Rukshan Perera returns

Saturday, 4 December 2010 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Plans solo concert for the first time in Sri Lanka with proceeds for charity

Renowned for his astounding renditions of jazz greats, extraordinary scatting, never before heard musical arrangements, amazing compositions and creative harmonies that remain unparalleled todate, Rukshan Perera has a feast of music in store on Sunday, 9 January at the Lionel Wendt, when he performs his first live concert in Sri Lanka since his return from the United States.

Backed by Eshantha Peiris with Triloka, adding wind and horn instruments into his incredible repertoire, Rukshan will perform a score of English originals, some of which have been heard and enthused over by music lovers the world over. His talents in musical creativity can be heard in some unique a’capella arrangements, Sinhalese songs with a flavour of jazz fusion and maybe even the thus publicly unheard ‘harmony whistle’, never before attempted or performed by anyone in the world.

Having worked and performed in the US for nearly three decades, this multi-instrumentalist decided to return home and have his debut concert in Sri Lanka. A concert of originals billed to give the audience a veritable feast of musical arrangements, harmonies, fusions and improvisations, showcasing the genius of this musician. Popular Sinhala songs in fusion jazz, utilizing a horn section, a violin and a bamboo flute will be another unique dimension infused by Rukshan in combining the best of the east and west.

The selection of the songs will no doubt highlight Rukshan’s versatility as a multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar and piano and as the talented primary vocalist. The concert will also feature the unique tribute to Michael Jackson which was composed and arranged by Rukshan and recorded with his brother Melantha and their children from all parts of the world. This was subsequently presented to Jermaine Jackson.

The versatile De Lanerolle Brothers and jazz songbird Natasha Rathnayake will join Rukshan to add more dimensions to his originals at the 9 January concert.

With an extensive musical career that spans from the time he was five, Rukshan who has performed for the Super Golden Chimes, Esquire Set and Serendib touring Asia and Europe and then studied jazz in the US under Milt Hinton, has performed at a series of jazz and pop concerts in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, New Jersey, Boston, Chicago, Texas, Minnesota,

Toronto, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Rukshan will also launch his CD consisting all original material in a variety of styles on that day to be distributed to the entire audience.

Supporting the concert will be strategic partners Singer Sri Lanka, Daily Mirror, Sunday Times, MTV, Yes FM, JWT, Park Street Mews, Bayleaf, Commons, Cafe Che and Chopping Block. Proceeds will be donated towards Samutthana, an established charity for trauma, displacement and mental health needs of children and adults. Tickets will be available from 5 December at the Lionel Wendt, Bayleaf, Commons, Park Street Mews and Cafe Che.