On the 5th of November 2011 was presented an evening of pure musical pleasure creating a platform for raw, talent. No complicated electronic modifications, no distracting performances… Just the true essence of what a Melomanic’s all about.

As any event in Sri Lanka, the crowd strolled in late, but what I appreciated most was the fact that those who made the effort to get to the venue on time, were treated to a duo of guitar and vocals by Chrisantha “CC” De Silva and Asela Perera. 

And then lo and behold the “session” finally got under way… Willy’s Jeep, a group of very enthusiastic young musicians started off the actual session with their rendition of Rascal flatts’ hit, Bless the broken road. Although a really good performance, a tad more originality would’ve been appreciated. Willy’s Jeep soon made amends with a beautiful rendition of Living on a prayer with tight harmonies and a very original arrangement of the Bon Jovi hit. All in all, it was a good effort from the band. With a little tweaking they have the potential to be a very good performance based group.

 

Natasha Senanayaka and “CC” took to the stage next with an extremely dramatic rendition of the 4 Non Blondes’ hit, What’s Up. Watching Natasha perform before me, my mind wandered back to an insanely similar excerpt from Othello. Natasha’s talent however was highlighted at the keyboard, with a version of Drops of Jupiter. “CC”s suave vocals and the tremendously soulful backing of the keyboard, made a perfect blend to the conclusion of the well planned set.

 

 

Amazing vocal trills and precise high notes followed with the winner of Onstage 2011, Dilini Perera. She started off her set with the old Elvis classic, Can’t help falling in love. Sadly, a performance nerves got the better of. But she pulled herself together straight after and worked her magic into a sultry performance of Fever, and then moved on to Fields of Gold, Layla and Free Falling. An intelligent performer, who didn’t let anything sway her from performing her best, entertained and wowed her audience in style.

 

 

The Melomanic Team comprising four talented individuals, “CC”, Natasha, Kavya and Asela assembled on stage for their final performance for the evening singing a truly remarkable rendition of the Phil Collin’s hit, Another Day In Paradise. I was truly awed by the remarkable sound that was released by 4 young individuals… a great feat in my book.

 

 

And what better way to say goodnight than with an acoustic set from Nemesis. The band that gained recognition with their hit single “Chakithaya”, mellowed down with acoustic guitars, bass and a touch of percussion performing Nemesis’ extremely original renditions of popular tunes including a performance of the reggae hit No Woman, No Cry- a first for the band.

 

 

 

The Melomanic Session part 1 demonstrated an amazing talent of a younger generation of musicians. As much as they have yet a few things to straighten out when it comes to playing, singing and performing as a whole, I believe, they posses great musical abilities and will take music to an audience almost forgotten or ignored by many of the more senior musicians in the country. 

 

 

I really am looking forward to the next session of Melomanic. Eager to find out what else the musicians have in store for their audience. I’m sure it’ll be yet another treat for those who attend, leaving us all in a wonderful state of “Malomania”.

 

(Written by Antonia, Pictures by - The Gargoyle in jeans & Joel Isaac)