Entertainment

Another hit album from Dinesh

by Mahes Perera

October 21 is going to be another landmark in the musical career of young Dinesh Kanagaratnam when he launches his third CD titled Thamila.

A Tamil rap and hip hop artiste, Dinesh claims that music is his passion and this solo album will be released through Universal Music and M - Entertainment in Sri Lanka.

“I will be launching Thamila in Malaysia and India soon after my Sri Lanka launch. The album contains new age music and completely different musical arrangements which is quite unique to all markets.

There are twelve songs, created and produced by DJ Scorpio and Pasan Liyanage from Sri Lanka, there’s Zali from Malaysia and the up and coming producer Charles Bosco based in the United Kingdom”, says Dinesh who is no stranger to the hip hop scene in Sri Lanka.

Dinesh’s two big hits Surangani (re mix) and Kandasami are also included in the album. These singles are now being aired by Shakthi FM, Sooriyan Fm and YFM. Different from his first album ‘Cross Culture’ which he recorded with Gajan, Dinesh is confident that this album too will be a great experience for all those who appreciate Tamil rap music. Tamila (theme), Munaley Pinaley, Samarasa Pechi are some of the tracks of the twelve on the CD.

The themes of his songs are drawn from love, life and the struggles you have to face in life. ‘Kandasami’ he tells us is a plea to believe in God and not in voodoo. Thamila he says is going to succeed in Sri Lanka, naturally so because it has been produced by those who are best known for their hot beats and high standard. After his launches Dinesh hopes to be in UK for a show in January. Until then good luck for the launches Dinesh!

Distinctive and delightful

By Mahes Perera

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A distinctive and enjoyable evening of music was presented by the three acclaimed Japanese classical musicians last Monday who are in Sri Lanka to perform with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka.

The guest conductor Keiko Kobayashi an accomplished pianist performed with Mayumi Mori, harp and Kimihiko Akiyama flute. The programme for the evening was selected Japanese compositions as well as two pieces one by Debussy and the other by the Spanish composer Manuel de Falla.

The musical evening commenced with the three musicians playing En Bateau from Petite Suite by Debussy which was followed by an inspiring Dance Espagnole No. 1 from the opera La vie breve by Manuel de Falla.

This was the first time classical music lovers were treated to the artistry of the harp as performed by Mayumi Mori which was a delightful experience. So was the flautist Kimihiko Akiyama whose expertise was enchanting when he played with only piano accompaniment one of the best sung children’s songs entitled A Pretty Little Girl of Seven, by the Japanese composer Hikaru Hayashi.

The other Japanese compositions that were performed were The Sea of Spring, considered a masterpiece by the famous composer Michio Miyagi. Songs from Various Seasons in Japan was the highlight of the programme that evening’.

The songs ‘The Night of a Hazy Moon’, ‘Tea Picking”, ‘Autumn Leaves’, ‘Snow Fall’, ‘Time of Sunset’, arranged by Akira Miyoshi was an esoteric lyrical interaction which reflected beautifully the varying scenes of Japan. The final composition was Wings by one of the best known Japanese contemporary composers. It was no surprise when the audience applauded the three artistes for two encores.

It was an excellent performance that will live long in the memories of those present. We hope the Embassy of Japan will give classical music lovers more opportunities like this to appreciate the expertise of their musicians.

Joyous musical journey

By Mahes Perera

A pleasant and an enjoyable surprise awaited the audience at the opening night of Conrad de Silva’s show at the Galdari Hotel, last week, Saturday. His programm that evening was just up the musical street of those present.

It was a one man show and he held the spotlight effectively despite the fact that he had to sing in the dark at the lobby location. Apart from reviving nostalgia what with the Tom Jones anthems like Green Green Grass of Home etc. there were other favourites from the repertoire of Frank Sinatra and newer ones taken off Michael Buble song books and more.

They were songs that we guess even with the passage of ten years or more with still be sung and appreciated. What then will happen to hip-hop? That’s a good question. Yesterday was the last day of his shows. A limited engagement. If you didn’t catch his performance a pity, ‘cause you would have enjoyed his singing voice.

Speaking to Conrad after the show he revealed that he has been singing regularly ever since he moved over to Melbourne, after his stints with Spitfires and the Jetliners here in Sri Lanka and is happy that he continued with his singing.

“I’m a featured artiste at dances and corporate events and from next month in November I will be a regular act at the Ashwood, Melbourne Centre. It will be music of Mr. Bojangles and another Sri Lankan Pippa Wilson is billed to sing as well”, Conrad unfolds in that easy, friendly relaxed style of his.

What’s new with Andrew your son and his group CDB?

“He is going strong. There are now four voices in CDB and he is launching his new and sixth album.

His label is Universal and his music has changed to funk as requested by the label, and he is doing covers like of Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson. Andrew does his own arrangements and so is fully involved.

I enjoyed coming back and performing here today and I’m hoping to have a show with Andrew and myself here in Sri Lanka, I’ve spoken to Damayantha Kuruppu about it and sincerely hope it will be a reality.”

Oktoberfest - A German speciality

Music by a special Bavarian band, traditional games such as power hammer, wrestling, dancing on tables and more will be the star attractions at this year’s Oktoberfest which will be staged by the Hilton Colombo.

It is the biggest and grandest festival in Germany and here in Sri Lanka, the Oktoberfest will be held at the Sports Club of the Hilton Colombo from October 23 to November 1. It goes without saying that the festival will have a full spread of traditional Bavarian cuisine that will be hard to resist.

Featured prominently will be the many varieties of authentic German sausages that are synonymous with Oktoberfest. The Bavarian band with its repertoire of German marches, waltzes and evergreens will surely steal your heart and make you return for more. (M.P.)