Music heals everything “Soul Sounds” concert

By Sherwani Synon

Music is undoubtedly a universal language whether it’s singing, instrumental music or opera; it’s a unique method of expressing one’s views or feelings. It was once said by a gentleman named, H.A. Overstreet “I have my own particular sorrows, loves, delights; and you have yours. But sorrow, gladness, yearning, hope, love, belong to all of us, in all times and in all places. Music is the only means whereby we feel these emotions in their universality.”

Soul Sounds is one such group that has united in the name of music, this group which comprises only of young girls has been singing since the year 1997. Having started out as a school choir in one of the popular schools in Colombo, Soul Sounds has broken the limit of a choir in many ways. To show off their God given talent Soul Sounds, with the assistance of the Rotary Club of Battaramulla have organized a concert the Rotary Aid 2007, on the 9th of June at Ananda College Auditorium.

Speaking to the Music Director of the group Soundarie David, “these girls are very talented and I want to show the world what Soul Sounds capable of”. Having participated in many competitions here and abroad this group of young girls have brought fame not only to themselves but to Sri Lanka as well! The group has passed many milestones such as singing for the 1997 Hollywood movie, Mother Theresa- In the name of God’s Poor, raising funds for tsunami victims by performing songs with popular singers. The choir has performed on invitation at prestigious venues including Westminster Cathedral in London, at Nehru Park for the Bhakthi UtsavVatican Chapel, the India International Centre, in Delhi; and at the Grand Hall of China in Xiamen. Having taken part in the World Choir Games 2006 with 2000 choirs from 60 different countries, the choir won 2 silver medals and has also had the privilege of touring Australia in February. It is difficult to describe the achievements of Soul Sounds for they have not only won awards but also won hearts around the word with their soulful voice.

The choir has no age barrier for these girls ranging from the young age of eleven to mid twenties, most of them working and doing higher studies in various fields. Speaking to Nilanga Jayawicreme one of the choir members, “I think by performing in different countries and places we are getting a chance to portray our country and its various cultures and give a positive outlook to everyone outside.” The choir is not nearly complete without the backbone of the choir Soundarie David the Music Director and their musicians Neranjan de Silva Sound Engineer/ Keyboardist, Christopher Prins Drummer/ Percussionist and Jerome L. de Silva Artistic Director.

The event will be colourful and energetic with songs performed from different genres such as serious Classics, Jazz, Broadway and some popular Sinhala hits. So if you want to know the whole fuss with this awesome choir be there at Rotary Aid 2007 and experience their music…!! …via Mirror Life

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Some notable reunions from the past

• BLACK SABBATH: When they first reunited in 1999, they were as energized as they’d been in years.

• KISS: They put their makeup back on and toured with the original band for the first time in 16 years, re-creating the KISS Alive tour most of us were too young to witness.

• SIMON & GARFUNKEL: Various reunions over the years have usually produced good results.

• CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG: They almost can’t help sounding good when Neil Young decides to come back every few years. It’s a completely different band than when it’s just the first three guys.

Mixed results

• THE WHO: Shows have ranged from God-awful to inspired. It depends on their mood.

• N.W.A.: Lots of talent got back up on that stage, with fill-in rapper Snoop Dogg. But they seemed so removed from the streets that fueled that initial music that it rang a bit hollow.

• THE EAGLES: Great … the first time around in the mid-’90s. They were even good the second time around. But the third time, it felt cheap and uninspired.

• DURAN DURAN: They got the original lineup back together a couple of years ago for the first time in two decades. The album wasn’t so great, but the live show was fairly good.

• THE PIXIES: It was great to see that music played again. Now if they could’ve mustered the tiniest bit of enthusiasm …

Please retire now

• QUEEN: Replacing Freddie Mercury with anyone is a bad, bad idea. Replacing him with the laid-back Paul Rodgers was embarrassing.

• THE BEACH BOYS: Various members have gotten back together since the mid-’70s, and it usually isn’t very good. Brian Wilson was rarely available and when he was, he wasn’t.

Star of Omega -that’s the name of the newest stage act in Sri Lanka

Formed by veteran award winning pianist and composer ‘King’ Claude Fernando, the group comprises Suhadini and Andrea on guitar, with Nadeeka and Shinee on violin, and Claude himself on piano.

All five of them sing, harmonies, compose and perform their own. songs, all originals, in English, Sinhala, Tamil and Hindi.

Their maiden CD has just been released on the Shans International label, and contains 14 originals including ‘Don’t get married” which was top on the Sri Lankan originals hit parade, and “Cell phone Akki” among other catchy songs and bailas.

They are also completing their Christmas album of 18 popular seasonal songs and carols, which they will also perform live at Christmas parties and shows during the season.

They are available for guest performances in Sri Lanka and abroad, and could be contacted through King Claude.

-Mirror Life-

Mister guitar man

By Marisa de Silva

Ever heard Santana, Slash or Jimi Hendrix play? If not, don’t feel too bad about it, because there’s an answer in sight. Just close your eyes, open your ears and let Malik Seneviratne take care of the rest! Believe you me, you will not know the difference! Who is this great impressionist; he’s one of, if not ‘the’ best lead guitarist Sri Lanka has ever produced.

Pic by Berty Mendis

This being his 25th year in the music business and having played with popular bands such as Super Pink and Purple in the 80s, Twentieth Century, Take Five, Catch 22 and now with B’n'S since 2003, Malik is no stranger to the local music scene. However, his move of breaking away from his usual back-up/accompanying status, to actually churning out music of his own, is something well worth looking forward to!

Set for release early next year, Malik’s debut album ‘No Turning Back,’ will feature a mix of jazz, funk, pop, rock and even a few Sinhala originals with a western flavour, he said.

This album, which is currently in the making, will be produced by his childhood schoolmate, Mahesh Denipitiya. It will comprise 14 tracks, (inclusive of a cover version of a Beatles’ hit) featuring both instrumental melodies and other popular local vocalists, whilst he himself will do vocals for two of the numbers. His brother Dilip (best known for his performances with the Four Pianos) on piano and son Randev (a budding guitarist, mostly rock-influenced), also on lead guitar, will be featured on the album, he added.

Hey Guys & Gals wanna see mister guitar man

go to B & S show "NETHTHARA LIVE’  Oct 14th 2006

www.mangalajayakody.com