Sinhala vocal groups launched by Patrick
During the good old sixties music lovers were always glued to their
radios listening to the music aired by the Ceylon Broadcasting
Corporation (CBC)

Raymond Fonseka, Roy Fonseka and Nihal Perera - the trio
comprising the 'Samanalayos' sang for the first EP record
produced by Patrick Corera in 1967. |
Those who could afford enjoyed the privilege of listening to EPs
(Extended Playing) and LPs (Long Playing) records of popular singers
such as Jim Reeves, Elvis Presley and Cliff Richard on their radiograms
or record players at home.
It was only in the late sixties that songs sung by groups in a
calypso rhythm began to gain popularity.
Credit should go to Joseph Vincent Patrick Corera, for pioneering
group vocals which was recorded then on the Philips label. It was during
this time in 1960 that Patrick after he completed his studies at Aquinas
College and a brief stay at a Seminary decided to work at the Gowri
Corporation Record Centre owned by his father, who held the franchise to
import Philips Records to Sri Lanka which included not only English but
also Hindi and Tamil records. Cargills and Lewis Browns then were the
only other corporate institutions to be involved in the record business.
Raymond Fonseka formed a trio with his brother Roy and cousin Nihal
Perera. The trio was named "Samanalayo" the first vocal group to use a
Sinhala name.
In 1967 they recorded four songs, "Nalavena Mavu Ukule", "Natum
Guruwari", "Paddemi Oruwe" and "Handa Eliye" at the Lewis Browns
Recording Studio, McCallum Road and sent the tracks for pressing to
Singapore. Tony Fernando did the recording and the first Philips group
vocal E.P. came out as JVPC-1001.
JVPC stood for the producer's name - Joseph Vincent Patrick
Corera.Later on, all recordings were done at Sarasavi Studio, Kelaniya
under the leadership of veteran sound engineer Mervin Rodrigo. Patrick
presented a copy of this record to the Ceylon Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
and agreed for broadcast without a payment. The song "Nalavena Mavu
Ukule" became a top hit for generations, to come.
During this period Noel Brian Ranasinghe, leader of the "La
Ceylonians" formed a Group Band Association called "Songs of Lanka
Club". The Club arranged a Musical Show in aid of the Elders' Home,
Kegalle, with the free participation of all groups. Patrick was invited
by Noel Ranasinghe for this show, themed "Asiri Kusum" organized by
Maxwell Dharmaratne at St. Bridget's Convent.
Over a dozen groups performed in this Fiesta. Patrick was given
permission by the Dharmaratne Brothers to tape this event. This became a
great opportunity for Patrick to meet all musicians in Sri Lanka and
Dharmaratne Brothers were called first for a recording but Melroy
Dharmaratne gave the opportunity to the "La Ceylonians" and
"Moonstones". Later on Patrick offered recordings to every group who
performed at this event. In 1968 La Ceylonians led by Noel Ranasinghe
produced two EP. records JVPC-1002 & JVPC-1003, with the songs "Tharuna
Jeevithe", "Hoiya Hoiya", "Dahaduka Vindala", "Hudakalawa". Milton
Mallawaarachchi was a member of this group. These two records overtook
the earlier one.
The Moonstones led by Clarence Wijewardene with Annesley Malawana,
Mangala Rodrigo and Upali Obeysekera took recorded "Mango Nanda", "Ruwanpuraya",
"Menike Sudu Menike" and "Seetha Udey Pipi Mal", and this record made
the group popular instantly.
The Dharmaratne Brothers led by Melroy Dharmaratne came into the
limelight with "Vassa Wahinawa", "Punchi Hurathala", "Kandukare" and "Nondi
Kira". They earned popularity, and later enhanced their popularity with
their niece Baby Shiromi.
Patrick produced E.P. records for many local bands and among them
were Samanalayo, La Ceylonians, Moonstones, Dharmaratne Brothers, Los
Cabelleros, Los Flamencos, Labambas, Humming Birds, Meemasso including
solo artistes Victor Ratnayake, M. S. Fernando, H. R. Jothipala, Milton
Mallawaarachchi, Anton Jones, Freddie Silva, Nihal Nelson and Anton
Rodrigo among them.
"Patrick had a true artistic heart and helped many musicians and
friends. He never sought money and fame. He was a thorough gentleman and
a kind and loveable character filled with human qualities. He was highly
respected by all musicians. His friends appreciated Patrick for his
excellent and simple qualities" said Melroy Dharmaratne.
- Malcolm Vindurampulle |