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Lanka’s EP record producer in:
A ‘record’ lost
Anuradha Abeysekara
Even though record players have become monumental, some melodious
songs that came out in EP (Extended Playing) and LP (Long Playing)
records will never
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Joseph Patrick Corera |
run out of tune in our minds. Sri Lanka’s pioneer Sinhala ‘group
song’ EP record producer Joseph Vincent Patrick Corera has bid ‘adios’
to his life recently. Neither musicians nor his friends were aware of
his demise.
Group songs have gained an all time high popularity since its
emerging in 60’s. Patrick Corera has brought up many groups and
individuals to the music scene by producing EP records for them.
It was celebrity musician of Dharmaratne Brothers’ Milroy Dharmaratne
who revealed the great support Patrick has given musicians at a time
where the opportunities were confined. Born on July 19, 1945, to
Bharatha-Indian parents, Patrick Corera entered the EP and LP (Long
Playing) record importing business at the age of 21.
In 1966 his father purchased the Gowri Corporation, a leading record
shop at the Dam Street in Pettah. Patrick spent more time at the record
shop while helping his father. Gowri Corporation possessed the franchise
to import Philips Records to Sri Lanka.
They were importing Hindi, English and Tamil records. Patrick managed
the business after his father and became the owner of the Gowri
Corporation. Cargills and Lewis Browns were the others who were involved
in the record business at that time.
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Samanalayo trio: Reymond, Roy and Nihal |
Patrick had been in the seminary for a brief period. There his
friendship began with Raymond Fonseka, Roy Fonseka and Nihal Silva. The
companionship had been very fruitful as the quartet was great music
lovers.
Later Patrick left the seminary and started to produce original
sinhala EP records under the Philips label alongwith Raymond, Roy and
Nihal. Reymond composed the song Mage amma which later became a hit as
Nelavena mavu ukule and sang it with Roy and Nihal. The trio was named
as Samanalayo which was the first music group to be titled in a Sinhala
name.
In August 1967 they recorded four songs, Nelavena mavu ukule, Natum
guruwari, Paddemi oruwe and Handa eliye at the Lewis Browns recording
studio and sent for pressing to Singapore. Tony Fernando did the
recording and the first Philips group song EP record came out as JVPC -
1001. JVPC stands for the producer’s name, Joseph Vincent Patrick Corera.
Patrick presented a sample of the JVPC - 1001 to the Ceylon
Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and agreed to broadcast the songs without
a payment. The song Nelavena mavu ukule become a top hit and never
withers its popularity through generations.
With the invitation of Sri Lanka’s premier group song musician Noel
Brian Ranasinghe, Patrick Corera participated in a musical show at St.
Bridget’s Convent where he met some of the top group musicians in the
country. La Ceylonians, Moonstones, Dharmaratne brothers and Meemesso
groups were performed in the show.
In 1968 Patrick produced JVPC-1002 and 1003 EP records including
Tharuna Jeevithe, Hoiya hoiya, Dhahaduka vindala and Hudekalawa songs
for La Ceylonians led by Noel Ranasinghe. Milton Mallawarachchi was a
member of the La Ceylonians and sang Hoiya hoiya and Dhahaduka vindala
songs.
With the recommendation of veteran sound engineer Mervin Rodrigo,
Patrick gave the opportunity to start Milton’s solo career. Milton’s
first solo EP record, JVPC -1051 was produced in 1969. Oruwaka Pawena,
Rankooduwa oba sadu, Mangale neth mangale and Sansara sevanella songs
were included in the record. Karunaratne Abeysekara wrote the songs and
Mohamed Sali directed the music. It has been the first big break for
Milton.
The first group song EP record JVPC-1001 |
Group songs reached the peak of popularity and Sri Lankan expatriates
in UK and Australia began to order records from Patrick. He produced EP
records for many local bands and brought them in to the limelight.
Moonstones, Los muchchoes, Los flamingos, La bamba, Dharmaratne Brothers
and Humming Birds are few groups to mention.
He was well-off with the record business till he suffered from
Meningitis in early 70’s. His bad health condition kept him out of the
record business for a long time. Patrick has produced about 100 EP
records and given a big boost to many local musicians.
Victor Ratnayaka, M.S. Fernando, H.R. Jothipala, Anton Rodrigo are
some popular singers who sang for Philips EP records. Patrick’s
contribution to the development of music industry was never recognized
and appreciated during his lifetime.
After Patrick re-started the business in 80’s, ‘Black July’ violence
occurred in 1983 and Corera family was among the worst victims. Their
house has taken over by the rioters and the Gowri Corporation building
at Pettah was burnt down. With the help of a good neighbour Patrick and
his family’s lives were saved.
Patrick couldn’t bear the pain of the tragedy and the wounds never
cured in his heart. He has given up ties with musicians and industry.
Since then he never came in to the record business and lived a silent
life till he was called to eternal rest on November 24 last year.
Patrick had a true artistic heart and helped a lot. But he never chased
money and fame. He was every bit a gentleman,” said Milroy Dharmaratne. |
