The drummer with a friendly smile

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

RAVI Jayawickrema has been playing drums since 1985. He has played with outstanding musicians like Peter De Almeida.

As a drummer, Ravi has kept his meter with time to connect two generations with a pair of sticks in his hands to hit his drum kit as passionately as ever. He wears a friendly smile, but more or less shy to discuss his subject, drumming.

The show must go on, and I have to play, and it's always the case with drummers. They have to play till the end, says Ravi. He is an old boy of Nalanda College, Colombo.

Ravi was met by In Tune last Tuesday at the Hotel Galadari, Colombo. He was arranging his drum kit for yet another session of play at the Grand Ball Room. There were others tuning their guitars. They were members of Ravi's new band.

There was no name for the outfit because its members were yet to agree upon a name. Ravi had had couple of tours last year to Dubai to play with Feedback. I asked Ravi why he chose the drum among other musical instruments.

I chose drums because I like the work behind it with all your limbs being used. I was inspired particularly by the drummer of Talk Of The Town in my early years. I like the feeling I get when I play it.

Who taught you to play it. Did you take any lessons?

I have always been a sound enthusiast, and always exploring new ways to create sounds. Whenever I heard a new rhythm, I felt like playing it during my practising years.

I had many teachers. I cannot forget what I learned during the 10 years I played with 20th Century with Peter De Almeida.

Ravi refused to mention the names of his teachers saying, "I had many teachers. If I must tell their names, I shall give the full list. I dare not take the risk that I might miss one or two names."

Any particular style that you find interesting to play?

Sure, I think I like reggae the best.

I like the upbeat that gives the rhythm its kick in reggae. Among Ravi's favourite songs are Bob Marley's Is This Love, Zion Train and Get Up Stand Up.

Don't you enjoy playing hard rock and fast Latin rhythms?

I've been playing all rhythms, pop, rock, Latin, hard rock, even jazz to a certain extent. I enjoy them. But I am lazy to back sentimental slow stuff.

What kind of support you got from your parents to do your bit of drumming?

They were quite ok, and supported me by buying a drum kit and tolerating all the noise I was making in the house. Ravi has a well equipped studio at his residence at Moratuwa and hires sounds.

Delhi Symphony Society Admin writes to In Tune

THE Administrator of the Delhi Symphony Society Gautam Kaul in a letter to the In Tune has requested to search out a representative of the Sri Lanka Symphony Orchestra.

The letter in full:

"I address the readers of your newspaper with a heavy heart.

"Last month I was approached by the Director of the World Philharmonic Assembly, Paris to search out a representative of the Sri Lanka Symphony Orchestra Association and any other organisation which has replaced such an organisation in Sri Lanka.

"The problem was that in the not too distant past, Sri Lanka was provided a music chair in the World Philharmonic Orchestra whereever its concert was arranged, but in the latest instance, all letters sent to Sri Lanka at known addresses were returned with the legend, addressee left without forwarding address.

"I am the Administrator of the Delhi Symphony Society and one of the founding members of the Association of Orchestra Administrators of Asia and the Pacific Region, Tokyo.

It is my interest that Asian symphony managers in the largest numbers, are located and work togather to overcome problems of running symphony and philharmonic orchestras.

"Right now Sri Lanka in our map is a small dark spot. I do not know if currently there is any organisation devoted to the performances in european music.

Yes, individuals are performing in big hotels, and amateur groups are performing in resturants in Colombo and elsewhere, but symphonic music performances are presently unknown.

"I am a regular visitor to Colombo and Sri Lanka. I now wish to reach out to individuals and groups of musicians who are devoting their energies in the promotion of serious studies in european classical music.

I also wish to know the whereabouts of a certain Sri Lankan child music prodigy, Rohan Joseph de Saram an orchestra conductor who to me is not tracable and who was the one time conductor of the Player's Association and conducted the Sri Lanka Philharmonic Orchestra in 1990 in which Indian musicians also participated from my orchestra.

"Readers are welcome to write back to me through email at [email protected] or by post to Gautam Kaul, Delhi Symphony Society, 2 Humanyun Road, New Delhi-3 to educate me on how to bring back the glory of Sri Lankan musicians in European music, how to reorganise the old Sri Lanka Symphony Organisation and where locate it, so that a case is made out to recall the lost seat representing the Sri Lankan talent in the world organisation."

GAUTAM KAUL - New Delhi, India

Shihan, Malith and Amila concert in Kandy

Shihan, Malith, and Amila will be in concert at the St. Anthony's Auditorium, Kandy today (16) from 7 p.m. This will be their second "Three-in-one" live concert. The first was held at the BMICH, Colombo, which was an instant success for the stars in fame.

Vocalist, Shihan Mihiranga, 21, past pupil of De Mazenod college, Kandana, the star from Gampaha District, has ten originals to his name including popular hits like "Ada" and "Sewwandiyae".

Mr. Versatile, Malith Niranga Perera, 19, the star from Pannala, Kurunegala, has the ability to sing both Eastern and Western styles.

Amila Prasanna Perera, 23, has a deep, husky voice. He is an old boy of Ranabima Royal college.

Mahesh Denipitiya and Friends will give back-up music. Menoli Davids will also sing.

- Ruwini Jayawardana