Reminisce in rhythm

From being the pioneer in the concept of bands, to being known as ‘the’ band of City Beautiful — two-member band, Rodrigues, has come a long way. The band that performed at city’s Chinese restaurant, Chop Sticks, from 1991 to 2005, is back with a bang. This time, they will be taking on diners at The Pewter Room, Sector 26, every Thursday and Friday evening.

From being the pioneer in the concept of bands, to being known as ‘the’ band of City Beautiful — two-member band, Rodrigues, has come a long way. The band that performed at city’s Chinese restaurant, Chop Sticks, from 1991 to 2005, is back with a bang. This time, they will be taking on diners at The Pewter Room, Sector 26, every Thursday and Friday evening.

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Band members and brothers Errol Rodrigues and Edwin Rodrigues recall their old days by saying, “We started our careers as teachers, but ended up taking up the band and our gigs professionally. Before going professional, we had other members in the band, such as our sisters Esther and Ellona, Ashok Kalhan (lead guitarist) and Manjit Singh (drummer).

After Chop Sticks, we moved to freelancing. From private parties and social gatherings to product launches — we have been catering to the elite class in Delhi, Mumbai, Ludhiana, Amritsar, the armed forces in Ambala, Rajasthan, Chandimandir and most of the Western Command brigades and units.”

About their music, they share, “We always played romantic music, and were far from hard rock. Our gigs have always been easy on the ear. Our repertoire of over 1,000 songs ranges from English and Hindi classics, dating back to the ’40s, to present-day music, which includes Indian and western fusion, Punjabi pop, reggae, Latin-American, blues, country western and soft rock. When required, we also play Konkani numbers. We use the keyboards and rhythm banks for bass and ethnic beats.”