Nostalgia cranked up a notch

'A Heritage Of Song, Musical Journeys of Sri Lankans With Musical Roots' is a labour of love, compiled and produced by no less than the 'Beatboy extraordinary', legend of the '60s, Ishan Bahar, who was an integral part of everything that was happening from the first note until the last chord. He has ensconced between the covers of this volume, the rich and colourful history of those musical greats - bands, vocalists, singers and entertainers - who were the backbone of the entertainment scene in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) during what was an undisputed golden era, when live music was king!

The book, a first in Sri Lanka showcases the musical journeys of 125 musicians with Sri Lankan roots, who performed mainly in English from 1950 to 2015.

For Bahar, though a labour of love, putting the book together was a daunting task that took a long nine months to complete. It takes the reader on a journey down memory lane with musicians who have contributed greatly to the culture of western music in Ceylon/Sri Lanka.

It is a dedicated work of commemoration, beautifully recorded for posterity, inviting the reader to savour each word as the stories of each artiste unfold in the tastefully laid out 168 pages. Incidentally, the page layout had been done by Ishan's youngest son, Mario, who is a talented graphic designer.

The book is not something to be rushed through, but savoured slowly as it brings back memories of the bands, the singers and even the locations they played in. The printing of the book was sponsored by a couple of Bahar's musician friends who also helped him obtain a major portion of the musical journeys for the book.

Launch on Thursday

The soft launch ‘A Heritage Of Song’ in Sri Lanka will take place at ‘Curve’ Park Street Mews on Thursday, June 18 from 7 to 8.30 p.m. and is by invitation only. The major launch will be held on July 19 at the Grand on Cathie’s Lane, Wantirna South, Melbourne, Australia.

However, Bahar feels let down that only 24 musicians living in Sri Lanka responded to his call, despite articles in the leading weekly publications and other multi-media, appealing for information. The rest of the 101 musicians featured are Sri Lankans living abroad.

Ironically Bahar is now inundated with stories from musicians who missed their chance to be features in his maiden effort. He plans to accommodate them in a sequel that he is planning.

Bahar, who has offered a free copy of the book to each of the musicians who contributed their story, has made a special appeal, urging them to make a pledge of Rs. 1000.00 on receipt of the Book, towards helping an unfortunate Sri Lankan get his/her sight back.