Golden Era of music … a fresh breeze

It’s, indeed, very heartening to see senior musicians making their presence felt in the local scene…all over again.

We have Catch 22, with veteran Nimal Jayamanne at the helm, also the band Black Jackets, and a few more.

Viraj Perera was known for his band Rock This Country and they did rock the scene whenever they went into action.

Unfortunately, the pandemic, and what followed, curtailed activities in showbiz, and Rock This Country, too, found the going tough.

However, Viraj is now back, with Terry & The Big Spenders…to usher in a fresh breeze of the Golden Era of music.

Says Viraj: “Terry & The Big Spenders is a whole new upgrade to Rock This Country and we are now a groovy semi big band, made up of some of Colombo’s highly experienced musicians.”

Viraj went on to say that adding richness to the sound are the trumpets and saxophones, and that their repertoire is unique. “Very rare in Colombo,” he added.

Leader Viraj Perera and frontline vocalist Terry Bertus

“There’s ‘one exclusive place’ you will hear such songs, and that’s the Sky Lounge at The Kingsbury, and to name a few, ‘Midnight Train To Georgia’ – Gladys Knight, ‘Diamonds Are Forever’, ‘Never Never Never’ – Shirley Bassey, and other vintage classics by Dorris Day, Patsy Cline, and also a touch of the best of Abba.”

According to Viraj, Terry & The Big Spenders are also recreating a new floor for the authentic ballroom dancing, waltzes, cha-cha, rumba, foxtrot, etc.

“We have also included in our repertoire songs for Sinhala and Baila music lovers – classy songs of C.T Fernando, Desmond De Silva, La Bambas, Dharmaratne Brothers, Gypsies, and other great vintage artistes.”

Terry & The Big Spenders are:

Viraj Perera (leader, piano, music director), Terry Bertus (main vocalist), Vishwa Steinwall (drums), Dinidu Perera (bass), Roshan Dissanayake (synthesizer, keyboards, orchestration), Revel Crake (guitar), Emil Wedanda (trumpet), Sasindu Vilasa (saxophone).

Viraj says he can be contacted on +94 773950422.