Mahes Perera
They claim that their improvised version of Mariacchi is an exciting
one that switches Latin music lovers on to a high and excites them to
make many returns. So if it sounds all exciting to you then end your
hard working week by chilling out with Phase 3 at the Echelon Pub,
Hilton Colombo on Fridays. You are bound to enjoy this band the only
Latin band to have a full percussion section.
What’s more now with the well known drummer/vocalist of Amazing Grace
and Mirage fame Donald Pieris on the drum stool the vibes from the band
has a scintillating sound.
You have another day in the week to enjoy the music of Phase 3. It is
at the beginning of the week Mondays at the Tea Lounge of the Cinnamon
Grand. So make the date with the sextet for whom music is a passion of a
lifetime. Tracking down the leader of the band Rasmar Lye, was not an
easy task but when we did he was happy to talk.
“Yes we are happy to have Donald with us, his wealthy experience is
an asset to us especially in the Latin idiom and naturally he fits in
with no effort. Our repertoire extends from the 60s to the 80s top of
the pops hits including reggae another attraction of ours which sees
Trevin Joseph vocalist/guitarist in action.
The band was featured at the IATA Sixers at the NCC Grounds and we
are looking forward to the Bradby Shield Dinner Dance at Chaaya Citadel
in Kandy.
Phase 3 is at an advantage when entertaining their audience. All the
members are vocalists apart from their leader Rasmar the percussionist.
Sudath Munaweera, guitarist is noted for his covers of Barry White and
Willy Nelson.
Donald’s vocal repertoire includes the favourites from Bryan Adams,
Kenny Rodgers, Michael Bolton and Lionel Ritchie.
Trevin Joseph is a Bob Marley fan and also sings the favourites of
CCR Tom Jones, Mark Anthony and the latin Gypsy Kings. Asiri Gunawardena
the bassist sings the Bee Gees favourites while the keyboardist Sampath
Kuruwita handles the Sinhala songs and nuggets from UB40 and CCR.
Latin, is a hot favourite today and the next time you feel like
shedding the stress in you then step on the music track of Phase 3.
The good news is that Phase 3 is toying with idea of releasing a CD
“but before all that guitarist Dylan Lye and drummer Hassen Musafer will
be in Sri Lanka to participate with us in the 60th birthday celebrations
of Hassen’s sister Fatima which will be held soon.” says Rasmar. |
