Psychedelia, heady crowds, and Jazz brought down the curtain on top gig venue blueFrog yesterday
Guest at blueFrog's last stand.
After nearly a decade of being the epicentre of Mumbai’s nightlife, Sunday marked the closing of live gig mecca, blueFrog in Lower Parel. It was a night that brought together the Frog family under a common roof one last time, to play one last set, and relive ’em memories, one final time. Since its opening in 2007, Frog had given counter-culture musicians a venue they adored. Musicians and die-hard fans came back last night to pay tribute to what they called their “home in the mills.”
Guest at blueFrog’s last stand. Pic/Atul kamble
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The evening kicked off early, by 5 pm, with the Jazz Rock All Star Jam led by Gino Banks, son of “the godfather of Indian jazz” Louis Banks, whose fresh melodies set the tone — and raised the bar — for the evening. Vocalist Nikhil D’Souza and his boys soon took over, introducing romance and good ol’ love to the crowd. Sure enough, the dance floor seemed to have re-arranged, crowds sang along with D’Souza, who had his whisky glass close at hand. Ashu and Vivienne followed with energetic Jazz notes. Some even did the salsa to the filler music that played in between sets.
Young, 20-something Tamachek (we couldn’t get his second name in the din) had come all the way from Arunachal Pradesh to partake in the closing. Ironically enough, his first time at the venue was also Frog’s last. He said, “I’m here for the bands; it’s rare to see a lineup like this.” Leading from the drums, veteran musician (Sir) Ranjit Barot, who has been described by guitar legend John McLaughlin, as “one of the leading edges in drumming,” did not let Tamachek down. Mentor and guide to his young band members, including daughter Mallika, Barot and Co. were impeccable. “I can’t believe this is the last time I’m playing here,” he confessed. “This temple will always be a part of our lives.” Louiz Banks Guitar Synergy ripped it with their strumming, followed by Dhruv Voyage, who brought real fusion to the floor with their Bhojpuri-cum-African music.
The night, which was scheduled to wrap up at 1.30 am, saw the sound turn off at 3.30 am. It was clear, no matter what comes in the time ahead, Mathuradas Mills compound will remain synonymous with Frog. The end of an era.
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