- Date / Time: 08/18/2013 : 2:00 PM
- Location: The High Spirits
- Address: The High Spirits, Koregaon Park,Pune,Maharashtra,India
Blackstratblues is a solo project of Warren Mendonsa, who is a guitarist, composer, and record producer. After picking up the guitar at the age of 5, Warren would go on to play rhythm guitar in a few local bands with friends Siddharth Coutto (drums), & Girish ‘Bobby’ Talwar (rhythm guitar, bass). Sometime around 1997-98, they would form Zero, with Rajeev Talwar on vocals. Over the years, Zero grew to enjoy nationwide popularity in India. With Warren, Zero released 2 albums & an EP – Albummed (1999), Hook EP (2002), & Procrastination (2005).
Besides his work in Zero, Warren recorded & released numerous instrumentals – Christmas In July, Spitleaf, & Evil, to name a few popular songs – 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, & Zorran Mendonsa – which resulted in a few songs. In late 2004, Warren moved toAuckland, New Zealand, thereby quitting Zero. During this period, he was also a highly sought-after recording engineer & session guitarist in Bombay, having worked on various film soundtracks, ad jingles, & other albums.
After moving to Auckland, Warren began 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. Blackstratblues’ debut album, Nights In Shining Karma was released on 18 April 2007 as a free digital-only download. The album garnered significant appreciation & fame on online music forums.He is known for his instantly recognizable, distinctive guitar sound & playing, incorporating immaculate phrasing and abandoning traditional, flashy “guitar hero” techniques, in favour of composing memorable melodies and playing with feel.
