This goes back in time, when I had just started with my engineering degree. I often attended gigs at local clubs, but found myself regretting later. The ‘met-chul’ (read : Metal ) scene spoiled it completely for me. Bluesy feel in hind sight. I have nothing against the genre but somehow, I feel that most tracks played in a gig are somewhat superfluous. I mean, they all sound the same to me; blame it on my sensibility.
Anyways, time progressed and so did my taste in music. Eventually, I found myself listening to the Blues. The urge to explore the unknown, just consumed me. It was a plethora of choices; from Delta to the more ensemble sound of the Chicago blues, and to the Piedmont blues. The lyrical content coupled with the power of the seventh note, is an experience worthwhile. Well, blues has always been an expression for me more than just music.
‘ Blues is nothing, but a good man having a bad day’, amongst many quotes that come to mind.
Apart from the musical sensibility, it eased my, then, troubled soul; Blues was the way of life, you know. Listening to a BB King or Howlin’ Wolf track, with a scotch, was a rejuvenating process for me; and I believe, it still is. There is a track for every mood. ‘Trouble soon be over’ by Blind Willie Johnson, ‘Stormy Monday Blues’ by T-Bone Walker, ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ and ‘Champagne and reefer’ by Muddy Waters, ‘Ramblin’ on my mind’ by John Mayall & The blues breakers, ‘Sitting on top of the world’ by Howlin’ Wolf, ‘Catfish Blues’ by Junior Wells & Buddy Guy are some of my favorite tracks.
The blues and jazz are some where connected, and I was now discovering this subtle ‘bridge’. One of the first songs I heard was ‘ Welcome ‘ by John Coltrane. The first time heard it, I was 22, I guess. The first thought that came to mind was a defination it gave to my 22 years of very existence . Another fine day, I heard John McLaughlin, for the first time in my life, and have to admit been blown away after hearing his offering. His collaboration with Zahir Hussain, for me, is a corner stone in music. The first thought that came to my mind, after I heard ‘Shakti’, was,- ‘What goes through this guy’s mind to play this stuff ?’. I mean, John defines the line between just playing the guitar and expression. Then I heard his work with Miles Davis in the ‘Bitches Brew’ album, followed by ‘ Mahavishnu Orchestra’. His music takes you to the left of the centre and then, brings you back. For me, Mr. McLaughlin’s a genius. I recommend ‘A Floating Point’ , an album that he recently recorded with Indian artists; a must for all jazz lovers.
Digression towards jazz is one thing, but my love for the blues is profound.
In the words of Hubert Sumlin’,”The blues gonna be here.Period.”
The album ‘floating point’ was nominated for the Grammy’s this year.