Chris Perry (musician)

Chris Perry (25 November 1928 − 25 January 2002), born Pereira was a Goan musician, composer, songwriter and film producer.

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, Charles Parker and Chic Correia. 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.

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.

References

1. ^ "Goan Legend Chris Perry Departs for Heavenly Abode Date". Goa-world.com. http://www.goa-world.com/goa/chrisperry/. Retrieved 2011-07-21. 
2. ^ "[Gulf Goans] Chris Perry - The Music Magician". Mail-archive.com. 2005-04-27. http://www.mail-archive.com/[e-mail]/msg01545.html. Retrieved 2011-07-21. 
3. ^ "The temperamental genius that was Chris Perry | iGoa". Navhindtimes.in. 2010-09-23. http://www.navhindtimes.in/ilive/temperamental-genius-was-chris-perry. Retrieved 2011-07-21.