I recall there being three major Sultans of Swing in the Goa music scene during the last days of the Portuguese regime upto the 70s when electricity was creeping into Goa.
They were Johnson and his Jolly Boys, Tuna Sparks and the Radio Serenaders. Johnson was king while the other two mere Generals. Johnson was always first choice when money was not a consideration while the other two were back ups when Johnson was not available or when there were budgetary limits. Johnson had tempo, knew what the crowd wanted and had the old style foot tapping finesse you saw in the American big bands. The zest was always missing when the event started. Then a knowledgeable old timer would muster alcohol and discreetly pass it on to all the band members. After that it was pure joy. The music excelled, the females got frisky on the floor and the organizers were beyond themselves. The Tuna Sparks and Radio Serenaders were more stiff collared and intent upon the music than swinging with the crowd. Alcohol played a smaller part with them (it never completely disappears with Goans) and they were less older than Johnson’s Boys who were mostly senior citizens and were drawn from quite a few villages in Goa. The classic guitar player for example was blind and from Assagao. The Tuna Sparks and Radio Serenaders had their electric sections although not as completely overwhelming as today’s cover up lack of music knowledge with electronic fanfare. Johnson was totally original, no electricity required. It was fun to be a part of the scene like I was, where two bands were listed for playing like at the Clube Harmonia in Margao. Tuna Sparks would start the evening but not too later the electricity would go off and Johnson would be quickly ushered in for the rest of the function. How the payment was divided I don’t know. Johnson used to play until the sun was up and cocks were crowing in the neighbourhood, at which time he would end with his signature song superbly played despite the six to seven previous hours of a great performance: https://youtu.be/GB2yiIoEtX As soon as we knew he was ready to strike up the notes for his swan song, those of us with unused liquor coupons would rush to the bar. Some of us leaving the club after everything was over, could be seen getting down the marble steps to the road, tipping the Golden Eagle beer bottle to our mouths, not wishing to waste the last few sips. Life was simple then. We were young, music was always in the air Goa was pristine, good alcohol was dirt cheap, and Goa was home only to Goans. What more could one ask. Roland. Toronto > On Apr 12, 2019, at 12:52 AM, Nelson Lopes <[email protected]> wrote: > > "Let music play on , long after I am gone" > > Maestro Carlos Rodrigues. > > Studied Permeiro Grau, music his first love > > Parents did`nt encourage ,nor elders above , > > Back in Goa, talents recognized, admired, and praised > > RADIO SERENADERS most famous Goa band tag > >
