MUSIC

Polka Dots, Moonbeams and Something Stupid

Gananath pays tribute to Frank Sinatra:

by Mahes Perera

His first major hit in the musical world was Polka Dots and Moonbeams, which he released in 1940. Before his death it was the pop hit Something Stupid, which he recorded with his daughter Nancy. But the song that epitomised his career and is now a valuable legacy was ‘My Way’. In between the release of Polka Dots and Moonbeams and My Way there were countless hits and albums – the list is too long to mention here.

Frank Sinatra, one of the most popular and influential musical artistes of the 20th century is globally remembered on his 100th birth anniversary which falls on December 12. He was the best selling artiste of all time – having sold more than 150 million records worldwide. In short he was an icon.

Here in Sri Lanka, Sinatra had his many fans and one ardent fan who grew up in his young days listening intensively to Frank Sinatra and not letting himself loose on hip-hop, rap and funk, is young Dr. Gananath Dasanayake, vocalist and saxophonist for whom every song of Frank Sinatra comes easily. “My father is an ardent fan of Frank Sinatra – he had all the hits and albums of Sinatra and our home used to echo to the Sinatra sound. That’s how it all began for me and I guess will live with me for many years to come,” said Gananath.

And the good news for all Sinatra fans is that Gananath is staging a concert to celebrate his idol’s 100th birth anniversary on December 12 at the British School Auditorium, commencing 8.00 p.m. Backed by his jazz outfit En Route comprising Debbie Arnolda piano, Maxie Pietersz – bass and Niroshan de Silva – drums, Gananath has set out an interesting program reliving the halcyon days of the one and only Frank Sinatra.

Also participating in the concert will be guest artistes Ashane Bernard – piano, Umaria and Devshan Perera. Logically Dr. Gananath Dasanayake will be donating the proceeds to the Sri Lanka Palliative Care Association.

No one can dispute that he is doing it His Way.