Jerome Speldewinde
Perfect Improvisation
He’s travelled the world and its seven seas; and unlike almost everyone else, Jerome Speldewinde is simply looking to get better at what gives him joy – the blues.
Although he might be rightly labelled as one of Sri Lanka’s most popular jazz and blues performers, Jerome covers a range of music that’s as wide as his vocal cords. From classic jazz and blues, to funk and popular classics, he is open to any song with meaningful lyrics, strong melodies, and sentiment and feel.
“I don’t have a genre bias,” he declares; and with decades of performing under his belt, he represents a versatile package of diverse musical talent that’s signed, sealed and delivered.
Like his favourite composer (or one who tops the list) says, “life is a lot like jazz; it’s best when you improvise.”
And Jerome is a living embodiment of perfected improvisation – be it his music, work or attitude to life in general. The revered musician says he’s an easygoing person who is also subversive by nature… and someone who loves peace and quiet.
Hailing from Jaffna, Speldewinde has toured the island from east to west, and the planet from Manhattan to Melbourne. Indeed, his vocals and music have lulled audiences around the globe for decades.
And here in Sri Lanka, it has been the pièce de résistance at many an event – be it toe tapping nights at the former JAIC Hilton; slow flow Sundays at Barefoot Garden Café; or in recent years, chilled beachfront sessions at the Hideaway Resort in Arugam Bay.
With a penchant for the seaside and all things oceanic, Sri Lanka’s jazz, blues and soul guru is passionate about keeping the flame of great music alive while looking forward to enjoying more swing in his life – on the golf course!
Ruwandi Perera chats with him to find out more about his take on life and philosophy when it comes to his vocation, as well as to unplug the man behind the music – because although we think we know him well… well, there’s much more to know!
I’d like to think that I’m an easygoing person – I care about the state of the planet, and the injustice and inequality that prevails
The Persona
Q: How would you describe Jerome Speldewinde – who is he, really?
A: I have never entertained the thought of describing myself! I’d like to think that I’m an easy going person – I care about the state of the planet, and the injustice and inequality that prevails.
And I am subversive by nature. I’m simply fortunate to be able to nurture and sustain myself by doing something I love – making music. That’s all. No big deal.
Q: What are the three most important things in life for you?
A: The three Fs: family, friends and freedom.
Q: Your most memorable moment in life…
A: Being present at the birth of my daughter Romani.
Q: What drives you?
A: I can’t say I’m driven or ambitious. What motivates me is the prospect of learning a new song and getting it right.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
A: I’d like to think that I will still be inspired enough to keep learning and be on the same journey.
But then again, who knows? The gods laugh at human beings with plans!
Career
Q: You are a man on the move, geographically speaking. How does this impact your music?
A: I’ve been fortunate to travel to the US, Europe and other places. My partner Sharon loves to travel – so I get to go! Every country has its unique culture and music is a big part of that.
The two places that had the most impact on me were New York City and Cuba. NYC for its jazz and Cuba for its music on the street.
Q: What aspects of your career excite you the most?
A: The fact that I’m still doing it, and learning as I go, excites and motivates me.
Q: And what aspects of it do you like the least?
A: Having to deal with music as a business is tediously boring!
Q: You’re known for your versatility of genre and precision in singing… How do you keep maintaining – and raising – your standards?
A: I don’t have a genre bias. I’ll always have my ears open to any song as long as it has a strong melody, and meaningful lyrics, feel and sentiment. Then it resonates.
Q: You have written quite a few originals over the years. What’s your creative process when composing and writing?
A: I have composed but only recorded material during a time in the 1980s – that was when I was in a band called Man Friday in Melbourne.
Since I like the recording process, I do my own on GarageBand in Arugam Bay. I’m hoping to have a finished product soon – or as my dear partner would say: “When puss lays an egg!”
There is no real order to the process of composing or recording. And it doesn’t always turn out as you hoped – like life, in a way! Now where’s that box of chocolates?
Life and Lifestyle
Q: What’s a perfect day for you?
A: To wake up and go straight to my smartphone. Then my dumbness vanishes! No, not really…
So the perfect day is to wake up, loll around for a bit and drag myself out for a walk on the beach. Then cook my own breakfast, brew a good cup of coffee, read, practise and listen to what I feel like (no urban clatter or industrial noise, thank you!).
After that, I check out what’s going on around the planet. Then perhaps listen to some Bill Evans on YouTube, have a light snack, learn a song and maybe do a cryptic crossword for mental exercise, and try to be productive.
I then walk the dogs on the beach and watch the sunset. After an early dinner, there’s conversation; and finally, Netflix to wind up the day.
Q: Friends and family – how do they influence you?
A: Family and friends are paramount. There’s a strong family bond when you migrate and I’ve got that with my two sisters Cheryl and Melanie, and brother Kelvin.
You make friends as you go through life but childhood and school friends are the closest, and most long-lasting.
Q: And what’s your good luck charm?
A: There’s no such thing as ‘good luck charm’ – you make your own luck… because the harder you practise, the ‘luckier’ you get!
Q: If not music, what would your life have revolved around?
A: Without music, I’d be useless. It really is my ‘go-to place’ and has saved my back a few times.
Journalism is something I’ve considered – to investigate and go in search of the truth – but it sounds like a dangerous occupation!
Memorable Performances
Musicians and poets feel the struggle, and are the conscience of the people. In that sense, I have played a few special gigs over the years. One that I remember in particular was an open-air antinuclear gig in Melbourne for a sea of people. Antiapartheid gigs in the 1980s too were quite memorable.
Advice to Budding Musicians
It’s a long journey, and not all peaches and cream. Constant practice makes you more proficient on your instrument. Always back feel over technique – it’s the eye of the ear (so develop large ears!)”
