I’m prepared to accept the challenge and prove myself. I’m not into fusion. I’m leaving for Boston through Virtusa in a few days but will be back and intend releasing my album before the year ends. My special thank you goes to Angela for all the assistance and support she gave me to release my CD.”

Would you make an appearance for the Sri Lankans in the States? “Well if they invite me to. I will be happy to sing to them!”, was Tharake’s parting shot.

The Masterworks Concert

The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka in association with the Royal Norwegian Embassy will present The Masterworks Concert on Saturday May 3, at 7 p.m. at the Ladies College Hall. The programme for the evening will be works by Boccherini, Hozant, Mendelssohn, Verdi and Greig.

The orchestra will be conducted by Ajit Abeysekera.From Norway the soprano Camilla Jonstang will be the soloist at the concert. A graduate of the Norwegian Academy of Music, Oslo, Camilla has performed widely in Norway and Russia and at many international music festivals and church concerts.

Fund raiser to nurture trees

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in association with the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency will stage the Colombo Vogue Lifestyles Weekend from May 30 to June 1 at the Hotel Galadari.

The proceeds from this elaborate show will be utilized to plant and nurture trees in Sri Lanka as part of the Rs. 10 million trees project the Rotary Green Cover.

The Colombo Fashion Statement will display the latest designs for 2008 by Indian and European designers and also Creations of Lecoanet Hemant designer from Paris who will visit Colombo.

Sing and Swing

Clifford Richards

Sohan & the X’periments

Like the title suggests sing and swing with Sohan and the X’periments and Clifford Richards at the Holiday Inn on Friday May 9 from 7.30 pm. The sing a long is organised by the Zonta Club 1 of Colombo is in aid of the School for the Deaf and Blind, Cancer Screening Program, Methsevana Home of Rehabilitation. If you are one of those who wish to spend your Friday evening away from crashing guitars and loud drumming and you miss listening to old favourites and evergreens, then spend a happy evening singing your heart out with the leading lights Sohan and the X’periments and Clifford Richards.