When a Goan violinist went to his employer
asking for a
raise at a famed Mumbai hotel where he provided the music night after night, the hotelier told him that the people flocked to his restaurant for the food, ambiance, name of the hotel, service and then the music. Reality struck then, and this talented maestro realised that he wasn’t in the right place, a place where his music was appreciated and he could earn the right money for the music he made with a heavy Portuguese and Latin hangover in his tunes.
The musician was none other than Emiliano da Cruz who headed the famed Caballeros that tantalised musical hearts and lovebirds alike at some of Mumbai’s and the country’s top jazz pubs famed for their soothing music and gay abandon in the Mumbai of the ‘70s and early ‘80s.
Back in Goa, he started a small farm with livestock in order to sustain himself and his family in the days when his jazz notes would cease being popular. The Mumbai live music scene was overtaken by Bollywood orchestra bands and singers while Goan musicians slowly packed their bags to head back to their land of origin.
The music of Emiliano bore a certain freshness and euphoria while also being pleasant, soothing and enjoyable. It always had the Goa stamp on it. He hit the notes as per his audience’s delight and captivated them with his mesmerising personality, a contagious smile that would make his big eyes twinkle as looked you in the eye while his violin or mandolin kept you glued.
In the passing away of Emiliano, there will certainly be a major void in the Goan live music scene. His serenading will be missed as also the lilting tunes he loved to make. He always encouraged youngsters towards music and he has taught this writer to strum the guitar at the balcony of his palatial Loutolim house. He loved music and musical instruments and he loved those who loved music.
Emiliano’s last music offering to music lovers – Latin Romance – will remain his swan song. An album he was so fond of and worked hard on despite fighting a long battle with the dreaded diabetes, he was beaming from ear to ear at the release of the album, thanking each and every one present.
Goa has lost one of the greatest music maestros of his times, an illustrious son of the soil in terms of a different brand of music. As we pray for the departed soul to rest in heavenly peace, let our hearts go out to his family in this time of grief and the Goan music fraternity who has to bear this irreparable loss.
May Emiliano keep strumming his chords in heaven and may we live in peace listening to its echoes on earth. R I P Emiliano D’Cruz… a great musical Goan!
Goa’s
Eulogy for the maestro
“I have known Emiliano for over 30 years, right from the days when his band played at the Taj. He was a gentleman to the core, very simple in his ways, but a talent and a genius when he was given a violin or a mandolin. He has had the privilege of serenading royalty, heads of state and common people as well, with elegance and joie de vivre, which is very rare. I recall the days where I used to take him for national and international festivals of food, music and dance of Goa and he would be greatly appreciated and applauded by the different audiences. His numerous compositions and musical arrangements are a treasure he leaves behind for posterity. Of late, he knew he was fading away because of his ill health, but on his birthday, January 3, he played a few numbers and brought tears to everyone’s eyes. Even though he is no more, he is leaving behind inimitable and awesome memories; musical as well as otherwise, in our hearts and minds.”
Joaquim
Monteiro, Ex General Manager of Vivanta by Taj and Emiliano’s Neighbour
“Emiliano Da Cruz symbolises a time and era of live music that has come to an end with his passing. He was one of the few local musicians who stayed true to music from Goa. His beautiful renditions of Goan favourites on the violin and mandolin will live on forever. Few people may know that Emiliano also played guitar beautifully and led his band, called the ‘Gay Cabelleros’, alternating between guitar and violin. In today’s age of electronic music that rules the world, I am sure he would have never enjoyed life the way that he did; musically. Emiliano leaves behind a void in Goa’s vibrant live music scene.”
Colin
D’Cruz, Musician and Founder, Jazz Goa
“Emiliano da Cruz was very jovial and music only added to his personality. He was always friendly and over-stressed about music. He catered to the crowd and his audience spanned across generations. Even people from France, Portugal and Spain loved his music and often asked him how he was based in Goa. He used to tell them that he has been abroad to perform but was very fond of Goa. I recall his favourite song was ‘Baga Beach’ from his album ‘Latin Romance’. He had composed the song himself. On Emiliano’s 70th birthday, we (his friends) went to serenade him. He played through the night and returned home at 6 am. He was not keeping too well, but cried with joy.”
Prof
Antonio Peregrino da Costa, Music Instructor
“Emiliano Da Cruz was a very good person. I could never find any fault in him. He was my very good friend. He will be remembered for his Latin American music. He was dedicated to his music and will remain an icon for his contribution on guitar and violin. I will always remember his songs fondly, especially ‘O Rosa’, which was his favourite song. I will cherish the times we played together as a band at weddings. We were called ‘The 60’s Band’, and we played ‘Emiliano’s Music’, which made people happy.”
Billy
Pandit, Emiliano’s band member
“Emiliano is the reason I began playing violin. He inspired me in many ways, especially in terms of style of music and playing. However, his inspiration reached beyond that. His ability to be frank and humble, to shed all aspects of an ego, his affectionate nature, these are the things that he leaves behind as his legacy too. My greatest memories of him involve the journeys to Mumbai that he would undertake before releasing his music. He would head there to re-master his work, and on his return, be at my door at 7:45 am. At that hour we would listen to his work and he would ask for my opinion. It was a humbling moment, given the difference in age as well as his seniority in the industry. This is the kind of man he really was.”
Orlando
Noronha, Renowned Musician