Legends bring stage alive at Blues festival

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Mehboob Studios resounded with the performances by a host of legendary singers including Blues maestro Buddy Guy over the last weekend. With an exciting line-up that boasted of performers like Robert Randolph, Ana Popovic, Soulmate and Black Strat Blues, audience at the Mahindra Blues Festival couldn’t help but keep asking for more. The expansive studio space was converted into five stages including a bar and lounge, where people could simply hang out and get a complete Blues experience.

Festival director Owen Roncon says that it was a fabulous experience hosting such legends. “It was absolutely fantastic, and everyone who attended the festival left with a smile on their face. That’s what mattered. Honestly, we weren’t expecting such a huge turnout this year, but the kind of positive feedback we’ve got is simply amazing. At the risk of gloating, we truly felt that this year had lot more energy, and if this is only the second edition of the festival, the years to come are simply going to be awesome,” says Owen.
Apart from the music, some sessions with musicians stood out as the highlights of the festival. “The breakfast session was one-of-its-kind, as all of our performers shared their stories about life, music, struggles and chatted informally with 60-70 odd people who were present. In fact, two kids picked up some guitars lying around
and jammed with Guy. Now who would get a chance to do that?” Owen exclaims.
The acts that clearly stood out were Black Strat Blues, the all-time favourite band Soulmate and Ana Popovic for their sheer energy and vibe. “Black Strat Blues and Soulmate blew away our minds. Guy was phenomenal and Popovic was someone who struck a chord instantly,” says Owen, adding that the festival has helped India’s Blues’ scene grow. “Most of the musicians said that they would like to come back and perform again, which is huge for us. We are a discerning audience, and for us to take to this festival so lovingly says something,” says Owen. He says that they haven’t really planned anything for the next year, but plan to have the ladies next year right from Shemekia Copeland to Popovic.
Running through various songs, including those from his last album, Living Proof, the melody that shone beyond others was 74 years young, which was an apt description for Guy, who mesmerised the audience for close to two hours without slackening the pace of his set or his guitar. Then there was a number bearing the music of songwriter Willie Dixon’s Hoochie Coochie Man, but with Guy’s very own lyrics, full of risqué humour. More from the Dixon catalogue arrived on the sing-along of I Just Want To Make Love To You, which was first popularised by another blues guitar legend Muddy Waters. Mustang Sally, popularised by Wilson Pickett, was another highlight of the event.