Chris Perry (musician)
Chris Perry (25 November 1928 − 25 January 2002), born Pereira was a Goan musician, composer, songwriter and film producer.
Chris Perry | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 25 November 1928 Borda, Estado da India |
| Origin | India |
| Died | 25 January 2002 (aged 73) Margao |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Songwriter, musician |
| Instruments | Trumpet |
Chris Perry was an exceptionally gifted trumpeter, but he was also at ease with blowing instruments as saxophone, trumpet and flute as well as finger instruments like keyboard, piano and guitar. He learnt to read and write music all by himself. His performance of the music composition Cherry Pink and the Apple Blossom White breathlessly on trumpet earned him the sobriquet as the Man with the Golden Trumpet. His birth name has been reported as Christovam Pereira as well as Christopher Pereira.
Konkani music
Chris Perry revolutionized the Konkani music scene by introducing jazz music and he is credited with taking Konkani popular music to a new level.[1]
He was responsible for discovering for Konkani music the hidden talent of Lorna and brought out the very best in her. Abghat kelo, Red Rose, Tum ani Hanv, Calangute, Nachomia Kumpasar, Bebdo, Ugddas, Sorg tujea dolleanim, Lisboa, Amerikak Pavxi, Noxibak roddttam in the sweet and forceful voice of Lorna are still famous.
Tony Carr's rendering of Cu Cu Ru Ru, Maddancho Soro, Kalliz Boong Bang zata have also become popular. He introduced Konkani music to singers like Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhonsle, Usha Uthup. Mohammed Rafi sang Bom Jezuchea re Konventant, Maria, Combea Sadari and Noxibak Roddtam. Usha Uthup in her inimitable voice has sung Meu Amor, Tum ani Hanv. The famous tiatrist H. Britton has also sung his compositions, which are Marialina, Kazarachem Utor, Bandra Festak, Bus Conductor, Dukhrachi Chevrisam. Hema Sardesai sang Sacrament Zodlo and other songs in his album Cu Cu Ru Cu.
His music standard is compared to that of famous musicians like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Chick Corea. Chris Perry took the traditional Goan style of music and blended it well with the Western Jazz.[2]
His musical shows Nhovro Mhozo Denvchar, Tum ani Hanv, Lob Padricho have become successful. Some of his well-known albums are Carnival in Goa, From Dubai with Love, Mhoji mai, Poilo Kiss. At his funeral, a brass band played Chris' own composition Adeus (Goodbye).
Tiatr
Chris entered the tiatr scene under the name of Bab Pinto and went on to stage his own tiatrs Noxibantlo Nhovro, Padricho Lob, Vid Mog Kornaranchem.
Hindi music
Chris Perry ventured into Hindi films and served the film industry for twenty-five years as assistant to Hindi film music directors. He performed in many Hindi films notably in Kabhi Kabhi and Trishul. He formed a band and they played at hotels in the major Indian cities.
Konkani cinema
Chris Perry has the distinction of producing the first Konkani colour film Bhuierantlo Munis in 1978 in which singer Asha Bhonsle has rendered some songs.
Lack of recognition
Chris Perry did not receive the recognition due to him.[3] His only major award was the Best Composer award in 1974. Chris Perry's compositions were performed by leading artists in Konkani and Indian music like Lorna, Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhonsle, Usha Uthup, Hema Sardesai, C. Alvares, Ophelia, Mohana, M. Boyer and H. Britton.
In popular culture
Nachom-ia Kumpasar : ('Let's dance to the rhythm'), is a Konkani film. It is based on the lives of two jazz musicians, Chris Perry and Lorna. The film, which takes its title from the name of a song by the two artists. The story is told through over 20 popular Konkani songs from the 1960s and 1970s that have been re-recorded for this film. The film is set in the 1960s and is a tribute to the 'unsung' Konkani musicians of that era.
Family
Chris Perry was born at Borda, Margao. He was the second son to Agostinho and Espiciosa Pereira among nine siblings. His brother, Joe Perry played alto sax in Hindi films. Joe composed the signature tune of All India Radio. Chris Perry married Lily D’Costa and they had four sons, Glenn Perry (Founder of Dubai Music School), Giles Perry, Miles Perry, and (name unknown).
References
- "Goan Legend Chris Perry Departs for Heavenly Abode Date". Goa-world.com. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 21 July 2011.
- "[Gulf Goans] Chris Perry - The Music Magician". Mail-archive.com. 27 April 2005. Retrieved 21 July 2011.
- "The temperamental genius that was Chris Perry | iGoa". Navhindtimes.in. 23 September 2010. Archived from the original on 10 June 2012. Retrieved 21 July 2011.
