Mirage - back in the high life
by Mahes Perera
‘Deep River Woman’ heralded the
long awaited arrival of the popular band Mirage at the in-vogue
Margarita Blue, Galadari Hotel on May 5 with the dynamic Donald Peiris
in the driving seat on drums. To the delight of Mirage fans as well as
those who were hearing the band for the first time (is it possible they
were hearing the band for the first time?!) the boys turned back the
pages on their successful career to give the groovers a taste of their
artistry which, believe me, has not failed them.
 They were together in a tight knit moving in swiftly from one song to
another and as Donald later expressed to me, they were amazed at how the
music just came back to them so easily, since the hiatus of two years.
Donald’s tour de force Bohemian Rhapsody relived the happy years of
their career.
There was more. Like the toe tappers from the hits of CCR that never
fails to bring the groovers nearer the bandstand to dance their cares
away.. the everpopular songs by the Eagles that have really stood the
test of time. Mirage are fortunate in that their members are singers who
can carry the load of vocals on their respective shoulders for long
hours. Melantha Perera - keyboardist, guitarist in fact a multi
instrumentalists’, versions of ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ and
Shaggy’s ‘Scent of a Woman’ showcased his experience as a performer in
the music scene.
Other songs that made the impact were ‘Feel So Good’, ‘Joanna’ and
the songs in the Mariachi and Latin tempos which were lapped up by the
music lovers present. But above all what was most attractive was the
acapella singing of ‘It’s Alright’ by Mirage. They have mastered the art
and we hope this section of their repertoire will increase in the days
to come.
Individually Mirage comprises highly talented and experienced
musicians in their field. Donald the leader/singer on drums sets the
pace for the band. The others are Melantha Perera - keyboards, guitar
and vocals, Gavin Senn blows three saxes - baritone, tenor and soprano
and sings too in his famous gravel voice and falsetto, doubles up on
bass and keyboards, Benjy Ranabahu plucks a throbbing bass, while Derek
Wickramanayake’s wizardry on guitar and vocals enhances the band. There
you are experience their music and chill out on Wednesdays, Thursdays,
Fridays and Saturdays at the Blue Margarita.
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