|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 13 April 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Magazine |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
After quite a spell it was a happy experience to listen to six musicians extremely proficient in their artistry individually, come together in an interaction that lasted six days with two acts per night. The venue was Clancy's and although they called themselves 'Whiskey Angels' their music was explosive. If you missed out on the sounds, dismissing it as just another night of loud music then lay the blame at your doorstep. This was something quite different, keeping you on your seat until the finale was expressed. Thanks must go to the blues vocalist/guitarist Glen Terry for giving the Sri Lankan discerning music lovers many musical moments to take home each night and treasure. His invitation to Andy Thompson - tenor saxophonist who played for Elton John's recording sessions and was also the saxophonist for the Dire Straits tour, John Hill a fabulous keyboardist, an exciting blues vocalist - Cora James, our own musicians - Alston Joachim - bass, Aruna Siriwardhana - drums and himself on guitar and vocals was a good shot in the arm for our music scene which is cruising on a lacklustre wave. Undoubtedly rehearsals must have taken place because the arrangements were tight and exciting and always kept you guessing as to which way it will go. Besides originals by the keyboardist John Hill, the group drew from the repetoire of Melissa Ethelridge, Steely Dan, Randy Crawford and Etta James. Tall, strong and extremely unassuming Andy Thompson's saxophone was a delight. His solos were varied and dramatic,over the surging rhythm section, often roaring through like a lion when the mood demanded it. The magic and the majesty of music that flowed from the keyboards of John Hill swung the music all the way, and the balance and arrangements of the program for both performances on one night reflected his wide creativity. John Hill sounded relaxed and genuinely happy, at the keyboards, shades of Stevie Wonder enjoying himself. Cora James' husky, sultry, blues vocals laced with a great deal of enthusiasm and verve was a pleasure to listen to and watch. Her interpretation of 'You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman' took me back to the happy times when I was behind the mike at SLBC and used to spin many times over this song by Roberta Flack. Glen Terry we know so well, as well as the rhythm section Alston Joachim - bass and Aruna Siriwardhana always dependable, alert and giving that right thrust for the rest to go forward with no hitches. It was excellent entertainment and a pity that many of our musicians were not around to sample the professional and polished performance of the Whiskey Angels at Clancy's. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
