By Willie Gordon Suting
Lou Majaw, despite 71 years of age, is still consistent and relevant in these changing times. With local artistes shifting their focus to contemporary styles, Majaw, in his third album, The Bluesman of Shillong, further stokes his love for the blues. The Bluesman of Shillong, recorded at Merliham Arrangements, opens with Majaw’s enigmatic intro saying, “From the nightmare of reality/I will tell you my story/I will sing you my song/I am the bluesman of Shillong”.
These words are part of the ornately-structured narratives of each song in the album. Come Home is about the longing for a woman, who has been missed greatly. Majaw poignantly sings, “Won’t you please come home…”.
Arjun Sen delivers wicked, crafty solos with his guitar as Sam Shullai works unfailingly on the drums.
I Had A Woman mystifies with its electrifying feel full of hypnotic arpeggio solos by Sen. It is apparent Majaw constructed the song’s melodies for live performance. The conceptualising is deftly layered with varied complexity. Majaw weaves poetry with his lines: “She gave me all of her love/She is the answer to all of my dreams/She gives me the moon and the stars above”. There is pacy but controlled drumming by Shullai.
You’re Gonna Lose Me has quintessential taste of blues. Majaw’s warm and rich vocals tell a tale of a woman who should value his love. Dynamic basslines by Albert Khlain Ryntathiang cohere well with Sen’s smoothness. Recalling his search in various Indian cities for many dreams, Majaw says in Searching that the search is still on and countless. He mentions places like Goa and Cochin, tracing a journey that is never-ending, whilst saying that it brings him a thrill. The composition is a wonderful exploration into timeless blues with wondrous solos.
Yakeroo Blues is a blues anthem reminiscent of Dylan’s beatnik verses. There is a commanding presence in Majaw’s powerful voice. Majaw generously allows his band members to strut their stuff, Ribor MB staying consistent in the keys.
Working Man’s Blues has intelligent use of folk rock Americanisms. Majaw plays the rhythm guitar tactfully with an enigmatic feel in the groove and lyrics. The second version of Come Home has swift, dreamy guitar solos of a Derek Trucks’ vibe.
A funk blues take on the track, nothing sounds over-embellished or overdone.
The Blues Man of Shillong was released last Wednesday to a jam packed audience at Andaante Institute of Contemporary Music, Laitumkhrah. Majaw performed Searching, Yakeroo and I Had A Woman from the album. His musical friends 4th Element, Starley and many other artistes also performed. Majaw presented gifts to Felix Langstieh, Sam Shullai, Ribor MB, Albert Khlain Ryntathiang and Raphael Myrthong.
Speaking to Sunday Shillong, Majaw said, “The Blues Man of Shillong is the work of a human that has been in this scene for many decades. The album comprises of songs old and new written by me through these decades”.
Majaw says he derives inspiration from life, and not from music. “I look into life to move me, and hence it is not so much about influences”.
Majaw looks forward to release the album with a tour in Pune and Mumbai. “I encourage our young local artistes to push forth, and also Shillongites to buy this album. I feel grateful to my heroes who showed me the blues”.
