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| Sunday, 25 April 2004 |
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Music waves that are hard to beat Making waves with the music they feel strongest about is the dance band Cross Section who have been busy spreading their vibes at many private functions, dances and weddings these past months. The band comprises musicians whose individual experience is a valuable asset to their popularity. They've sort of followed the development of music from the early years and quite naturally the repertoire of Cross Section is elastic stretching from the 60's to the 90's and for those who indulge in nostalgia the band has a bank of the 50's favourites. With the music scene, now beginning to gain momentum after the holiday season, Cross Section just completed successful wedding dates last week and once again are gearing themselves to fulfil their dance band commitments in May. Spearheading Cross Section are vocalists Antoinette de Alwis and Rodney Rabot, a combination that is successful and balanced in its blending of styles and materials. Antoinette de Alwis the renowned singer in her own right, was the female singer for Peter Prins when he fronted his popular dance band. A singer who has complete assurance and control and can sing her way through with any set of musicians has picked up the band of Peter Prins who retired from band work. In fact Rodney Rabot the other vocalist/guitarist was also in the Peter Prins Combo and is well recognised for his versatile vocals and guitar artistry. His repertoire stretches from the rock'n roll era to the contemporary, much to the delight of Cross Section fans. The two keyboardists in the group are Hilary Christie and Dilip Seneviratne, an exceptional pairing, their interaction and anticipation of each other fascinating and exciting. What's more both are vocalists in their own right. Hilary Christie a senior musician has a fund of standards favourites of yesteryear as well a bank of bailas that will keep you for long hours on the floor. Keyboardist Dilip Seneviratne belongs to the new generation of musicians, highly talented and versatile. His contemporary vocals reach out to the youth and he also lends vocal harmony along with Hilary to the band. Bassist Timal Jayamanne enjoys himself in a scenario that is quite different to what he was used to. With experienced musicians in the band, Timal's bass runs moves fast with the changing moods and styles of the tunes that are required for a dance band. Sitting at the drum stool and holding the band together and giving the music that extra drive and thrust is Raj Emmanuel who was with the Peter Prins Combo and now continues his stylistic work with Cross Section. A vocalist as well, he dips into the baila world with absolute ease adding to the lengthy excitement the rhythm creates on a dance floor. Cross Section moves along with good taste and solid musicianship and with an identity that's hard to beat. |
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