Mumbai instrumental act Blackstratblues played Valhalla in Mumbai on May 12.The band is the solo project of famed Kiwi axeman Warren Mendonsa, formerly currently formerly of veteran local band, Zero. The Colaba nightclub has been hosting gigs for a while now, and although it clearly wasn’t designed as a live venue, the low ceilings and controllable acoustics made for an enjoyable, intimate setting for the gig. Backed by regular cohorts Sidd Coutto and Gaurav Gupta, the lineup on the night also featured Loy Mendonsa on bass, standing in for Johan Pais who was unavailable.
Mendonsa played a two-hour set, debuting some new tracks alongside material from his first two albums. Gaurav Gupta shuttled back and forth between rhythm guitar and the console, joining in for a handful of tracks. Comedian Vir Das, who plays in humor rock act Alien Chutney with Coutto and Mendonsa, made a marginally funny cameo with an ode to MILFs. The audience was also finally treated to ‘Bombay Rain’ thanks of the presence of Warren’s brother, Zorran Mendonsa. Off Nights In Shining Karma, fans have been clamoring for the track for as long as we can remember, but Mendonsa had steadfastly refused to play the track without his brother, who co-wrote it.
For a full gallery of photos from the gig, check out the NH7 Facebook page.
Setlist
‘Steppin’ Out’
‘The Happy Billi Song’
‘E Maj Blues’
‘Muffin Man’
‘Incense’
‘Anuva’s Blue Sky’
‘Blues For Gary’
‘The Universe Has A Strange Sense Of Humour’
‘Norwegian Wood’ (The Beatles cover)
‘Soar The Sky’
‘Eleanor Rigby’ (The Beatles cover)
‘A Day In The Life’ / ‘Jealous Guy’ / ‘Little Wing’ (The Beatles / John Lennon / Jimi Hendrix cover)
‘Stratus’ (Billy Cobham cover)
‘Folkish Blues’
‘Lullabyebye’
‘Ode To A Rainy Day’
‘Bombay Rain’
‘Ode To A Sunny Day’
Photos by Kunal Kakodkar
Warren Mendonsa of Blackstratblues @ Valhalla, Mumbai
Sidd Coutto of Blackstratblues @ Valhalla, Mumbai
Loy Mendonsa of Blackstratblues @ Valhalla, Mumbai
Gaurav Gupta of Blackstratblues @ Valhalla, Mumbai
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