ADEUS, CHRIS PERRY
GOANS BID FAREWELL TO MUSIC LEGEND 'CHRIS PERRY'
click on the thumbnail images for larger ones
Exclusive Photos taken by William Rodrigues
Sorrowful family - Sorrowful family - Brass band
Tomazino Cardozo - Leaving Home for the last time - Procession 1
Procession - Procession - Eleven piece Brass Band at church
Margao Church - Graveside - Remo Fernandes
Uday Bhembrea - Francisco Colaco - Last rites
Closing of the coffin - Blowing of the trumpet - Distraught sons
Emaliano and friends - Final family prayers
Goa's Music Legend Chris Perry was laid to rest today evening at the Holy Spirit
Church Cemetery, Margao, Goa, bringing his long and illustrious innings in
contemporary music (specially konkani) to an end.
The funeral cortege arrived at the Holy Spirit Church at 4 PM followed by the
mourners from different walks of life. To the melancholic strains of the hymn
'Lord I'm Coming Home' his four sons Glenn, Giles, Miles & Errol carried the
coffin inside.
Fr. Valmiki Gonsalves Dias, concelebrated the funeral mass together with six
other priests. In his touching homily, Fr. Valmiki Gonsalves Dias, highlighted
the achievements, qualities and the works of Chris. He said, 'Chris dedicated
his entire life to music and even in his days of ill health he did not stop
thinking, talking and writing music. His entire life revolved around music, and
music is what he lived for'.
Post communion a beautiful instrumental recording 'Jesus & Mary' was played. A
musical composition which Chris himself had composed and dedicated to Jesus &
Mary and wished it to be played at his funeral mass. The congregation at the
funeral service listened in pin drop silence the Maestros masterpiece
composition, a classic so soothing & sublime. At the end of the Eucharistic
celebration the Choir rendered 'Adeus' a touching tribute in Konkani.
In his funeral eulogy the Konkani protagonist and writer Adv. Uday Bhembre paid
rich and glowing tributes to Chris Perry for his musical genius and composing
abilities. He said in the death of Chris Perry, Goa has lost a great musician
and composer who brought laurels not only to him but also to the Konkani
language and his motherland Goa.
Goa's Cultural Ambassador & International Pop Star, Remo Fernandes, who was also
present at the funeral service in his eulogy said " It is hard to express in
words and pay tributes to the great Goan Musician and Composer Chris Perry. His
Music, his compositions and all his works, do the speaking for him today. Chris
had a great vision and he was years ahead in the field of music. In his sons
Chris leaves behind a music legacy, though Chris is no more, his music
compositions and songs will be remembered and sung by Goans for a very long
time".
Exactly at 5.20 PM his coffin was lowered to its final resting-place to the
accompaniment of the 'Last Post'. Emiliano's Trio were present at the cemetery
and paid tributes to this music genius by softly playing his favourite melodies
while the brass band earlier played Chris' own composition 'Adeus' as his four
sons Giles, Miles, Glenn & Errol carried the coffin to the cemetery. Several
others men and women alike too tried to reach for the coffin and lend a hand in
carrying it on its final journey. Thereby paying their last respects to someone
they loved so dearly and held in high esteem. The mourners stood in silence,
with many shedding tears while still many others controlling the tears from
welling up in their eyes.
Many had traveled from far to bid a final adieu to someone whom they treasured
for several decades and enjoyed his magical music creations. Prominent among
those present at the funeral service were, Tomazinho Cardozo (Ex Speaker, Govt.
of Goa & Playwright) with his wife Irene, Remo Fernandes, Adv. Uday Bhembre,
among the tiatrist fraternity were, M. Boyer, Ophelia Cabral, Jessie Dias, John
Claro, Rico Rod, C. D'Silva, Mike Mehta, Wilmix-Sharon, Anil-Fatima, Rosario
Dias, Platilda & Ivo Dias, Ben Evangelisto, Comedian Dominic, Musicians,
backstage artists, Goa's renowned Konkani Writer & Novelist Bonaventura D'
Pietro and others.
Report by: Daniel F. de Souza Vasco da Gama, Goa. 29th Jan'2002.
Chris Perry put Konkani music on international
map
By WILMIX MAZARELLO
The late Chris Perry won many laurels in music during his life time and was
deservingly honoured on many occasions by music lovers from all over the world.
On the 10th of February 2002, Chris Perry was to be honoured at the “Akhil
Bharatiya Konkani Sangeet Sammelan”, a mega-musical event that is to be held at
the Ravindra Bhavan site, Fatorda, Margao, Goa. But alas! it was not to be so,
for Chris Perry, as God had
his own plans for him. Chris Perry took seriously ill and suddenly died during
January 2002.
The legendary Chris Perry’s long innings into music, came to end on the 25th of
January 2002 at around 3 p.m.
There is hardly anyone in the music circles of Goa who has not heard about Chris
Perry. As for me, I came to know a lot more about Chris Perry the person, only
during the last 10 years or so.
However I knew Chris Perry the musician since many years before. I being
associated with the Konkani music industry for the last so many years and also
being a Konkani stage, radio, T.V. and Audio casseette singer and composer, was
in a position to better
understand Chris Perry’s music and I admired him for it. Chris Perry lived and
died for music.
During his early years Chris Perry spent some time doing acting and singing in
Konkani tiatros but soon realised that he was not destined to be a tiatrist. He
switched on to playing music and very soon mastered the “trumpet”.
He learnt to read and write music and soon became a Music Arranger. He organised
his own Band and started playing in “starred” Hotels of Mumbai. His popularity,
as a Band Leader and as an excellent trumpeter, grew day by day and year after
year.
A time came, when the name of Chris Perry’s Band could attract crowds to the
Hotels in which they played. Chris Perry and his band also became popular at
weddings, parties and night clubs.
However, Chris Perry was not content with this popularity. He wanted to do more
in music. But playing in Hotels, Night-clubs and weddings had its own
limitations. It used to be the same thing year after year. Chris Perry had to
listen to the music and songs
that flowed into India from the West, practice them and play them with his Band
for the crowd.
Chris Perry had the creativity bug in him, but hotels, weddings and parties
could not give him much opportunity to be creative. In fact Chris Perry soon
realised that he could not go much far into English Music, beyond mimicking
popular English songs. Chris Perry did not feel shy to revert back to his roots
i.e. back to Konkani songs, but this time as a Music Composer & a Lyricist. This
is where, Chris Perry put his creativity to the test and soon his talents as a
Music Composer and as a Lyricist came out in full bloom. Every song that Chris
Perry composed (music & lyrics) turned out to be a hit. Chris Perry became a
household name in Goa, Mumbai, the entire Konkani belt and overseas. Musicians
all over India and abroad recognised the immense talent of Chris Perry the
Musician & Lyricist. Chris Perry’s gramophone records were soon being heard by
Goans and other music lovers even in countries like UK, USA & Canada. Of course,
credit also goes to his renowned vocalist “Lorna” who lend her jazzy voice to
Chris Perry’s compositions. Many say that Lorna was a source of inspiration to
Chris Perry and that it was in fact their combination that really clicked.
Combination or whatever it was, ultimately the Chris perry Music the Chris Perry
Lyrics & the Chris Perry ‘touch’ that worked wonders. One may ask, what was it
that made Chris Perry’s compositions click so well with the masses & the
classes. I, for one, think it was his style.
Over the years Chris Perry had developed a style of his own, which could be
identified immediately with Chris Perry the Musician. There was a certain punch
and a zing into his music which was hitherto not heard in Konkani Music.
I would like to call it a ‘blend’ which Chris Perry mastered, rather than
calling it any ‘originality’. Chris Perry took the traditional Goan style of
music and blended it well with the Western Jazz.
This blending gave a new direction to Konkani Music which took Goan music to
international heights. People, who earlier never thought much of Goan Music soon
started listening to Chris Perry’s style of Goan Music. There is no doubt that
Chris Perry gave Goan Konkani music a much needed “boost” and placed it on the
international music map. Many Hindi film directors also started lifting Goan
melodies after this new exposure to Konkani music, given by Chris Perry.
There is no doubt that Goa is a land of music and musicians and many earlier
Goan musicians have produced even better musicial compositions than those of
Chris Perry’s.
All said and done, the contribution of Chris Perry to Konkani music has done
more than any of his predecessors in internationalizing Goan Konkani music.
(Navhind Times)
Collection of Chris Perry's finest tracks to be
released soon
MARGAO, Feb 1: Chris Perry’s 12 of the finest collections would be represented
in a form of cassette as a tribute to this legendary musician. M/s V P Sinari
and Sons, a prestigious name in the field of cassette distribution in Goa who
have to their credit of releasing few albums of Perry, will take up this
ambitious project.
“Before he fell sick in August, 2000, we were working together over the project
of remixing his old numbers,” stated Mr Suresh Sinari, proprietor of M/s V P
Sinari and Sons. From 1997 onwards, Chris Perry was working on the project with
Sinari’s. Mixing of the music had been done and only voice dubbing was left,
when this renowned musician-cum-lyricist fell sick. “Recording was done in three
different studios in Mumbai,” stated Mr Sinari. The last recording was in the
Paramount Studio, Juhu.
The project was aiming to revitalise the old songs of Perry which were many a
times unaccessible for the modern generation. These songs were remixed giving
them a modern touch. According to Mr Sinari, the work on 12 songs was completed
which included his evergreen collections like Lis Boa, Calangute, Sorga Raja,
Red Rose, Tujo Mog, Pisso, Bebdo etc. Perry was taking personal interest on this
project, stated Mr Sinari.
When he was alive, Sinari’s had come out with Perry’s cassette which included
songs like “Poilo Kiss” and “Perry’s do re mi sa” which had lyrics and music
composed by him. Both are also available on the compact disc version.
Interestingly, after Chris Perry’s sad demise, the demand for his cassettes
increased. “During four days, we sold 30 to 40 cassettes from our outlet in
Margao ,” stated Mr Sinari.
Same was the case elsewhere. “There were inquiries about Perry’s cassettes. But
they were looking out for his old songs,” disclosed Mr Francis D’Costa,
proprietor of Vibes Music Den, Margao. Mr D’Costa said that if cassette paying
tribute to this great artist by providing best of Chris Perry’s songs is
produced it would surely hit the market.
(courtesy: Navhind Times)
Chris Perry contributed much to Konkani music
By TOMAZINHO CARDOZO
Chris Perry, a musician of high calibre, who with his originality and deep
imagination brought Konkani music and Konkani song to the highest standard, is
no more with us. He expired on 25th January 2002 at the age of 74 years, out of
which almost 50 years of his life, he devoted to music in general and Konkani
music in particular.
Chris Perry is a legend in his own life time for his unparalleled contribution
to Konkani music. He was a self-made musician because it was due to his keen
interest and profound desire to achieve greater heights in the field of music
that he did not limit himself to playing only the trumpet but made all out
efforts and also excelled in playing saxophone, organ, piano and drums too.
Another important quality one could find in Chris Perry, which is rarely found
in musicians, is that he was a superb lyricist of Konkani
songs.
He was a lover of the Konkani stage. He was not very satisfied with the standard
of Konkani tiatr then. He wanted to bring change and quality to the tiatr stage.
With this aim in mind, he ventured on the tiatr stage and produced some tiatrs
namely Noxibantlo Novro, Padricho Lob, Vid Mog Kornnaranchem, etc. However he
found that his efforts were not producing the desired results. He realised that
his time and talents were being wasted. He temporarily left the tiatr stage and
devoted his attention towards music and music only.
Under his leadership he started a musical band which became very popular in
India and abroad too. Chris Perry with his golden trumpet was a household name.
He performed in almost all the cosmopolitan cities of India such as Mumbai,
Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi and satisfied the thirst of music lovers in these
places. He travelled abroad to various countries and gained tremendous applause
for his excellent performances.
Although Chris Perry gained big name and much fame through his musical
performances in Western music and was considered as a musical wizard, he did not
forget his mother tongue Konkani. The Goan instinct in him became active and
with more zeal and enthusiasm he once again re-entered the Konkani stage, this
time not to produce tiatrs but to give the Konkani people qualitative Konkani
music and Konkani songs.
Chris Perry introduced Lorna on the Konkani stage. Chris Perry’s valuable lyrics
with his original soul-touching music and Lorna’s inimitable voice created a
revolution in Konkani singing. Chris Perry’s discs and cassettes became very
popular among the Konkani speaking people all over the world. Konkani music and
Konkani song reached to the highest standard than ever reached earlier. It was
Chris Perry who gave Konkani music and Konkani song the status that it deserved.
Noxibak Roddtam, Nachoea Kumpasar, Lisboa, Bebdo, Sorga Rajeant, Saud, are some
of his most popular songs which have become immortal.
What is the secret of Chris Perry’s success? A good song depends on three
important factors: lyrics, music and the singers voice. And Chris Perry had all
three ingredients in each and every song of his. His lyrics were superb, full of
imagination and at times poetical, with beautiful rhymes. His music was
excellent in all respects and that too with a Goan touch in each of his songs.
And the nightingale’s voice of Lorna created the magic in rendering the songs
effectively.
Another aspect one cannot overlook is that Chris Perry was a perfectionist and
did not allow anything to be recorded unless he was satisfied with it. To have
these qualities one needs dedication, sincerity and an attitude to hardwork.
Chris Perry had all this and hence he achieved tremendous success in his efforts
to provide Konkani speaking people with qualitative music and songs.
Chris Perry also produced two musical shows namely Novro Mhojo Devchar and Tum
Ani Hanv. These shows were totally different from the normal tiatrs in the sense
that Chris Perry introduced rich music along with good lyrics and powerful
script. The main aim of Chris Perry was to create something new, something
original and something of high standard on the Konkani stage. He succeeded in
his attempts at taking Konkani stage to greater heights.
Chris Perry, although no more with us physically, his compositions have made him
immortal for future generations. In the demise of Chris Perry, a golden era of
Konkani songs and Konkani music has come to an end. He has created a void which
may probably never be filled.
(Navhind Times)
Extract from the Navhind Times on the Web
Tiatrists, Konkani lovers condole death of Chris Perry
By A Staff Reporter
PANAJI, Jan 27: Tiatr artistes and Konkani music lovers have condoled the death
of renowned musician, Christopher Pereira popularly known as Chris Peri, who
died of illness at his residence in Margao on Friday.
He was 74 and is survived by his wife and four married sons.
Hailing from a musicians family, Pereira initially produced a few tiatrs,
but later gave up tiatr productions and devoted his life to
Konkani music. His original tiatrs were: Nashibatlo Novro, Juramento, Band
Masters, Tu Ani Haun, besides others.
Pereira was instrumental in raising the standard of Konkani music to new heights by producing evergreen classic songs, which are still on the tip of the tongues of Goans. In mid-1960, Pereira produced musical shows on the opera-line Navro Mujo Devchar, which became super hit. With musical shows, a new combination with Chris Peri's music and Konkani melody queen Lorna songs was born.
Pereira was the pioneer in producing Konkani music
to the HMV recording company. He produced all classic Konkani songs on the HMV
records. The new combination of Chris-Peri's music and Lorna became the name in
the Konkani music. Pereira was instrumental in giving a new dimension to Konkani
music and also groomed Lorna as melody queen in Konkani.
Besides, HMV's records, Pereira also provided music to Konkani films like
Bhuyarantalo Monis.
Pereira was a member of popular Hindi musician S D Burman's group and was
playing the trumpet. He had also composed music for popular Hindi films like
Kabhi Kabhi, Trishul and others.
Later, Pereira opened a music school at Dubai and produced a large number of young musicians, majority of them have excelled well in Trinity College of Music. All his sons also are following the foot steps of their father and are in the field of music.
Former Speaker of state legislative assembly and a
tiatrist of repute, Tomazinho Cardozo has condoled Chris Peri's death. In his
condolence message, Cardozo has recalled the contribution of late Pereira for
Konkani music.
Cardozo said Chris Peri's music had an essence of
Goan culture and added that in Peri's' death Goa has lost a great musician.
The Konkani Yuva Sammelan held at Valpoi also paid rich tributes to the memory
of late Chris Peri and observed one minutes silence to pay respect to the
departed soul.
Goan Legend Departs for Heavenly Abode
Date: 1/25/02 7:22:11 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: Lawrence Fernandes
I am very sorry to inform you all the very sad news. Chris Perry the legendary
Goan musician, composer, director and producer expired today afternoon,
25/01/2002 1500 hours Indian Time at his residence at Borda, Margao, Goa.
Chris Perry leaves behind his loving wife Lilly, sons Giles, Glenn, Miles and
Errol, all musicians. Funeral
date will be announced later.
Our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.
Lawrence Fernandes
Remembering great Goan Bandleader Chris Perry
Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002 20:45:40 +0100
Dear Compatriots,
It breaks my heart to learn of the sad demise of Goa's top musician Chris Perry.
His valuable contribution to Goan music as a singer, trumpetor and band-leader
will live for ever in our hearts. Let's sing his glory and pray for his departed
soul that it may rest in peace. Goa has lost a great artist and a musician of
great caliber. Let's offer our heartfelt condolences to his dear family. May God
give him eternal rest and enjoy his musical talents in heaven.
Basilio (Spain)
From:
Dear Brothers & Sisters, Goan & Non-Goan & Well
Wishers & admirers of late Chris Perry,
I just received a phone call from Goa, from Giles
Perry, the eldest son of my good friend Chris Perry
saying that Doordarshan will telecast today
Wednesday, 30th January, 2002 at 1800 hours IST, 1630
hours Dubai time, funeral procession etc.
Lawrence Fernandes - Dubai
From:
Date: Fri Jan 25, 2002 6:52 am
Goan legend Chris Perry musician, composer and director expired 25/01/2002 1500
hours IST quitely at his Borda residence in Margao, Goa. Leaving behind lot of
good memories behind us.
Last I met late Chris Perry and Lorna at Sinquetim, Navelim Carnival dance. A
great musician with Saxaphone, as good as Louis Armstrong. Handsome Chris and
beauitiful Lorna yum yum, made a great combination with love songs listening and
for dancing pleasure. I remember Chris was in love with Lorna at that time, but
my strong liking for Lorna did not prevent me for a pleasure to dance with Lorna
while Chris playing.
The great moments of my life I shared with them, although that was many years
ago, their echoes of thrill of life is still vibrating in my mind and soul when
I play their recorded music in Clube Vasco da Gama, Voorhees. Their music later
on was recorded by Silvano Barbosa, of Canada in Golden hit CD, named Lorna's
love songs. I immediately purchased 10 CD's at the selling going on someones
house party Party in New Jersey.
Our heartfelt sympathies goes with his loving wife Lilly, sons Giles, Glenn,
Miles and Errol, all musicians. May his soul rest in peace.
Agnelo Gomes
USA
(courtesy:
Date: Fri Jan 25, 2002 8:33 am
Subject: Good-Bye Chris Perry
Goa Su-Raj Party mourns the passing away of one of Goa's greatest sons who has
enriched the lives of Goans and music enthusiasts all over the country and the
world for a long long time. Goans will see you in the "Hall of Goa's Fame"
Good-Bye dear Chris.
Floriano Lobo
www.goasu-raj.org
From: "Tony Correia-Afonso" <
Date: Fri Jan 25, 2002 5:54 pm
Subject: Adeus, Chris Perry!
I join my fellow-Goans in mourning the demise of Chris Perry, a great son of Goa
who brought joy to the hearts of millions through his inimitable music. Though
he will no more be with us in person, his music will live on the many cassettes
and CDs he produced in
his lifetime. May his soul rest in peace!
---Tony Correia-Afonso.
From: A. Correia-Afonso
e-mail:
(Courtesy: The Goan Forum)
From: "rabindra pimenta" <
A Tribute to a great Goan musician - CHRIS PERRY. It is indeed a sad day for
Goans around the world to note that the Light that shone so bright has
extinguished, causing darkness in the lives of the music lovers. Chris Perry was
the heart-throb of millions and will ever be remembered fondly for the thrill he
brought to the Konkani lovers, everytime he played the trumpet. His music is
everlasting and will live for ever and ever, to the glorify the name of a Great
Goan Musician. His contribution towards promoting Goan
musical cassettes and CDs can never be forgotten. In his death, the entire Goan
community has lost one of the greatest Goan musicians of all times. This
irrepairable loss will be felt by one and all. Let us all pray for the repose of
his soul in the kingdom of heaven. With deep sorrow in my heart, I bid farewell
to our Hero gone by. I too join Goa Su-Raj Party in mourning the death of
one of the greatest sons of Goa. Good-bye dear Chris. Heartfelt sympathies to
the bereaved family.
Yours in sorrow,
Rabindra Pimenta
(courtesy: The Goan Forum)
From: "nandkamat" <>
Date: Fri Jan 25, 2002 12:20 pm
Subject: Music never dies
Chris perry is no more. He regaled thousands of Goans and became a household
name. It was an age of simple Goa, simple Goans, simple music, simple tunes,
simple melodies, real (not electronic) saxophones and simple musicians like
Chris Perry.
It is the body which the musician has discarded. Ever mortal has to-one day. But
shall we forget his tunes, his music?. Would Konkani forget Perry's magic? Would
Mandovi and Zuari forget the gentle ripples? Chris Perry bravely fought a battle
with life. He has left behind for posterity not only the nostalgic memories of "perry-days",
but much more. His music. His tunes. His work. Music never dies. His family
would carry forward the torch and that's the spirit. Goans salute Chris Perry
although our Government would not lower any flag to mourn his demise. Sincere
condolences to Perry family!
-Dr.Nandkumar Kamat, Goa University
Just read some of the very moving tributes to a Goan
legend.Fine work by the Goa-World team of Uly Menezes & Gaspar Almeida to put up
the shots of the funeral so that Goans all over the world could feel as though
they might be there.Emiliano, Remo etc also...good to see the full attendance.A
true indication of Chris Perry's achievements & of how well he was thoughtof.A
truly great musician & A Great Goan.
Milton Rodrigues,London.
Chris Perry laid to rest
MARGAO, JAN 29 — The body of the legendary music maestro, Chris Perry was laid
to rest at the Holy Spirit Church cemetery here this evening. Besides his four
sons, wife and relatives, a host of music enthusiasts, Konkani stage artists,
and Konkani activists, including Remo Fernandes, and Goa Konkani Academy
Chairman, Adv Uday Bhembre attended the funeral. Rich tributes were paid to the
maestro for his immense contribution to the field of music and Konkani language.
Adv Uday Bhembre recalled the contribution of Chris Perry to Konkani music and
also to the cause of the language. He condoled the death of the great son of Goa
on behalf of a host of organisations involved in the promotion of Konkani and
the culture and said it would take a long time to fill the void created by the
demise of Chris Perry. Renowned Goan musician, Remo Fernandes said Chris Perry
made Goans proud for his achievement in the field of music. "He was a composer
par excellence and had a vision of the changes that would come about in the
field of music", Remo said, adding that the songs Chris composed have remained
uncomparable till date and will remain forever and ever. Dr Francisco Colaco
also spoke. Earlier, a mass was held in the Holy Spirit Church which was
celebrated by seven priests. Fr Valmiki Dias who was the main celebrant said in
his sermon that Chris devoted his entire life for music and to the cause of the
mother tongue. Those who attended the funeral were Konkani Bhasha Mandal
president, Damodar Mauzo, stage artists — Wilson and Sharon Mazarello, M Boyer,
Anil Kumar, Tomazinho Cardozo, Cyriac Dias, Rico Rod, Adv Mike Mehta and others.
Chris had died on January 25 at his Borda residence after a brief illness. He
was a recipient of the Bombay award for best composer in the year 1964. Chris
worked his way into the Bombay film industry as assistant music director
to one of the leading music directors, Khayyam. Around 1974, he produced the
first Konkani colour film in Goa "Bhuearantlo Munis" (The Cave man) which was a
great hit and was even screened in Dubai cinema houses. Meanwhile, the Konkani
Bhasha Mandal has expressed deep grief over the sad demise of the renowned
Konkani maestro. "He was a visionary who anticipated modern trends in music that
would sweep the entire world", a KBM press release said. The KBM said Chris gave
an entirely new dimension to Konkani music and termed his death as a loss to the
world of music.
(O'Herald Report on 30th January 2002
Links:
Credits
Navhind Times -
Gomantak Times -
Hearld
Report of the Funeral Rites, courtesy of:
Daniel F. de Souza. -
Exclusive Photo taken by William Rodrigues
http://www.goa-world.net/photogenic-images
{Courtesy: The Goan Forum Website
Agnelo Gomes USA (courtesy:
Other contributors: The Goan Forum Website
Cecil Pinto
Information
Collected, Prepared and Presented By Goa-World Team
Gaspar Almeida & Ulysses Menezes