Live: Interplay @ Blue Frog

After the debacle that was Mungolian Jet Set, Indiecision approached Blue Frog’s promise of “Some of the countryâ??s best jazz musicians come together to strut their stuff” with caution. Interplay has played a few shows earlier but reactions have been difficult to gauge making this a see-for-yourself situation.

Starting typically late (2155hrs for a 2130hrs gig) Harmeet Manseta took to the keys with measured grace. The keyboard seemed as much improvised as it was rehearsed. Sheldon D’Silva (bass) and Adrian D’Souza (drums) joined halfway. Blue Frog was relatively empty with only a few tables occupied and just about 10 people occupying the bar stools on the floor. The three musicians were composed, each obviously accomplished individually and though Manseta looked the star, the collective shone.

Read the entire review (with the Indiecision) after the break + pics and a video that will kick your ass (Dhruv Ghanekar at his best).

After a couple of thoroughly enjoyable instrumentals they were joined on stage by Sonia Saigal. Saigal’s a pretty accomplished vocalist herself and added to the pleasant evening atmosphere with a strong performance. She seemed unhappy with the sound at first but got into her stride with ease, well supported by D’Souza’s steady percussion.

The act of the evening however, documented by the killer vid below, was the performance by Don Saigal (on vocals) and Dhruv Ghanekar (on guitars) with the band. Though Saigal claimed the band had barely rehearsed, the sound was perfect and made for thoroughly enjoyable listening. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay for the entire gig but the 40 minutes spent was enough to convince us to come back the next time they played.

Indiecision: B+