By Gasper Crasto, Goa World

Konkani Audio CD "Goenchi Mati" Released in Kuwait

Kuwait, July 7:  One of the renowned writers, directors and artistes of the Konkani stage, Laurente Pereira released his maiden audio CD recently titled, "Goenchi Mati". The CD was released  at the Al-Masra Auditorium, Hawally under the banner of Lara Productions. It was released at the hands of a Thome Gracias, a prominent Goan personality, admirer and ardent  proponent of  the Konkani 'Mai Bhas'.

The CD contains eleven powerful tracks with an introduction by young Abigail Pereira.  As the title of the CD signifies, it conveys a powerful and poignant message that Goans overseas should deserve to be laid to rest in Goa, in the very womb of the true blue blooded Goan soil (Goenchi Mati). Lawry Travasso beautifully renders the title track with consequential support from Laurente Pereira and Dolla Mascarenhas.

The track,'Gaunche Tiatrist' pays tremendous tribute to the formidable stage artistes from Laurente's own village Utorda, in Goa. The CD also introduces Ms. Sherline Pereira who excels in the rendition of 'Ashram' with her mellifluous voice. "Desachi Girestkai" highlights the plight of children at school and has direct reference to the tragedy in Madras sometime back wherein ninety children were burnt alive in a school due to the negligence of the authorities. Pascoal Rodrigues is highly commendable with his suspenseful song 'Saulli' leading to an unexpected anticlimax.

The trio 'Dhubhavachem Vojem' by comedian Philip Pereira, Querobina Carvalho and Dolla Mascarenhas is another beautiful rendition also ending in suspenseful anticlimax. 'Liplolo Mog' by Dolla Mascarenhas is worth listening for its lyrical and musical excellence. The duo 'Duddu' by Sylvestar Vaz and Laurente Pereira conveys a powerfully sensible message that money is not everything in life. The lyrical 'seconds' by Sylvester Vaz are worth listening to. And Lawry Travasso's solo 'Bhavarth' is praiseworthy for the message it conveys. 'Sonth' by ace musician Norman Cardozo reflects Christian communities obligation to keep the Sabbath and other church designated days holy. The final track 'Kolestrol' by comedian Philip Periera is a virtual laugh riot and only Philip could have sung it so comically with a pinch of humor.

The lyrics have been beautifully penned by Laurente Pereira and set to lilting tunes by maestro Norman Cardozo on keyboard, trumpet by Agnelo Dias, Sammy de Merces on trombon, violin by Victor da Costa, lead and rhythm guitar by Chris Correia of the band Pure Magic, and percussions by Jack Rebello. 

The audio CD is a must for all lovers of Konkani music.