Born: October 10, 1958 Primary Instrument: Piano
Kuma De Silva, is one of the leading contemporary pianist in SriLanka with a wide repertoire under his belt.His versatility sees him behind the keyboards with pop groups on a higher plane![SUNDAY OBSERVER/2009]
De Silva has worked and or performed with: Trumpeter Bonny Fields,Martin Taylor,Dave 'O' Higgins band,Rosco Williams,Glen Terry,Hussain Jiffry[project Amazing Grace] violinist David Balasubramaniam ,Lakshman Joseph De saram, Alien Accent,Sumuthi Suraweera, [All the jazz J know/ you & the night & the music} Arney Smoiggy ,Sebastian de Chrome[England]Sunil De Silva, Andy Thompson,Grant Chamberlain,[Australia] Iisaac Smith [ New Zea land] Natasha Rathnayaka,Pradeep Rathnayaka,Sunil Perera & Gypsies,Bhathiya & Santhosh. [Sri Lanka]
He started playing piano at the age of seven, completed fifth grade examination in classical music,grew up listening to Nat king Cole, Charlie Christian, Pepe Jarmilo,Tito Puente, Jimmy Smith. Moved on to play with pop bands and by the age of seventeen had the opportunity of playing with best musicians & leading bands in the country.
He started learning theory of jazz from various sources till he met Boston pianist Steve Donavan [Pocketchange] who provided him with a jazz lessons & personal instructions,which change his touch & direction in music.
Kuma De Silva has been in the music industry for the past 25 years as a pianist,composer & an arranger.Most of his work has been with the front line bands in Colombo/Sri Lanka.In 1999/2000 he toured Europe & Canada with the band “PURPLERAIN” and prior to that had his own jazz band 'INFOCUS' [Alston J on bass, Shiraz Noorhamith on drums] which was regarded as one of the best jazz trios in the country.
.Ronnie Scotts all star basist Arnie Somoigy.......''”I've had the good fortune to play with Kuma on several occasions. He has a lovely touch on the piano, some great ideas and can really swing. Without doubt Sri Lanka's foremost jazz pianist. I look forward to working with him in the near future.” Arnie Somogyi, double bass player - Ronnie Scott's All-Stars; double bass teacher - Birmingham Conservatoire ” Arnie Somogy ..[jazz@the mount Int-jazz-fest[Srilanka Oct 15,16,17-2010]
Awards:
Golden Clef/best jazz band 1997/Milestone'Disclaimer: All About Jazz is not responsible for the accuracy of the discographical data at the website(s) provided. If a link is no longer valid, please contact discography@allaboutjazz.com. Thank you.
