On The Street At Bali Bali (Punsanda Paaya Moratuwa) - Henry 'Red' Allen

On The Street At Bali Bali is the original song that was adopted in to the famous Sri Lankan Baila, 'Punsanda Paaya Moratuwa Dilenna' by the late Wally Bastiansz during late 1930s.

It was written in 1935 by Al Sherman, Abner Silver and Jack Maskill in 1935. It was recorded in 1936 by Henry 'Red' Allen and his Orchestra. In 1937, it appeared in the film 'A Day at the Races'.

Wally was a Police Officer attached to the Police Band. During the 1930s and 40s it was quite common for them to play tunes of Western Marches and tunes with 6/8 rythm. Therefore, it was quite natural for Wally to re-arrange some of these tunes to suit his own lyrics to create great Baila songs and rythms.

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[tkyaheya]

How nice it is to listen to an old musical interlude. Thanks for bringing back those lovely memories that lingers!

[goonewj]

@tkyaheya

You're very welcome. Thanks for the appreciation!

[goonewj]

Hi Ruwan,

Yes Daniel Repasz was an American citizen who one time was the conductor. I was in touch with their current director, and he was amazed to hear about the SL connection to their March. They had no idea and was so happy to learn the news.

According to information I learnt, Wally sang Pun Sanda Paaya.

Rgds,

Jude

[Gamarala76]

I thought Daniel Repasz was American; certainly the Band is! The Repasz Band is still having concerts in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. I wonder if they are aware of their popularity in Sri Lanka in the form of Babi achchi song!

By the way, who sang the original version of 'Pun sanda paya'?

Ruwan

[goonewj]

Hello Ruwan,

Thanks for the comment !! Yes, you're right. It was called Baden Baden and had to change it because it was a German town, and song was written in the Nazi era.

I have not come across Kalakata Pasu Mama. Will look around.

Hai Hooi Babi Archchi tune was adapted from German "Repasz Band", a march composed by Chas C.Sweeley.

Rgds,

Jude

[Gamarala76]

Many thanks for uploading this. The original score was called 'On a street in Baden Baden'. Subsequently it was changed to 'On the beach at Bali-Bali'. (Wikipedia)

I haven't heard 'Kalakata pasu mama....' song. Is it available on the web?

Prof. Sunil Ariyaratna's book 'Baila & Kaffiringha' discusses the origin of several such Sinhalese songs. Guess how Wally got the tune for his song 'Hai hui babi achchige.....'?

Ruwan

[goonewj]

Hi Vidhura,

You are correct. Morris, Vincent De Paul and Sydney introduced the early Sinhala Pops based on Western tunes like this. Morris's 'Sudo Poddak Handanna' is based on Harry's 'Island in the Sun'.

The pic is from the vinyl cover.

Regards,

Jude

[Dr196903]

Hi Jude,

This type of music reminds me another track. Belafonte's 'Jamaica Farewell which was given a handy Sinhala version by Morris Dahanayake 'Kalekata pasu mama oba dakinnata'

I think there are quite a few oldies as well which I cannot remember just of head. Clarence did Boney-M's 'By the rivers of Babylon' as 'Kandukaraye seethaley' in the late 70s - a nice one there.

Thanks for sharing this oldie, is this the tape or the 45rpm vinly cover you have on the YT?

Regards

Vidhura