Entertainment

Sihinen Ge Suwandak - from Dr. Gehan

by Mahes Perera

[email protected]
 

In the early years especially in the 60's and 70's, medical doctors were also involved actively in our music scene. Thereafter there was a lapse, but now it is encouraging to note that medical doctors despite their strenuous work are moving into music as well, to share their artistry with music lovers.

Dr. Gehan Samarasinghe a vibrant singer who hails from Kandy is in the limelight with the release of his new CD and cassette titled Sihinen Ge Suwandak. Music is my hobby. I don't smoke or drink so I enjoy singing. I had vocal training under Shirley Vyjantha for which I'm grateful," says a proud Dr. Gehan.

Apart from his vocal training Dr. Gehan is blessed with a natural deep and resonant voice as is evident during his school days at Royal College, Colombo, where he carried off many awards, for activities such as singing, lyric writing and kavi composing, at Sahithya Days and Kala Ulelas.

After becoming a doctor the pull of musical vibes was great. When the Central Province Health Department organised a Singing Competition, Dr. Gehan carried off the winning prize for the two years it was held. The enthusiasm didn't stop there.

In 2003 he staged a solo concert "Gee Dehena" in Kandy at which he sang a repertoire of 33 songs, some of which were his originals and the result was a resounding success.

He recollects with appreciation that his musical influences were Mohideen Beag, H. R. Jothipala and Vijay Kumaratunge. His current CD/Cassette containing 16 songs, one of which was written by his batch mate Samantha Herath Senior Lecturer, University of Colombo.

The music was composed by H. M. Jayawardena, Navaratne Gamage, Manoj Pieris, Thirupathi Munasinghe, Ananda Perera and Tissa Ekanayake and is thankful to Dr. R. N. G. Ekanayake for his constant support and encouragement.

For his themes Dr. Gehan has chosen more mature emotional themes that relate to society. What's your comment on hip hop and the latest Sinhala pop songs. "We must know what we are doing. I have no grudges against the modern pop singers.

My target audience are those who appreciate good music. Some of the modern singers are genuine in their compositions, because they are able to create songs that reflect the reality in society."

Some of the songs on the CD are Sonduriya which is now a video, Numba Puthu - feelings of a father during the birth of his son, Amma whom everybody will want to live longer and are grateful for her love, Ranwan Ran Salu the ups and downs of family life, Re Sande Mamanam the plight of lovers who haven't met and the video Sihinen Ge Suwandak - the trials of uncertain love.

Recording a CD/Cassette is no easy task for a musician and Dr. Gehan Samarasinghe seeks the support of a distributor. He could be contacted at 081-2571047.

A musical memory

by Mahes Perera

[email protected]

For the first time in the presentation of the Country Road concert series were the audience welcomed at the entrance to a typical cowboy scenario - complete with two horses at their stables, a mock bar, the steps leading to the Ballroom laced with leaves and brown twigs until you reached the characteristic half-swing doors of a saloon and pleasant country music as you entered the hall to take your seat.

Kudos to the Mount Lavinia Hotel for the imaginative and creative atmosphere that was an ideal preface to the evening.

The concert itself true to the blurbs proved to be a musical journey, and a worthy cause to help children in the Batticaloa district to obtain and enjoy the reading of books for after all it is important to develop the lives of children and make the country a better place for them.

Anno Domini who opened the concert set the pace for the evening with a selection of songs that reached out to the audience. Their opener "You've Got To Love Someone." sung by the bassist Timal Jayamanne was given a country twist. What followed next were "The Girl from Yesterday" sung by Senaka Pereira, "Peaceful Easy Feeling" from Shehan Perera the leader of the band and they ended their set with a rousing "Swing Low Sweet Chariot".

Country Revival Band led by Feizel Samath - guitarist/vocalist have the happy knack of reviving pleasant memories of C & W songs which most acts tend to overlook. Along with Jury Hamid and Hamilton Berenger Nobody's Child was given a poignant treatment and Irene Goodnight.

The first half ended with an enchanting set by the singers Astrid Brook and Amelie Chevalier, the featured female acts, Astrid on guitar and Amelie on bass guitar. "Leaving on a Jet Plane", "Ms. Robinson" and the celebrated "Let It Be Me" reached a higher level of performance which made a lasting impact with the audience.

Dirk Maverick is no stranger to our land and as always his act was professional with humorous patter. Along with Steve Bohn - vocals/bass guitar, Dietmar Waechtler - pedal steel guitar and Stefan Sperling - guitar, Dirk Maverick proved he hasn't lost his expertise in entertaining audiences despite the passage of time.

"Ayubowan Sri Lanka" his tour de force on our stages was performed with enthusiasm. There was a wealth of country songs from Dirk, Steve and the female glitz and the medley of Elvis Presley songs with Dirk donning an Elvis jacket and dark glasses was extremely enjoyable. He made the audience join in with him which was soul satisfying.

It was left to Cosmic Rays to close the show and Tyronne Pieris and the boys moved slickly from "Seven Spanish Angels" to "Midnight Special" in true country mood, bringing the whole show to an end with Country Roads which saw all the singers and musicians on stage, for a grand finale.

Perfume showtime

For the first time a fragance inspired by the dazzling gemstone Amethyst was launched by Oriflame recently. With a sensuous name as Amethyst Fatale the perfume is a fusion of the talent of master perfumers Jean Jacques and Francis Kurkajian, and endorsed by them for its passion and alluring qualities.

Warm and sophisticated with a unique blend of amber, benzoin, white musk and patchouli Amethyst Fatale symbolises feminity and elegance and is all set to capture hearts in Sri Lanka according to Per Gunnarsson, Managing Director of Oriflame.

In an ambience of changing colourful lights, enchanting purple orchid decor and tiny candle beams Showtime for Oriflame burst on the audience with scintillating and seductive dancing by the Latin dance troupe of Anushan Perera.

M.P.