The creative language of the drums they say has over the years proved what a pair of drumsticks can do, not only to a melody but also to a listener, who is automatically drawn to the sound of the snare, cymbals or drum.
The flinty rhythm attacks, rim shots and fiercely swinging ride cymbals from a drummer does not only lay the foundation but provides the pulse and brings the groove for the track. Today’s drummers have to combine electric and acoustic playing with a great deal of finesse.
Dilshan Jayathilaka was educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo and was a e member of the College Western Band during his school days. He was at the Barefoot, sitting in for the Barefoot Band’s regular drummer and couldn’t resist this conversation I had with him.
 Dilshan Jayathilaka
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Q: How much of your playing you would say is attributed to watching other drummers playing or did you learn drumming by formal studies?
A: I am a self-taught drummer since my teenage years. Since then, drumming has become my passion and my profession. In my career today I’m a drumming Instructor at the Yamaha School of Music.
Q: In Sri Lanka what were the bands you played with and as at present with which band are you paying?
A: Initially with the band ‘Manilal and Upekha’, led by Manilal Perera, then it was ‘Roots’ with Thilak Dias, and Janapriya Weeraratne, After ‘Roots’ it was ‘Replay’ a jazz-fussion trio with bassist Ray Gomes and pianist Dilukshi Sirimane. I have performed with ‘Flame’ and ‘Black Velvet’ as their substitute drummer whenever required.
I mustn’t forget my playing with Herschel Rodrigo and his band when he was on a visit to Sri Lanka from Canada. I also performed with ‘Legacy’ with Ricky Bahar and the late Timal Jayamanne. Currently I perform with ‘Jazz in Focus’ led by Kuma de Silva.
Q: Playing with a regular band could be gruelling with long hours and less sleep – did you at any stage find the going unbearable and irritated. Did you complain?
A: I have always enjoyed performing on stage or otherwise and gave of my fullest enthusiasm with no difficulty or complaint as I love my job with utmost strength.
Q: You have listened to many international drummers on CD, vinyl, radio or video. Who is your favourite drummer?
A: Internationally, there is no favourite drummer I stick to. However, I have listened and watched many drummers internationally which inspire me in their playing and technique, in many different ways.
Q: You are also now teaching the art of playing drums to young enthusiasts. How do you find their reactions? Are they wanting to learn only rock, pop and new music? Don’t they want to learn swing, jazz and Latin?
A: Yes. I teach the art of Drums at the Yamaha School of Music and I conduct Private lessons too.
The younger generation prefer to learn rock or pop. Very few prefer to learn to play Latin, Jazz or Swing.
Q: Taking the spotlight to you, do you involve your self in percussion playing?
A: Yes. I have occasionally played percussion instruments. But I love the drums more than any other instrument and I will continue to stay with the drums. I will encourage and inspire the younger generation to learn playing the drums.”
Q: I think it was Chico Hamilton who once said that he couldn’t understand why drummers play with their cymbals all up in the air. The natural posture of your arm is down and it is easier to hold your arms down than it is to hold them up. Eventually tiredness creeps in, you begin to lose control, because the more relaxed you are the better you can play? Your comment?
A: Every drummer has his own way of setting up his kit according to his comfort level. Having the cymbals up in the air doesn’t mean that it is bound to make him tired, because you don’t play them right throughout the tune or song.