The revolution of Neville and Noel
View(s):A ground breaking book on two legendary musicians Neville Fernando and Noel Ranasinghe, a historical endeavour written by journalist Shelton Weeraratne.
Neville Fernando
‘Batahira Kandayam Sangeethaye Vikashaya- Eya Deshanugathakala Neville saha Noel’ (The development of western band music- Neville and Noel who inculcated in in Sri Lankan music) will be launched at 3 pm on April 3 at Mahaveli Centre, Greenpath, Colombo 7.
The book deeply explores the history of Sri Lankan pop music and the impressive role played by the two extremely talented musicians. Starting in the 1960s, the popular music trend initiated by Neville with his band ‘Los Caballeros’ and Noel with his ‘La Ceylonians’ became immensely popular and later these music styles became part and parcel of Sri Lankan music. Some of these songs and music are popular even today. However these two musicians and their musical style were looked down on by certain music authorities who were holding high government positions.
On many an occasion their music was branded as ‘Pariah music or Thuppahi music’. When Noel came out clad in Batik sarong and shirt and reed hat and presented his own original music style called ‘Calypso’ in open stage, the audience used to call them ‘Maalu Karayo’ or fishermen. But Neville and Noel bravely went on their journey gifting this country with a unique brand of evergreen hits.
Ironically those hurled insults at these musicians were creating a unique brand of music which also helped to form the foundation of popular Sri Lankan music which was completely different from South or North Indian or Western sounds.
It is also important to note that at a time who there is no study or literature on these two musicians and their music, popular lyricist and journalist Shelton Weerarante has made a praiseworthy effort to do extensive research and produce a book which would be great help to those going to study Sri Lankan music.
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