Bengaluru-based By2 Blues is a band that believes in exploring music beyond just notes. Although the band is united by their love for blues, guitarist and vocalist Ananth Menon shares that when the trio is together, the conversations are far more extensive than just one particular genre. “We meet thrice a week and talk deeply about all kinds of music. There’s a unique energy that fills the room,” he adds.
Formed in 2011 by Ananth and his friend Vasudev Prabhu, the three-piece outfit inducted Joe Anthony (Cajon and percussions) into the band in mid-2015, with an aim to upgrade their music. “I always admired harmonica player Vasudev’s skills. I got a call from him one day asking me if we could play together. After a few initial jams, we decided to name ourselves By2 Blues and keep it going. With Joe in our team, we are working on a sound that borrows from blues, but cannot be categorised into a genre that easily,” says Ananth, whose first experience with music was as early as 1997. However, it was his college band, Galeej Gurus that garnered him immense popularity as one of the most recognisable bluesmen in the country. Apart from this, he has also played for Parachute XV1, Ananth Menon Trio and composed music for a few movies (Taj Mahal and Brahmastram).
By2 Blues is known for blending together a sound that is intense, with a mix of strong vocals and harmonica, while retaining the honesty and charm of the genre. “We have realised that whether the audience knows the music or no is fairly immaterial. We are committed to giving our all to the performances, and if you do that honestly enough, you can be sure the audience will feel it off you,” Ananth says.
This weekend, listeners can expect to hear an eclectic repertoire comprising a few covers and some of their own compositions. Apart from this, Ananth shares, they’re also bringing their pet project Down Home Blues to the city for the first time.
Entry free. On February 2, 8.30 pm onwards.
At Tabula Rasa – The Bar.