Blackstratblues

Blackstratblues is a solo project of Warren Mendonsa, who is a guitarist, composer and record producer currently based primarily out of Mumbai. All of his music under the moniker of Blackstratblues is self-released. The early albums released under the moniker of Blackstratblues were mostly solo efforts. While, the recent albums have been more of a group effort.[1] He was the lead guitarist of the cult Indian rock band Zero in mid-00s.[2]

Blackstratblues
Background information
Birth nameWarren Mendonsa
Born (1979-09-12) 12 September 1979
Bombay, India
GenresBlues
Instrumental Guitar
Rock
Rock & Roll
Pop rock
Occupation(s)Musician
Songwriter
Guitarist
Sound Engineer
InstrumentsGuitar
Bass Guitar
Fretless Bass
Drum Programming
Keyboards
Software Synthesizers
Years activesince 1998
LabelsUnsigned
Associated actsVishal-Shekhar
Zero
3 Guys & A Girl
WebsiteOfficial Website

He is the nephew of Indian musician and celebrated Bollywood composer Loy Mendonsa of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy fame.[3]

Biography and playing history

Early Years: Late 1990s

After picking up the guitar at the age of 5, Mendonsa went on to play rhythm guitar in a few local bands with friends Siddharth Coutto (drums) and Girish 'Bobby' Talwar (rhythm guitar, bass). Sometime around 1997–98, they formed Zero, with Rajeev Talwar on vocals.

With Zero: 1998–2005


Over the years, Zero grew to enjoy nationwide popularity in India. With Warren, Zero released two albums and an EP - Albummed (1999), Hook EP (2002), & Procrastination (2005).

Besides his work in Zero, Warren Mendonsa recorded & released numerous instrumentals - the most popular works being Christmas in July, Spitleaf, & Evil- which enjoyed some fame on online music forums like Gigpad, & Harmony Central. He was also involved in many online collaborations with musicians - most notably Adam Martin, Ed DeGenaro and Zorran Mendonsa - which resulted in a few songs. In late 2004, Mendonsa moved to Auckland, New Zealand, thereby quitting Zero.

During this period, he was also a highly sought-after recording engineer and session guitarist in Bombay, having worked on various film soundtracks, advertising jingles, & other albums.

2005-2007

After moving to Auckland, Warren Mendonsa began to work on solo instrumental material. While visiting India, he reunited with Zero for a few gigs, most notably at the Great Indian Rock Festival 2006.

Nights in Shining Karma

Blackstratblues' debut album, Nights in Shining Karma was released on 18 April 2007 as a free digital-only download.

The album garnered significant appreciation and popularity on online music forums.[4][5][6]

In contrast to most instrumental guitar albums, Nights in Shining Karma travels effortlessly between melodic, ethereal and beautiful mood pieces and rocking, up-tempo numbers. Warren Mendonsa navigates through this varying musical landscape with a sure hand and impeccable musical instincts, creating an album both guitarists and casual listeners will find alternately touching, uplifting and energizing.

Eschewing the gymnastic stunts of many high profile solo guitar artists, Mendonsa's stunning technique weaves itself subtly into the musical tapestry of completely realised songs, rather than mere vehicles for a vulgar display of ability.

With golden tones and unassailable taste and touch, Mendonsa echoes Gilmour and Johnson without being derivative of either.

Nights in Shining Karma is surely the 'I'm here!' album from an emerging master.

Musical influences and playing style

Warren is heavily influenced by the music of bands such as the Beatles, Queen, Eagles, Gary Moore, etc., largely blues and classic rock oriented, and typically uses Stratocasters. Most often, he uses a black stratocaster which led to the moniker "Blackstratblues". Mendonsa is known for his instantly recognisable, distinctive guitar sound and playing, incorporating immaculate phrasing and abandoning traditional, flashy "guitar hero" techniques, in favour of composing memorable melodies and playing with feel.[7][8]

Personnel

The current lineup of the band is:[9][10]

Warren Mendonsa – guitars

Jai Row Kavi – drums

Adi Mistry – bass

Beven Fonseca – keys

Discography

As Blackstratblues
  • Nights in Shining Karma (April 2007)
  • The New Album (December 2009)
  • The Universe has a Strange Sense of Humour (March 2015)
  • The Last Analog Generation (August 2017)
  • When It's Time (September 2019)

With Zero
Year Artist Album
2000 Zero Albummed
2002 Zero Hook
2005 Zero Procrastination

Notes and references
  1. "All You Need to Know About Blackstratblues' New Album 'The Last Analog Generation' -". Rolling Stone India. 23 August 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  2. "The Crisis in Indian rock -". Rolling Stone India. 23 August 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  3. In The Studio: Blackstratblues, 10 July 2012
  4. Harmony Central Acapella Forum, 20 April 2007
  5. Petrucci Forum, 21 April 2007, archived from the original on 17 October 2010, retrieved 9 January 2008
  6. Larry (20 April 2007), Harmony Central Acapella Forum
  7. Gigpad, 30 August 2004, archived from the original on 12 October 2007
  8. Harmony Central Acapella Forum, 20 April 2007
  9. "When It's Time, by Blackstratblues". Blackstratblues. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  10. "Blackstratblues". www.thewildcity.com. Retrieved 27 May 2020.

Further reading

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