 Another tribute to CLARENCE
by Mahes Perera
The music of Clarence
Wijewardena, pastoral in form set a new trend in the development of
Sinhala music in Sri Lanka. At the time he introduced his songs, they
were frowned upon by popular conventional singers who thought that
Clarence was not maintaining the standard of music with the introduction
of the electric guitar and bass.
 But now in hindsight, these very same conventional singers have had
to admit that his music creativity and his themes for his songs were
unique which influenced a new generation of singers among the youth.
Many of them emulated Clarence and his ‘pop’ songs and after his
untimely demise the interest began to grow.
Many were the young singers who recorded and released the songs of
Clarence and his famous band ‘The Moonstones’.
Joining the list of singers who were influenced to record and release
the songs of Clarence is Damayantha Kuruppu whose latest CD ‘Clarence
Sangawunu Gee’ has received the blessings of Clarence’s wife Sheela
Wijewardena and Siri Hettiarachchi and is fast moving off the shelves.
What made you decide to record these songs of Clarence?
“I first met Clarence when he was rehearsing with his band ‘The
Moonstones’ at Sri Sangabo Corea’s residence at Thimbirigasyaya. The
group members at that time were Annesley Malawana, Sunil Malawana,
Mangala Rodrigo and Vijith Pieris. I used to sit for hours watching them
rehearse and the desire to form a band began to grow in me. And soon I
did. The band was called Lonesome Stone and the members were Diliup
Gabadamudalige, Ajith Dahanayake and John Rodrigo. I can truthfully say
that Clarence was a major influence on me and he was also my mentor and
that’s why I decided to release this CD”.
The CD ‘Clarence Sangawunu Gee’ contains sixteen songs and only three
of them have been recorded previously. The songs have different tempos
and style associated with the years 60’s to the 80’s. The musical
arrangements retain the original flavour and the mixing and recording
was in the capable hands of Thushara Kuruvitige. The CD was produced by
DK Promotions and is distributed by Torana Music. This is the fourth CD
released by Damayantha Kuruppu. His earlier CD’s were Timeless Hits Vol
1, Timeless Hits Vol 2 - duets with Mariazelle and ‘Suhadhanane’ a
tribute to Clarence. Now this new tribute ‘Clarence Sangawunu Gee’ is a
must for all fans of the music of Clarence. |
