Warren Mendonsa’s Top Guitarists List

We recently had a chat with Mumbai guitarist Warren Mendonsa, who launched his solo project Blackstratblues in 2005. Mendonsa has released two albums since and has just released his third Blackstratblues album, The Universe has a Strange Sense of Humour. The release charts his journey as an artist and producer, and features collaborations with the likes of percussionist Karsh Kale, drummer Jai Row Kavi, and vocalist Nikhil D’Souza. We asked Mendonsa for his list of favorite guitarists and were sure Derek Trucks would feature in it. Read the full list below:

Michael Landau – Worried Life Blues

 

Landau is one of the few players who can play a traditional blues style and still make it sound completely unique. Probably my favorite player these days.

 

Scott Henderson – Tore Down House

 

Henderson is best known as a jazz-fusion player, but he definitely spent some time listening to Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page and imbibing a fiery rock attitude.

 

Derek Trucks Band – I Know

 

It’s Derek Trucks. Need I say more?

 

Reine Fiske (Dungen) - Öga, Näsa, Mun

 

Fiske’s work with Dungen has glimpses of Hendrix-style psychedelia, but sounds completely modern. This track (produced by Jack White) shows his playing in a melodic, yearning context. Also worth checking out is his work with The Amazing.

 

JD Simo – What’s On Your Mind

 

Hailing from Nashville, Simo’s music is a joyous celebration of everything that was good about ’60s power trios like Cream and the Jimi Hendrix experience.

 

Matt Schofield – Ear To The Ground

 

Schofield is one of the best modern blues players, with a graceful sense of phrasing with plenty of attitude.

 

Buy and listen to The Universe has a Strange Sense of Humour by Blackstratblues here

Blackstratblues album launch tour details below

14th March, The Humming Tree Bengaluru, Entry: Rs 400, including cover and one beverage.
19th March, Blue FROG Mumbai, as part of Pepsi MTV Indies and Bluefrog presents Ribbit, Free Entry
28th March, The High Spirits!! Pune, Entry: Rs 200