MUSIC

A Dream - Cathy’s debut album

In the words of the song ‘At Last At Last,’ Cathy Menezes, singer/pianist has released her solo album supported by bright lights in the global music scene. Who would have thought that Cathy would have the opportunity to be backed by Russell Ferrante – piano, Mike Shapiro – drums, Alan Hinds and Kleber Jorge – guitars, Scott Mayo – flute.

All thanks goes to Hussain Jiffry, Sri Lankan born bassist who has earned a name for himself in the States.

The album is titled ‘A Dream’ and contains nine tracks. Since this is her debut album we say, well done Cathy, you’ve come a long, long way since you were in Sri Lanka and singing with the Jetliners. Cathy as we all know is domiciled in Melbourne.

How did it all begin, this idea to release your debut album?

Actually it’s been an amazing five years of study at the Victoria College of Arts in Melbourne. A huge part of me dearly longed for the intensity of deeper knowledge in music and so receiving a scholarship for four years helped me achieve that goal. I’m now delighted that my song ‘Waves of Seven’, the lead song on the album is No. 5 on the Top Ten Regional Chart in Australia. Hussain Jiffry is happy for me and I say ‘Thank you Jiffry’.

What prompted you to make a definite decision to record an album?

Well having composed 12 songs (at that time) it would seem a shame to see it stored inside a folder, and so my friend, Nihal Chandaratne recommended that I record these songs with none other than Hussain Jiffry himself. I was nervous at first as to whether Hussain would ‘feel’ my music or accept it. But as soon as he saw the scores, he loved it and the rest is a growing story.

Here in Sri Lanka we have often heard you playing with the Jetliners and other bands in ‘Straight forward’ interpretations. What inspired you to do complex rhythms and time signatures?

“I was exposed to many variations of rhythmic placements and displacements during my placement at the Victoria College of Arts in Melbourne. I know it sounds like a tongue twister. Listening to vocalists such as Richard Bona and Bobby McFerria and instrumentalists like Pat Metheney gave me the boost to challenge myself farther into writing odd time signature tunes. As for the lyrics – yes, they are mostly drawn from the events in my life.”

Cathy Menezes is the talented daughter of the multi-instrumentalist, the late Tom Menezes and we are sure that this album A Dream is not going to be the first and the last.

“No, my second album is to be released later this year. I’m working on my third album which is a tribute to my dad Tom Menezes. The lyrics describe his passion for music extremely clearly. I’m sure you will love it. Hussain Jiffrey, Russel Ferrante and Oscar Seaton will be featured on the 2nd and 3rd Albums too.

I’ve had the most memorable journey and have been blessed with some Angels and Masters of Music supporting me. I am truly grateful and would like to say a special ‘Thank You’ to Hussain Jiffrey - my Producer and Sound Director, Russell Ferrante, Mike Shapiro, Kleber Jorge, Satnam, Jackson, Allen Hinds and Gregory Manning. Truly my debut album has been ‘A Dream’ come true.”

Your music fans in Sri Lanka wish you good luck!