Marians unplugs for Clarence

Marians, one of the leading bands on the Sri Lankan musical scene will go unplugged to pay its tribute to the king of Sri Lankan pop music Clarence Wijeywardena at 7 pm on Sunday May 4 at BMICH.

The music band which celebrated its twenty years journey on the local music scene recently with a concert 'Marians Miyesi Mantra' will prove their maturity in music with the concert "Clarence Unplugged". At this show Marians which introduced the new concept of unplugged music to the local music scene, will pay a musical tribute to the legend Clarence Wijewardena by presenting some of his top hits performed unplugged for the first time. 'Clarence Unplugged' will give an opportunity to both Marians fans and the music lovers of Clarence to listen to their favourite songs unplugged, performed exclusively by Marians. Some of the songs that would be performed are Maliniye, Ramya, Dileepa Podi Puthu, Gamen Liyumak, Sandak Besa Giya and many more. The presentation of the show will be unique, with different concepts in paying tribute to the legend.

The band which entered the musical arena as members of the band of their alma mater St Mary's College, Chilaw, over the years has experimented different styles of music until it decided to go 'unplugged' with ‘Marians Unplugged Concert’ on January 14, 2006.

‘It was a hard decision to make a different style and there were lot of objections within the band itself. But it was a success’ said Nalin with experience and maturity he had gained over the last two decades. Marians leader, Nalin Perera speaking about their new venture said that the new arrangements presented with unplugged music for Clarence' song will be a novel experience to both Clarence and Marians' fans.

‘Clarence’ songs are touchy and simple and they can be enjoyed devoid of any age limit," says Nalin who considers the late singer and the musician as a legend. , "He could undoubtedly be described as one of the most gifted musicians the country has ever produced.

Referring to an earlier experience with Clarence, Nalin recollected how Clarence scolded him for using one of his songs for their earlier non-stop song collection. "Then we were unaware about intellectual property law and that permission had to be obtained from the creator of the songs. Though he scolded we learnt a lesson to respect other works of art."

However Nalin was grateful to Sheela Wijewardena, Clarence's wife who has given the green light to their effort to recreate the memory of the late singer. Clarence who introduced a new musical tradition to the music scene with Sinhala pop, has produced more than 500 songs.

He has performed as the founder member and leader of the Moonstones, Golden Chimes, Super Golden Chimes, and as a sole singer. "We also must not forget that Clarence is a pioneering figure behind the musical bands and the first band leader in this country," said Marians' leader speaking in appreciation of Clarence's service to music.

"I am sure that the 'Clarence Unplugged' concert and the DVD planning to put out will be unforgettable experience for both Clarence and Marians fans in this country.