entertainment

Saxophone harmony

By Mahes PERERA

Saxophonist brothers in harmony who have made a name for themselves are rare in our music scene today. A quick look back reveals the names of the Menezes brothers Miki and Tom, both are no more.

Ricky and Gavin Senn

Today we have the Senn brothers - Ricky and Gavin who have carved a niche for themselves as exciting saxophonists both blowing tenor, alto, baritone and soprano and are at ease in any musical context.

Both of them are siblings from a musical family. Their father Bernie Senn was a swinging vocalist in the early years and their sister Ramona is a recognised pianist who unfortunately did not pursue her musical career.

Ricky Senn who is in Norway was in Sri Lanka for an important event in his life and that was to get married to the beautiful Nicole Ferdinandus, daughter of Tony the guitarist/vocalist of the band Pearl. Also the festive season was something Ricky was not going to miss. To be curious what made you choose the saxophone as your primary instrument?

“Actually it was more or less suggested by my Dad. I was 15 years old when he took me to Miki Menezes to learn to play the saxophone. It sounded nice to me and I got interested in blowing the instrument.

Looking back I’m happy my Dad put me on this track. I play the soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. After College, I studied at St. Peter’s College, and played with Climax before I joined the Colombo Gems led by Adrian Ferdinands and we toured Norway, Switzerland and back to Norway.

When the band disbanded I stayed back in Norway and did a duo scene. Today I lead a seven piece jazz band called Safari. Last year the band played a gig at the Hilton Colombo much appreciated by the audience.”

Gavin Senn became a saxophonist due to circumstances and now when he looks back he says he is happy it happened that way because he is enjoying himself playing the tenor, alto and soprano saxes.

“I started my music when Dad made me study the trumpet and the acoustic bass. At St. Peter’s College I was in the choir. But my switch to saxophone came when Ricky joined Colombo Gems and had to go abroad.

At that time he was playing with the band Climax led by Rodney Rabot and that’s how I became a saxophonist. I’m glad about it, I had happy times.

After Climax I had my moments with Galaxy, Pro Arrangement, Mirage and Aquarius and today I’m a freelance saxophonist and I’m enjoying myself back at home playing with a variety of bands for different occasions and events.” Blowing a saxophone is no easy task, but the brothers Senn - Ricky and Gavin - make it sound a simple thing.

Soul searching journey

by Mahes PERERA

‘Music in the Air’ a mix of gospel and spiritual songs will be presented by Sri Lanka’s leading female choir Soul Sounds today at the Lionel Wendt. The choir will be conducted by Professor Mark Wilson, Music Director, University of California, Berkeley Gospel Chorus.

Professor Wilson is in Sri Lanka on the invitation of Soundarie David whom she met while she was studying at the University of California, Berkeley in 2007 and later accompanied the Berkeley Gospel Chorus during her term there.

Their strong friendship inspired Soundarie David to invite him to train the choir in the true art of gospel singing which helped them to win a Gold in the Gospel Category at the World Choir Games held in Austria last year.

Professor Wilson a livewire director, pianist and singer has directed many choirs in the USA. He conducted a week of workshops with Soul Sounds for them to master a new repertoire for their concert today, which is directed by Soundarie David and conducted by him. The choir will also feature Neranjan de Silva - keyboards and Christopher Prins - drums.

Golden Chimes wow their fans

Golden Chimes with Lankika, Chanaka, Suranga, Lalaka, Kamal, Eranga and Chamila.

The Blackfoot Inn Hotel in Calgary echoed to the exciting sounds of Lankika and the Golden Chimes when the Sri Lanka - Canada Association after a lapse of thirty years staged a New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Lankika who spoke with us over the telephone said the event was a terrific success with all the Sri Lankans enjoying every moment of the music, the countdown sessions especially which they miss in Canada.

Non stop baila with a baila competition and an air ticket to Las Vegas as the prize was keenly contested. DJ Chamila Perera of Cool Jay Entertainment wowed the audience with his slick artistry on the grooves.

With kiribath served for breakfast the celebrations to greet 2009 was a memorable one. All thanks to Tony de Silva - President of the Association and Felix Rohantha Kulasekera who sponsored the band. Golden Chimes return to Sri Lanka after a concert on January 17 at the Mount Royal College Le Koch Theatre, Calgary in aid of the Association.

M.P.

Reflections from Manila

In the new year music lovers will have the experience of enjoying the vibes of a pop group from Manila who will be featured at the Thorana Lounge of Hilton Colombo from January 16 onwards.

The four piece band Reflections according to the blurbs play a variety of pop, rock and soul to suit the different tastes of the audience. The group has played at Hilton Nanjing, Hilton Kuching, Hilton Nagoya and will now be featured at Hilton Colombo.

Arlene has a lovely voice and has a repertoire that includes standards, jazz and popular music. She has a style of her own and has performed with many a band in the Philippines. Her daughter Relene is a young and energetic vocalist singing the music of the new generation and what’s more plays percussion too.

Then there’s Sophia with a repertoire of pop, rock and soul and is an acoustic guitarist as well. Finally the pianist is Chris who has been performing in Korea, Vietnam and China over the past years.

He has an extensive piano experience, plays guitar and sings in an easy relaxed style. Make it an evening with Reflections at the Thorana Lounge.

Renowned dance troupe debuts in Sri Lanka

The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble will for the first time perform in Sri Lanka at the Bishops’ College Auditorium on January 17 and 18 at 7.00 p.m.

Acclaimed as “the best Indian classical company to come to this area in a long time” by the Washington Post, their performance is organised by the Chitrasena Vajira Dance Foundation to commemorate the birth anniversary of Chitrasena. The Ensemble is arriving in Sri Lanka after a successful tour of the United States where they received rare reviews for their performances.

The New York Times described them as “one of the most luminous dance events of the year!” The proceeds from the two performances will go towards the development of the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya.

The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble regarded as one of the leading dance companies in India are acclaimed exponents of the traditional and ancient art of dancing and are also progressive in their outlook as they are dedicated in taking Indian dance into the twenty-first century.

M.P.