A Friday Night at the Opus

I wish I was one of those people who could get into a conversation with someone and start off with something like, ‘You know this one time in school/college...’ or whatever the case may be and get into this long narration about this unpredictably cool story. Frankly, those tales are dreadfully difficult to come by since I didn’t do a lot of cool things when I was younger. But now I realize that it just takes treading out of the house, preferably after dark.

That said, Friday night’s show was a blast! Absolutely beyond brilliant! The day was warm but the evening was breezy cool and the scales were tipped in the Das’ favor.
We arrived at some point in the 8 o'clock hour and it wasn't particularly packed. Events like these don't really get packed unless it’s past what my late grandfather would call ‘a decent bedtime’. After finding a seat at the table right next to the stage and ordering a Screwdriver, I got myself comfortable on a white cushiony mattress for a four-act night of soft alternative-friendly music. Soon friends, colleagues and friend’s friends arrived, filling up the place and we were in constant motion to make some room at the table for the newcomers.

From here, there are a couple roads to take.

A) The Place- The show was at the Opus. It was the kind of place you expect to sit in if you had an open mic night. Dim lights, the sound of a ready audience and the excited band filled the air, and there was not enough room to take my jacket off. There was not much between the performer and the audience- which made it all the more special!

B) The People- You had all of them, the artsy types, the ones in jackets and jeans, the ones who even looked like they had come for a hip-hop rush. One guy in particular....we weren't really sure if he knew what kind of music was going to be played. His obviously clueless look made me want to guffaw but the night was not about him so I spared him the foul look. Then there was everybody else who was so very much in the middle of the music.
As soon as the music started up, there was this willingness and readiness to just sink into it regardless. There was head bobbing and looks of approval from the listeners, rising with every song. For me, I do little more than tap my foot and hoot aloud after every number. I work like a radar at these situations cos I know I will be writing about it later. Also, every so often I turned to the people sitting next to me- Yuvi, Ruan and my favorite blogger Pete, to make a comment and to watch them respond to the sounds in their own little space. They looked happy.

C) The Music- Like I had mentioned before, this was a mellow music night type thing. Our buddies there, Tony Das, Chris Das and Judy Das and Avinash Grubb were outstanding. And while my opinion might be a tad bit biased, other spectators tell me all four were fantastic, in fact.
The show started with Judy’s rendition of Corinne Bailey Rae’s ‘Girl put your records on’. Snow
Patrol’s ‘Run’ and Sara Bareilles’ ‘Love song’ were dedicated to yours truly, who became quite famous by the end of the night. One song in particular was pretty catchy, "Englishman in New York" and when I uploaded the track on my last post I had no bloody idea that they were going to be singing it. Pretty weird! By the end of the first set the band had definitely and undoubtedly gotten the crowd’s undivided attention and could do no wrong.
The second set had the band sounding pretty good on tracks like Ingrid Michaelson’s ‘take me the way I am’, Eagles’ ‘New York minute’ and Chris’ original composition ‘Breathing memories’ and I thought to myself that this was one of those performances that actually lived up to it’s buildup. It was a pretty cool night and the Das’ had done it with enough spunk to be entertaining without being overdone.
Anyway, this entry is longer than I intended, but it was a good night and it was great to go out and hear great music from people that I love. There's so much more to tell, but your attention span is probably disappearing right now. For more of Chris Das’ music head over to http://www.chris-das.com/. But before you do so, below is a recording of Chris’ version of ‘Run’ (should give you a feel about the show). Stay tuned, kids and thanks to those who made it!

This Friday will be fantastic, because I’ll be going to see the Das’ (Tony, Chris and Judy) do their thing, which I’ve been waiting for so many months now so you can imagine my excitement! I’ve been trying to get a little scoop about the show that’s going to happen and I’ll be spilling some of the details in this post. I have a feeling that this show is going to be even better than their previous appearances together cos it not only has Tony and Judy Das performing but his brother- Chris Das (who’s part of my crew) and Avinash Grubb- a pianist who would make any show worthy of sweeps.

As far as music goes, there are few things better than seeing a band live and realizing that they sound better than the stuff you hear on the radio or on CD. In a world of faltering, peevish, and weirdly assertive singers, it was like someone had thrown the door wide open to let in some air and that’s precisely what this band offers - excellent vocal clarity that perks your ears, good vibes between the band members, they relate to each other as one might imagine they would if they were playing in someone's home. From my point of view, I can't even begin to explain how much impact that has on stage presence. None of them had to try overly hard to provide some sparkling sense of humor, they’re just naturally witty and hilarious and it just makes them seem like very likable people.

I don’t want to get y’all excited, apart from the fact that secretly I do.


My crew and I will be the guests of the Opus event, to watch the brother-sister band (who, may I add, is incredibly easy on the eyes). The concert kicks off in the evening at 8 at Opus in Bangalore city on Feb 27th. It's going to be a wonderful evening and I'd be thrilled if you joined us.
If the very gorgeous family, gorgeous music and gorgeous place aren't enough incentive for you, then hold on to your hat. All this can be yours for a minimal cover charge. If anything it’s the best way to spend your Friday night. There will be songs from artists such as Ingrid Michaelson, Snow Patrol, One Republic and The Wallflowers along with one of Chris’ own compositions.
Let me know if you'll be in the audience so that I can look for you afterwards.

Hope to see you there!

Signing out with a an old favourite - 'Englishman in New York'by Sting

A Local Band and A Fan

The radio and the internet get a mention because up until middle school or so I thought music consisted of acts like – Michael Jackson, New Kids on The Block, Prince and Journey (which was mostly for sentimental reasons). Now I’ve turned on my mind’s musical side and I realize there are hundreds of them! From Matchbox Twenty, Lifehouse, Third Eye Blind, Goo Goo Dolls, Vertical Horizon to Taking Back Sunday, Counting Crows, Coldplay, Tori Amos... and this is just Alternative.
I haven’t discovered a new artist to write about this week. Training for a new process at work is over. I barely made it through the first week and i cant believe the weekend’s almost over. Last night I remembered this local show that took place about 3 yrs ago and I decided to write about it before my memory fails me. It was during my first year in M.A. My friend’s boyfriend asked me to come and hear him play at a coffee shop. I had seen local bands play in B’lore and I had never gotten the whole Spazobilly punk rock mayhem thing and that day it rained quite monstrously. I wanted to give up going to the concert altogether but I decided to go for it anyways because anything was better than staying at home.
Tony Das, was the friend who invited me. At the time he was playing for Thermal and a Quarter and he was also part of the three member band- Golden Boy, who performed that night. The other two were his older brother, Chris and his little sister, Judy. As a family they’ve been together cultivating their sound for so many years and what took place that night was real music - unplugged, acoustic, at its best!
Judy sang Bonnie Rait’s ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’. Her voice was intimate and sultry and that reflected her artistic and personal life. Chris sang the very famous, Maroon 5 ‘This Love’ and Vertical Horizon’s ‘Everything You Want’- these were my favorites at the time and if anyone had sung them and screwed them up I would’ve probably had some seething comment ready. But Chris exerted a powerful creative presence that night with his acoustic rendition of the two songs. Tony Das, (now the guitarist of Karma6) a multi-talented guitar player - If you haven't watched this boy play, hold on to your space suits kids!
The trio’s music is not en vogue in a sense. They sing the kind of songs that you would listen to on those wintery days. Always catchy and always thoughtful. These folks exude a strange sort of confidence that makes you feel like throwing your hands up and loving.

The Miracle of ’08- after a long break, the Das’ performed again at the Opus. By this time I had gotten to know them pretty well and this was the local act that I had wanted to see perform. Some of the songs sang by the group were from the 80’s.. It made the night seem sunny and hopeful and took you out of a world of dead end jobs, phonies, sycophants, making up and breaking up.
Judy sang Sara Bareilles and Jewel. Chris sang tracks by Del Amitri and Winger, with a special dedication to their biggest fans- their mum, Tony’s girl- Runa and then the unique devotee- ME!
Don’t know if these guys will ever play again together, but if they do… I’m there. You should join me too. Long live Alternative Rock!