This is my second write up on “SOULMATE”, the first being posted on 12th Sept 2009 (GS to Soulmate). “SOULMATE” is a band which needs no introduction and has Re-Ignited the Blues genre in India. Recently, on Feb 19th 2011, I got an opportunity to witness SOULMATE’s live performance at an event called ‘CULTURE FOR PEACE’, organized by “ZUBAN” at Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
I had been waiting to see them ‘live’ for about 2 years now, but was not able to catch them due to time constraints until Feb 19th (2011) when I caught them in flesh and blood; to see them perform was a real pleasure.
We were in a group of four & had reached the place on time, the evening was pleasant & the audience was all set to listen to the band; though the band took a little time with the sound check & all, but they made it up to the crowd at the end.
@ sound check........
For someone like me, who swears by Hard Rock & Heavy Metal genre and has listened to less of blues, this band served as a great source to get introduced to the ‘blues’ genre. The proceedings of the evening were started by ‘Tips’ with a beautiful song, ‘My baby’. This set the tone for a great evening to follow. To begin with, they played some slow soulful numbers and then picked up the tempo as the show went on. Singing responsibilities were alternated between Tips and Rudy.
Some say Rudy is the ans. to India's Santana.... I, too, bet on that.
what a performance to remember!
Notice the beautiful magnetic butterflies stuck to her microphone stand.
Their performance moved everyone in its literal sense. The magic of blues began to take full effect. Songs like “Blues is my Soulmate”, an original cover, made the crowd go wild. Another song, “Shillong” (Sier Lapalang) was a beautiful instrumental piece. They played a great set list, combination of covers and songs from their old & new album. They performed “Set me free”, “Ain’t no sunshine” etc, ‘Tips’ was at her best when she was screaming on the microphone and roaring the verses. And then, there was a little dance she did in between, in accompaniment to one of Rudy's solos. Once the band performed their last song of their set list; they left the small yet loud crowd asking for more. Rudy concluded with ‘Go, Johnny, Go.’ The song was a great zenith to the amazing evening.
Never seen such a strong & a beautiful vocalist/guitarist...
I found something very interesting, Tips had beautiful magnetic butterflies stuck to her microphone stand (which I believe is her hallmark) & She said her uncle, an artist, makes them for her. She obviously enjoys her music, and shows it with a vivacious display of energy, and emotion. Rudy with his solos is like listening to heavenly music. This is a man still at the top of his game and is easily one of the best blues guitarists in India. Sam is my favorite drummer; the more I talk about him is less. The only person who I really didn’t recognize was their bassist who chose a corner on the stage and played good stuff in accompaniment with the other musicians.
I recommend 'Soulmate' to everyone who loves those easy going songs with free spirited lyrics that you can enjoy. Kudos to Soulmate, I'm a fan for life.
THANK YOU SOULMATE, FOR SUCH A WONDERFUL EVENING!!
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