TV Times

TV Times

“Blue Black and The Blues”
Many Thomian performers - both young and old have come together for the production of a compact disc (CD) as a part of the celebrations to mark the historical 125th Battle of the Blues in March this year.

This CD titled “Blue Black and The Blues” is a project undertaken by the Thomian Group of ’56 and brings together the collective vocal and musical talent of no less than sixteen Thomian artistes, many of whom are well known personalities in the music and showbiz field in the country.

Depicting all walks of Thomian life twenty heartwarming songs composed and musically arranged by that well known composer, singer cum instrumentalist of the La Bambas, Priya Peiris (of “Cock a Doodle Do” and “Nuwara Menikela” fame) are featured in the album.

“This idea originated at our annual class get-together during big match time last year and I am happy that all my colleagues including the warden of the college supported me right throughout to ensure the production of the CD”, said much delighted Priya Peiris.

The ‘All Thomian Team’ of artistes participating includes Dr. Vijaya Corea, the Debonair Emcee who airs a brief introduction and also displays his vocal talent, popular songster and leader of ‘X-Periments’, Sohan Weerasinghe, leader of the dance band ‘Pearl’, Jayantha De Silva, alround artiste and leading showbiz personality Arun Dias Bandaranayake.

The rest of the singers and musicians include Priya himself, his band mates Lasla Fernando (Choirmaster, Holy Emmanuel Church) and Brian Fernando (leader, Labambas), Chandana Gurusinghe (ex-Super Pink N’ Purple), Hiran Fernando (ex-Pink & Purple), Arith Rathnavibushana (ex Kings), Nishan Mendis, Eshantha Peiris, Eranjan Perera, Roshanka Peiris, Viranjan Perera and Ranmal Peiris. A choral version of the College anthem is sung by a group of senior college students.

“Most of the songs project contrasting country and western, folk and calypso styles as well as raggae and the good old twist-like rock n’role and up-tempo beats to cater to every taste - especially with the old boys in mind,” Priya explained further.

The “Blue Black and the Blues” CD is full of Thomian culture and nostalgia as evident from some of the titles of songs such as “Those Good Old Days At Mount”, “Noble Men of Vision”, “From Mutwal to Mount”, “Duck Pond & The Tarzan Tree”, “Blue Drill Shorts & Little White Shirts”, “The Nine Runs Match”, “Thrill of Being a Thomian”, “125th Battle of the Blues” etc.

“The CD is an absolute must for all Thomians and would be the ideal life-long souvenir to reminisce about the good old school days.’ he said. This CD, which includes a booklet containing the complete lyrics is now available for sale at S. Thomas’ College office during working hours and would also be sold at the “Royal Thomian” Fair and during the 125th “Battle of the Blues”.

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