You never emerge unscathed, when, one ebony black night, you cross the path of Awek and their tribal Blues. Bonjour India - Festival of France has flown down the impressive quartet to thump Blue Frog tonight
You never emerge unscathed, when, one ebony black night, you cross the path of Awek and their tribal Blues. Bonjour Indiau00a0- Festival of France has flown down the impressive quartet to thump Blue Frog tonightu00a0
Awek is a treat for the ear-drums. Dressed up like hoodlums from down-town Chicago or die-hard Mafiosi, they play an authentic Blues, echoing the juke joints and smoky bars of Jackson, Mississippi. But at the same time, a personal and multi-coloured Blues, light years away from dull facsimiles. Their musical style is a melting pot of groove and feelings, mingling classicism and originality.u00a0 
The French quartet considers itself "more pleasurable than the aeronautical construction, rugby, cassoulet or Capitole de Toulouse"u00a0-- local specialties of their home town Toulouse. In agreement is the reigning king of Blues, BB King. He congratulated the foursome on their music when they opened for him at the Cognac Blues Passions festival in last year. They were also finalists at the prestigious International Blues challenge in Memphis.
When they perform at Blue Frog tonight as part of project Bonjour India, they will bring to the stage a decade of experience and maturity. "This is our first time in India," says vocalist and guitarist Bernard Sellam over the phone from Toulouse. The one-man eclectic circus is known to absorb everything, and make it his own.u00a0
Olivier Trebel is the "road warrior" of Awek. He has crafted his own trademark drums soundu00a0-- a subtle combination of tone, phrasing and attack combined with a strong sense of swing.
His colleague Stephane Bertolino is rated among the top harmonica players today. Incorporating jazz and swing into a blues format, Stephane has developed a style that, while sounding laidback, is loaded with improvisational virtuosity.u00a0 Meanwhile bassist Joel Ferron has a sound that blends Keith Fergusson to Willie Dixon. While Stephane has performed with Jeff Healey and other great Canadian artists for years in Quebec, Joel has the distinction of playing with the great Mickey Baker and Shakura S'aida.
"We want to take people in India on a wild ride. We are open to improvisation and interaction with the audiences," Bernard tells The Guide.u00a0u00a0
At: 9.30 pm tonight at Blue Frog, D/2 Mathuradas Mills Compound, Lower Parel, 9.30 pm onwards.
Call: 40332300. Entry: Rs 300 per person
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