CATCH -22…for retro music lovers

,Old soldiers never die, they say, and that applies to our music scene, as well.

It’s certainly encouraging to see some of our veteran musicians still active and producing the kind of music that everybody loves.

CATCH–22, is the latest five-piece ensemble in town, made up of veteran musicians; all with experience, having performed here and abroad.

While catering to a wider audience, the band leans towards retro music which, according to Nimal Jayamanne, augurs well with the pub/restaurant, hotel lobby, and the dinner dance scene…not forgetting weddings and other social gatherings.

The musicians, who make up CATCH-22, have all performed with different bands, and are well-known personalities in the local music scene.

Leading this five-piece setup is Nimal Jayamanne, best known for his massive hit, and all-time favourite ‘Ranpotathelambuwa.’

This particular song took Nimal right to the very top, as an entertainer, and wherever he performed ‘Ranpotathelambuwa’ the audience used to go ga-ga. I guess it still happens!

Nimal Jayamanne: Years of experience, singing with many western bands

Nimal has years of experience, singing with many western bands in the local music scene.

The other veterans are:

Sajith Mutucumarana (bass guitar). He was the leader/founder of the well-known band Ecstasy of the ’80s -’90s era.

Keerthi Samarasekera (keyboards). Also a founder member of Ecstasy and has performed with many other western bands.

Sumith Jayaratne (lead guitar). He has performed with bands like Cosmic Rays, Sam the Man and Red Sand.

Sriyatha Jayasinghe (drums). Former member of Dream Team, Noeline & Skyline, Heathrow, Manilal with Upekkha and Sam the Man.

A notable feature of CATCH–22 is that all members of the band handle lead and backup vocals which bring in the much-needed depth and variety in voices.

Nimal Jayamanne, who handles the front-line vocals, says that CATCH-22 does the Sky Lounge scene, at the Kingsbury Hotel, on Thursdays, and at The Warehouse (TWH), down Vauxhall Street, on Wednesdays.

Retro music lovers could check things out with Nimal on 077 322 4282.