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| Sunday, 18 January 2004 |
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Back in Washington DC after a holiday, to pick up his playing dates is one of Sri Lanka's leading acoustic drummer/percussionist Clarence Corera. A drummer who started off his musical career at a very young age with the successful Junior Rhythmaries, Clarence matured into a powerful, driving and flamboyant drummer/percussionist yet sensitive when the music demands the mood.
"Brian now has developed a new style of singing which is really swinging and Tony's repertoire has widened tremendously. We play music from the 50s to the contemporary and Rajah handles the arrangements," says Clarence who is very committed to his music. His evenings are really packed with music, because Clarence also performs with his son DJ Shawn at a disco where percussion is played with CD tracks which is now a craze in the States. That he will miss Sri Lanka again goes without saying "but I'll be back for this year's season" quips Clarence with that characteristic smile of his. |
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Since his arrival in Washington DC, the humour packed and friendly
Clarence has been in high demand for his energetic percussion playing and
his precision on the drum kit. "I play with the group 'The People
606' regularly. The name is unusual but we get on beautifully. We are a
seven piece outfit and we have established a solid repertoire of jazz
standards popular songs from the top 40, Rhythm 'n Blues, Rock and Reggae
to acid Jazz, traditional jazz and blues. We experiment with the baila
rhythms as well and the members compose their own songs too. The outfit
has three front line singers Njeri, Dawn and Michelle, there's Jerry
Jackson - guitar, Chris - organ and piano, the Jamaican Ngosi plays bass
and I'm on drums. I'm registered with United Artistes and Washington
Talent Search which gives me opportunities to play at other clubs"
Clarence reveals to us his musical involvement.
But the biggest bit of news he tells us is that guitarist Rajah
Jalaldeen has put together a Sri Lankan band Legends 'N Harmony in Toronto
with Tony Samaranayake - keyboards and vocals, Brian Feltman - bass and
Clarence on drums. Performances have been lined up in Canada and the
States and singers could join the group for performances.
