True Blues

With legends Buddy Guy, Johnny Lang and Shemekia Copeland performing at a recent Blues festival, seems the city is turning into a hotspot for niche acts.

Recently labelled 'Rising Star of Blues Artists’, 31-year-old Harlem prodigy Shemekia Copeland featured alongside 30-year-old blues guitarist Jonny Lang at the recent Mahindra Blues Festival. Current international festival favourite 34-year-old Matt Schofield was also one of the headlining acts at the two-day fest.

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Besides all being in their early 30s, as opposed to blues legends who are usually in their 60s or 70s, these names are creating waves across top blues festivals.

Though India is known to host aging rock talent like Bryan Adams and Foreigner, who are scheduled to play this week in Mumbai, a niche stage is developing which hosts the top-paid blues talent in the world.

Shemekia, who recently appeared on the David Letterman show and was announced as Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year at the annual Blues Awards last month, says she was surprised when she received a booking request from India.

India calling
“I have always wanted to come here on holiday, but to play here was something I never thought was possible,” says an amused Shemekia, ahead of her concert. Daughter of blues guitarist Johnny Copeland, who has played with the likes of Steve Vai, Shemekia heard that the Beatles and Miles Davis were well known in India.

“The organisers had heard my music and were willing to pay my fee. I realised that I have to see this for myself,” she said. Grammy award-winning blues guitarist Lang had the same thought. The gospel blues singer, who has acted in Blues Brothers 2000 and made a guest appearance in the Drew Carey Show and is slated to play the American Blues Festival soon, says, “When I realised I will be playing next to Buddy Guy, Shemekia and Matt, besides Indian blues talent, I jumped at the chance.” Land adds, “India is otherwise known for classical music and Bollywood. I am also meeting Indian artistes who I plan to collaborate with."

He is working on a new record that he needs inspiration for, “Indian classical music is so well put together. Bollywood soundtracks have so much happening and it astounds me how good it can sound,” says Lang. Schofield, who has performed in the country previously and is considered a new-age blues guitar prodigy, held a guitar workshop with some Indian musicians as well.

Small world
“I think the Internet has made the world smaller. You are more aware of new sounds that you might be interested in. The Indian audience is very attentive and open to new music. So it’s great to play live to an audience that understands what you are doing. I have never faced a dull moment from my previous experience,” says Schofield. “This is where the stage is.”
The guitarist is currently on a world tour and will
perform in Toronto next after leaving Mumbai.