MUMBAI: Buddy Guy once said ‘They say the blues is sad, but when B.B. sings ‘I got a sweet little angel, I love the way she spreads her wings,’ that don’t sound too sad to me!’ The blues, often called the mother of all genres had originated in the southern plantations of America and the inventors were mostly African-American slaves. Singing the blues was a way of liberating their tormented souls in a time when so much hate was inflicted on the black people. It’s funny how an entire genre of music, that is probably the starting point for any musician who wishes to learn the western style of music, is a by-product of a lot of hate and distress. The slaves would sing about their daily problems that they would encounter in a dissonant melody which later on theorists summarized in a scale. Ever since this genre has developed and the world has witnessed some of its greatest artists set the stage on fire. The heavenly likes of B.B King, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy have gone on to influence some amazing artists of our generation like John Mayer, Derek Trucks, Richie Sambora and the list goes on.
It is true that a well off Mumbaikar wouldn’t really feel the blues shaking his nerves to the core like an African-American with a history of slaves but hell we can sure watch them make their guitars cry. All hail Mahindra Blued Fest for keeping this golden genre alive in a time when electronic music rules the charts. It is dreadfully true that these genres do not have a very long lifespan in today’s world of technological hullabaloo but there are young beautiful artists like Quinn Sullivan and Grainne Duffy who have taken the responsibility of keeping the blues alive.
Quinn is a 17-year-old prodigy who has shared the stage with the late blues man B.B King himself, is steadfast on his bluesy roots. Buddy guy took this young lad under his wings and ever since the rocker has made it a point to live up to his mentor’s expectations. The ‘Midnight Highway’ (can’t call him a) hitmaker knows exactly what he is doing. With a touch of modern vocal style and some celesetially constructed guitar solos, young Sullvian is ready to rock Mumbai on 12 February at the Mahindra Blues fest.
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Grainne Duffy, on the other hand, has no plans of being the next Ariana Grande. She’d rather bend a note on her Gibson and make hearts cry than dance around in tiny clothes to monotonous electronic numbers. Her band is ready to take Mumbai on a crazy blues ride it won’t forget anytime soon.
Not only are there star-studded international acts like Supersonic Blues Machine featuring Billy F Gibson aka ZZ Top and Eric Gales, who are the main attraction for major blues lover, there is also a brilliant Indian act led by the ever so talented Warren Mendosa called the Blackstrat Blues. An instrumental act that promises heavy psychedelic satisfaction with noticeable Guthrie Govan influences. A performance not to be missed. Catch them at the Mahindra blues fest on 11 February. The Supersonic Blues Machine is going to be closing the event on 12 February with some fuzzy modern Blues numbers with a tinch of Rock&Roll and ZZ top!! Horns out people!!
Well, last but definitely not the least Mahindra Blues Fest gives to you the powerhouses Janiva Magness and Shemekia Copeland. Get hypnotised by their magical voices at The Mahindra Blues Fest on 11 and 12 February respectively on stage 1. Janiva won the B.B King Entertainer of the year award in 2009, the second woman to be honoured with this prestigious award. Her husky voice and heartfelt lyrics will reassure you that the Blues ain’t gone anywhere. Speaking of which, Shemekia Copeland has blues running in every vein of her body. Daughter to blues guitar player Johnny Copeland, this woman will enthrall you with her voice and her presence like they did back in the good times. Damn right she’s married to the blues. So if you still haven’t gotten a ticket to this, nothing less than an experience of a fest, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that you’re missing out on some quality music.
