Entertainment

Eloquent in expression

Young and committed to music classical/jazz pianist Ed Watts is in Sri Lanka to entertain music lovers, as he performs at the Terrace Mt Lavinia Hotel, Mondays through to Saturdays, from 7.00 p.m.

Just nineteen years old, Ed Watts is now a director of Jazz at the King's School, Canterbury, conducting the school's Big Band and heading a smaller group as well.

His classical interest started from the age of 9 when he sang for four years as a chorister at St. Paul's Cathedral, London and as he tells us he "developed a deep love for choral music" under the guidance of John Scott, singing a wide repetoire of music at concerts in and around London.

The choral group toured to New York and Paris and made recordings and appeared on national radio and television.

From St. Paul's, Ed furthered his music studies at The King's School Canterbury and enjoyed singing at the Cathedral with the Crypt and Chapel Choirs as a counter-tenor.

He toured with the Crypt Choir to USA, France, Italy, New Zealand and Hong Kong and the Choir has made many recordings as well. He has played organ voluntaries in Canterbury Cathedral and was invited to sing with Laudate, the professional London Choir directed by Howard Ionascu.

A "crossover" pianist his jazz influences he tells us are Oscar Peterson and on the other end of the scale Herbie Hancock. Ofcourse his piano teacher the much respected David Rees Williams has been "a true inspiration" to him and they are planning to tour together as a duo in New York, next year (2008) in late spring. A multi instrumentalist he plays trumpet and tuba.

Ed Watts' repetoire is elastic. You have to hear him to appreciate it. All the recognised jazz standards in the books are given a special Ed Watts' arrangement including Broadway melodies and pop hits that have stood the test of time.

He is here performing on a limited engagement so make sure of the experience. You won't regret it!

M.P.

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Derrick in fine form

by Mahes Perera

It was an evening to savour especially if you are one of those who enjoy the songs that hit the global charts and captured many a heart in the early years.

And that's what Derrick J the balladeer did. He captured the hearts of the audience, at the Derrick J Live in Concert presented by St. Joseph's College, Sports Council at the BMICH.

It was Derrick's 'Back to his Motherland' concert and he featured two of Australia's well known singers Kellie Smythe and Debbie Wilson who gave a polished performance.

Mention must be made of the band Misty who backed Derrick. They were spot on and were behind the singer with professional ease. A bouquet to the vocal harmony too led by Mariazelle.

Since the program that evening called for songs that were memorable despite the passage of time Rajitha Rupasinghe leader of Misty set the tempo with a bristling Cracklin' Rosie and the mood was sustained by Kellie and Debbie with their performances of I Will Survive, Saving All My Love For You, Hopelessly Devoted To You and the scorcher What A Feeling.

Derrick J moved in and made his appearance with nuggets of Englebert Humperdinck for which he has always been noted for. The audience lapped up Man Without Love, Release Me, There Goes My Everything, Last Waltz, Le Bicycle, I'll Never Fall In Love Again and more, that escalated the audience to happiness.

Derrick threw in other favourites as well to give variety to his programme. There was Sway, Spanish Eyes, Quando, Come What May - his anthem, Its Now or Never, Unchained Melody, Black is Black - the list is long...

It was remarkable the way he sustained his performance on stage with in-between patter, the rapport with the audience was a success. The finale the obvious My Way sung whilst moving with the audience turned out to be a plus for him, and D. K. Promotions must be thanked for bringing him out to perform here.

Speaking to Derrick after the show, he said he was happy that the show inspired the audience and was well received by them. "I'm greatly impressed by the band Misty and am amazed at their talent.

They are of international standard and gave me the confidence to perform without my having to look back to signal the next song. Their delivery was hundred per cent, so too the vocal harmony group. I intend returning for more shows, I'm keeping my fingers crossed" commented a smiling Derrick.

Derrick who presents the Morning Show on Channel 31 in Melbourne has introduced a programme Sri Lanka Today produced by Nimal Alwis, which is now a popular viewing slot.

Fund raiser Fete

The Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor will hold a Fete for the Faithful on November 24 and 25 from 9.00 am onwards to raise funds for the daily running of the St. Mary's Home for the Elderly at their premises at T.B. Jayah Mawatha (Darley Road) Colombo 10.

Almost all the items that will be on sale have been made by the residents of the home. There will also be stalls featuring products as varied as Christmas cards, cosmetics, handicrafts, shoes, textiles, food, books, garments and toys. The Home specialises in taking care of the old, lonely and infirm and needs your support.