In the early years in Sri Lanka, music from the bass was looked upon as a necessity to keep the tempo of the music in tact and remain thus till the end of the particular tune. But with the passage of time and with global thinking the bass was looked upon as a vital sound in the expression of a particular piece of music and the bassist began to take centre stage like a pianist, guitarist, saxophonist or a drummer. In this scenario in Sri Lanka along came young Curtis von Hagt fresh from his academic studies S. Thomas’ College and Wesley College and nursing a desire to be on a stage and express his musical ideas to be appreciated by a discerning audience. The opportunity came his way and soon he was seen on many stages giving expression to his musical artistry and being appreciated by scores of music lovers. But then as it always happens we lost him to a European audience and we are happy that he decided to pay a visit to his homeland and pick up from where he left off.
Q: Taking you back in time when did the fascination for playing bass come about. Was it after you had formal studies in music or was it as the say “in your blood”?
A: It was not just the bass that fascinated me; music in all its expressions, embraced me and made me want to perform with my friends who luckily had the same, shall we call it hobby – music. No, I didn’t have formal studies in music. It came sort of natural. I was fortunate to have a load of guidance from senior musicians around at that time and they being gracious taught me how and what I should know without holding back anything.
Q: During your college career were you playing and performing with music groups in Sri Lanka? If so, could you clue us with details?
A: When I started playing music seriously it was with the band comprising Derek Wickramanayake, Geoffrey Fernando, Dennis Ferreira and Warren Elias. We’ve remained inseparable friends for more than half a century. I treasure this friendship. Playing together in bands and keeping a great friendship is next to impossible.
Our first gig was when we played a couple of sets at the Amazing Grace farewell dance. We really don’t know how we got that gig, but the audience loved it and so did the members of Amazing Grace. So much so that we started playing gigs promoted by Amazing Grace.
After that we were lucky that Benjamin Ranabahu of bass fame made it “his mission in life” to promote me or any outfit I played with. The name of the band was “Invitation Age”. I think it was a great name for a band and I’d sue anyone who tries to steal it! Getting back to your earlier question this gig was the first time I played the bass guitar. Earlier we used to rehearse with acoustic guitars. I got a shock of my life when Benji walked in for the rehearsal with his bass which had black strings on it. That’s Benji for you – The Showman.
Q: By leaving for foreign appearances, Sri Lanka lost another talented musician. What was the group you joined to play at foreign clubs?
A: My first foreign appearance was in Afghanistan where Benji Ranabahu worked out a contract for his band. That was the end of my bass playing because we had one of Sri Lanka’s best bassists at that time. On the other hand, it was a God given chance for me to learn to play Guitar which I did with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of push, and encouragement from Michael de Silva and Benji himself. Also I cannot leave out Rukshan Perera and Hershel Rodrigo who were playing at Kabul at that time. They taught me everything I should know and more. Thank you guys! Back in Sri Lanka I was hanging around not knowing what will gonna happen. Fortune smiled on me when Arabesque contacted me to join them – they were playing in Europe and I joined them.
The band comprised Lal de Silva, Oswald Nugera, Shiraz Nooramith and me. When they decided to get back to Sri Lanka, Benjy Ranabahu who was in Europe at that time invited me to join The Clan with himself, Nimal Perera, Damian Wickramatilleke and we were a pretty successful band playing in Switzerland and Germany. Subsequently Melantha Perera joined us and he was a pleasure to work with. Once again fortune smiled on me, when Derek Wickramanayake came down from the Middle East and together, both of us joined Geoffery Fernando and Michael de Silva and Purple Rain was born. Derek and I played more keyboards with the band. Pramumkh who played before, he was superb. He was a Grade 8 pianist and he had the artistry to swing from Mozart to Elton John and ABBA, it was great.
Q: Correct me if I am wrong but wasn’t rock your Number 1 Music at the start here in Sri Lanka?
A: Not really. I listened to bands such as the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Deep Purple, Grand Funk Railroad, Led Zeppelin, The Who. Then surprisingly I got up one morning to “Lying Eyes” by the Eagles being played on the radio and I was hooked on Country Rock. I still am. I got the opportunity back home to play with Rebel Children and Shyami Fonseka was the vocalist. She was cool to please, fun to play with and we had a good band with nice songs and ‘standout’ harmonies. I also played with Country Comfort comprising Alfred Ratnam, Priyantha Peiris, Pramukh Fernando and Deen. Derek Wickramanayake joined us for a while. We were very low profile, but a well liked band.”
Q: Now in Malterdingen, Germany, are you heading a band or playing with a band?
A: I was playing with different German bands until I started my own band ‘Midnight Special” with my daughter Vanessa on vocals. She has become a great singer and it gives me goosebumps when I see and hear her perform. In short, I’m proud of her.
