Kochi: It was melody overflowing in Kochi on Tuesday evening when the Malayalam music fraternity came together to honour legendary composer Jerry Amaldev. A concert exclusively featuring the songs of Jerry, who has paved his own path in the music industry and has not allowed any compulsion to deviate from his convictions, came as a magical experience for fans of the musician belonging to various generations.
Veteran singers K S Chithra and K G Markose as well a host of singers from the younger generations sang songs composed by Jerry in the past four decades which includes a long break of over a decade. Addressing the gathering, Jerry said, “Kerala has been, is and will be guided and influenced and inspired by good music.”
Chithra paid her honour to Jerry saying it was from him she learned the details of singing. She also praised his discipline as a musician. “It was after listening to Jerry sir’s song Aayiram Kannumayi that Ilaiyaraaja called me to sing in Tamil,” she remembered. Chithra performed the song at the event.
Jerry’s longterm associate and veteran composer Berny said he got the courage to interact with musicians from across the globe after learning the details and technicalities from Jerry. He called Jerry an authority in chorus music and symphony.
Composer Sharreth said Jerry was honoured by Malayalam audience soon after his first film – Manjil Virinja Pookkal, which turned out to be an all-time favourite album for Malayalam music lovers.
The songs which made the line-up for the concert titled Sandralayam included ‘Devadundubhi’, ‘Penninte chenchundil’, ‘Kannodu kannoram’, ‘Mele mele manam’, and ‘Pookkal panineer pookkal’ and ‘Vachalam nin mounavum’. Kallara Gopan, Vijay Yesudas, Jyolsna, Afsal, Sudeep Kumar, Rajashree and Manjari were among those who performed at the event
The event was organised by Samam – an organisation of Malayalam music professionals, in association with IMA, Cochin, Public Relations Council of India (Cochin chapter) and Diamond Spoon Premium Wedding.
