“Fly me to the moon
Let me play among the stars
Let me see what Spring is like
On Jupiter and Mars....
That’s exactly singer/saxophonist Dr. Gananath Dasanayake’s intention when he unveils further pages from the Great American Songbook with his popular band En Route.
“This is Volume 3” says Gananath “and we’ll be at the Grand Ballroom, Hilton Hotel, Colombo on Sunday February 25 from 7.30 p.m. onwards.”
An ardent fan of Frank Sinatra, Gananath in a conversation with me revealed this it was his father who drew him into the world of Sinatra’s music, ever since he was a young teenager. “My father has all Sinatra’s records and albums and our home echoed with his music from morning to night.
There was no denying it. I was drawn towards Sintra’s music like a moth to a flame and I enjoyed myself thoroughly. I know there are many music lovers who enjoy Sinatra’s songs and style and they pushed me into staging this concert.”
And aren’t they all happy that the concert is becoming a reality. Sinatra’s history mixes for the third time around and new and different flavours will emerge.
Setting the moods to enable Gananath Dasanayake to express the emotion of the songs is En Route his backing band with Dilip Seneviratne a wizard at the piano, Maxwell Pietersz plucking a swinging double bass, an instrument he proudly claims was one of his own making, Ramesh Nonis demonstrating his chemistry and easy comparability on the fret and newcomer Charith Fernando keeping the group together with his characteristic drum and cymbal dexterity. That’s not all! Once again the delightful duo Dr.Kovinda De Saram and Biman Wimalaratne will be on stage with their vocals, humourous and creative skits and whats’ more! here’s the surprise for all music lovers. Shanelle Fernando joins the group to display her vocals. We missed her all these past months and are looking forward to her appearance.
So now what’s your favourite Sinatra song? Is it “Fly Me To The Moon”, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”, “Mack The Knife” - there’s more from the Great American Songbook. Soak in the Sinatra legacy.