|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Wednesday, 29 September 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Artscope | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Annesley launches new band
Annesley Malawana, better known as prince of Sinhala pop in Sri Lanka music field, has formed the latest group to hit the music scene. The Band name Annesley & Super Chimes are very much in demand these days. The Band was a long felt need for the music scene especially after the Super Golden Chimes re-union concert held last month. "I was under tremendous pressure from my fans and well-wishers to continue the Super Golden Chimes. But since some of the members are abroad and others are performing with other groups, I did not want to use the name Super Golden Chimes", said Annesley. Clarence and Annesley formed the "Moonstones" way back in the 60s and every song composed by Clarence and sung by Annesley were all hits. During the "Moonstones" era, Clarence only did composing and arranging music. His songs were made popular by Annesley's voice. Annesley says there were around 40-50 songs of the Moonstones which were considered all time hits from "Mango Nenda" upto "Dunhinda Manamali". When the Moonstones broke up in the early 70s, Clarence formed the Golden Chimes and everyone thought it was the end of the Moonstones, but not Annesley, he teamed up with Mike Gunasekara and continued the Moonstones turning it into a dance band cum Sinhala pop band. The Moonstones under the leadership of Annesley was featured every Sunday for Sundown Dances at Samudra Hotel. The Moonstones provided musical backing for all the contestants of the Observer Talent Search which coincided with the Sundown Dance. Annesley and Clarence teamed up once again to form the ever popular Super Golden Chimes. All the songs composed by Clarence for the Super Golden Chimes became instant hits. The Super Golden Chimes was a much sought after Dance Band and was featured in almost all dances and stage shows during the 70s. Showman Annesley has done a lot for music scene in Sri Lanka. In addition to singing he brought back all the artistes of the groups in the 60s and 70s to one stage for a unique concert titled "Stars of 70s". During the 60s and 70s people listened to our voices on radio and they only recognised our voices but they did not get an opportunity to see us live as there was no TV during this period. But Annesley made it all happen and found all the artistes for the great show. "It took me around three months to locate every one, and when they got on stage these stars of the 70s gave a performance never before seen by audiences and TV viewers. I am so happy to say that after my first stars of the 70s show in 1997, the group songs of the 60s and 70s have suddenly become very popular even among the young generation. I have taken this show to many parts of the country and all shows were packed to capacity". In 2002, I took the show for the first time to Dubai. In addition to stars of the 70s Annesley has organised many shows all over the country and abroad. He is a much sought after showman in addition to being a singer. Annesley was instrumental in re-grouping the Super Golden Chimes after 25 long years on August 2, 2003. It was one of Clarence's dreams to get the boys together for a concert but due to his sudden death, he could not make this dream a reality. However Annesley managed to get the boys together in 2003 and once again in August 2004. "I had to put in a lot of effort to put the show together. Five boys came from abroad, co-ordinating with them and presenting the show was not an easy task". But Annesley did it in great style. These two shows will linger in the minds of people for many more years to come, Annesley is now making arrangements to take the Super Golden Chimes re-union show out of Sri Lanka. I have received confirmed bookings for shows from Canada, USA, UK and Australia. I am now in the process of putting the final touches for these shows which are scheduled for 2005, says Annesley. New group Annesley's new group The Super Chimes can cater to any audience, be it oriental or Western. "We have already got many bookings even without officially launching the Band. We can handle anything from weddings, company functions and dances to stage shows. The Band can also provide musical backing for artistes. They have already performed for two shows organised by Eastern Maritime and Hayleys at the Bishop's College auditorium. The Band is also billed to perform as the BMICH on November 28 and to provide musical backing for stars of the 70s in Kandy in December", he said. "There are lot of songs of the Moonstones and Super Golden Chimes which people love to listen to and I have made sure to present and sing these songs in keeping with their originality. The boys provide excellent harmony for all the songs. Our drummer Jagath is a veteran in the field and can sing anything from Sinhala, English to Hindi songs. Amal the bassist is also an experienced musician and a wonderful bass player who joins in the harmony and sings Western songs. Dimantha the Key boardist is a fine exponent on keyboards who is very much at ease be it Western or oriental music. Channa who plays lead, comes very close to the sounds of maestro Dixon Guneratne", he said. The boys are hard at practice getting ready for the season. Rukshan Perera will also be joining us for special occasions on request. The Band is equipped with modern sounds provided by Global Entertainment and is fully geared to take up any assignment during the coming festive season. New CD "I am on the look out for a good female/male vocalist to sing Western songs. We have already received many inquiries from hotels and pubs to perform, but I have not committed to anyone as yet", Annesley said. I am planning to release a new CD in December with old and new songs with the musical backing of my band. Music lovers in Sri Lanka can look forward to some very good music of the 60s, 70s with "Annesley & Super Chimes", the band comprises Annesley on vocals, Amal Silva on bass guitar and vocals, Dimantha Seneviratne on key boards, Jagath Kulasinghe on drums and vocals and Channa Athalage on lead guitar. Annesley always remembers the three Coreas who helped him. Sri Sangabo Corea who discovered Clarence and Annesley in Ratnapura and gave their first band the name Moonstones. Vijaya and Vernon Corea who gave them the first break at SLBC." When there were moves to suppress our songs in the Sinhala service of the SLBC during the late 60s and the 70s, it was Vijaya Corea who was bold enough to play our songs on the English commercial service of SLBC. M/s. Sri Sangabo, Vijaya and Vernon Corea are still part of my life and I always remember them with gratitude," concluded Annesley. **** Back **** |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
