‘A Tribute to Reginald Fernandes’, an audio CD produced by J Sally Fernandes carries 12 selective songs in the form of solos, duets and mandos. All the songs have been composed and set to music by late Reginald Fernandes.
The opening song, ‘Tum’ by O’luv, dwells upon the yearning by the lover towards his beloved. He says he is ready to overcome mountains and the seas and if need be, even put up in a hut for lifetime, but he wants the one in his mind forever. He makes a genuine comparison to gold and expensive garments and mentions that ‘You are nothing before all the amassed wealth.’ He concludes saying that he is willing to face all storms of life, provided ‘you are there by my side.’
The song that follows, ‘Vetai Tum Sandhun’, as well as ‘Visvaxi Kalliz’, both by Queenie Fernandes, are sincere expressions of love. The former brings out the grief and pain in the heart at the time of departure. The latter speaks about the faithful heart that always remains true. The flowers in the garden, stars in the sky and the waves in the seas have been highlighted alongside the faithful heart.
‘Ghou Bailechem Kestaum’, a duet by Tomazinho and Irene Cardozo, is an interesting tussle between spouses. When she finds that her husband is always in a fight or a quarrel with her, she reveals that she used to get countless proposals, but she rejected all.
Solos ‘Luiz Anna’ and ‘Sundorem’ by Xavier Gomes and Sharon Mazarello respectively highlight the beauty of a woman. In the former, the singer says he is aware of various inborn qualities of Luiz Anna, but refuses to reveal them as he believes that their minds are one. In the latter, a mention is made of Raja Ram and the singer says she finds it difficult to tread the path without him. Love bloomed at a Zatra festival, she says, and she sits in her balcao waiting for her lover at midnight.
‘Eksurem Kalliz’, a mando, is rendered by Dr Francisco Colaco, followed by a dulpod by Tomazinho and Irene Cardozo. ‘Eksurem Kalliz’ is a cry of a lonely heart, mentioning a short encounter and a haunting image. The dulpod highlights the unexpected betrayal of love. The concluding track, ‘Adeus Korchea Vellar’ by Braz Ferns, Juvencio and Rosy Carvalho, is a farewell song, with a brief mention about Reginald Fernandes during the interlude.
Duets ‘Batac Bat’ by Mario and Rosy Alvares and ‘Ghe Tuka Di Maka’ by Jessie Dias and Rabin D’Pietro respectively,are basically conversations. The former throws light on boys and girls, differences between them and how boys often lure girls. The latter reveals that there’s nothing that strikes the mind, except dreaming of being together. Love is all about giving and receiving, the singers conclude.
All the songs move at a slow pace, but each of them carry meaningful lyrics, inviting the listener to ponder. Music to all the songs has been arranged by maestro Babush, followed by recording and mixing by Alfin Fernandes at Manfa Studio.
The project was conceptualised and initiated by late Joel D’Souza and coordinated by Alister Miranda. Clive D’Souza has designed the jacket.
