Blackstratblues

This album was actually great fun to put together, the recordings went by quickly enough. I was really lucky on a couple of counts: Janek Croydon of Hill Street Studios very kindly let me use the facility during downtime. This was really a blessing as you can imagine. I also had the contributions of Cole Goodley, Johnny Barker, Jared Kahi and Emma Walter. I’ve realised over the years that I work best in collaboration with other people, and having these guys around just added so much more depth to the album.

The mixing process on the other hand…..to tell you the truth, I’m still not 100% happy with them. At some point though, I have to let go of all the tweaking and fiddling and just let you guys listen to it : ) The mastering, (which is probably the most crucial process in the chain) was a DIY job. Since I’m no mastering engineer, I’d like to have it mastered professionally whenever budgets allow for this; and to have a physical CD release for sale.

In the meanwhile, as usual the album’s up for free download and all donations are greatly appreciated. Enjoy!

The Wood between the Worlds

blackstratblues — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:13:00 +0000

This is a week of transition. I’m home but it’s not as familiar as it used to be. It’s pretty much the same actually – the food, the smells, the places, the friends….but it’s like looking at everything through new glasses.

It makes me really appreciate what I have.

I’m really thankful the Black Strat is with me.

The Music I make..

blackstratblues — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:50:00 +0000

…is not mine. It comes from somewhere far beyond what you or I can imagine. I’m just a lucky antenna, I guess. The songs have a life of their own – if I listen well enough, they tell me what they want to be. Which is sometimes very different from what I intended. If I listen well enough, they make me smile, or even better – the hair on my arms stands up.

George says it best…

blackstratblues — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:46:00 +0000

“I think people who can truly live a life in music are telling the world, ‘You can have my love, you can have my smiles. Forget the bad parts, you don’t need them. Just take the music, the goodness, because it’s the very best, and it’s the part I give.” -George Harrison

Oh nos i haz forgotten titlez

blackstratblues — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:27:00 +0000

Sometimes the Heavens shine on you
Sometimes it’s only Rain
For a day of Happiness that you find,
There’s Forty days of Pain

But just sometimes you chance upon
A moment oh so rare
When magic happens time stands still
Nothing else compares.

Why I do This

blackstratblues — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:28:00 +0000

I guess when I make music, or try to make music, I seek to make something that will stand the test of time, and universally be percieved as great music. To this end, the means sometimes becomes making things a bit too pretty. Then I realise that the very little music that is universally recognised as great. People have different tastes, you know? So then I find that simply being myself is a happy medium.

Fingers are adequately crossed.

A Master is One

blackstratblues — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:07:00 +0000

who has learned to trust their skils.

The Similarity between Music and Love

blackstratblues — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:10:00 +0000

You have to be at your most vulnerable and honest to get the best results at both.

The Santa Myth

blackstratblues — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:30:00 +0000

The Santa Myth is an important lesson for children. Don’t believe everything They tell you.

Featured in the inaugural issue of Rolling Stone magazine in india

blackstratblues — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 15:55:04 +0000

Here’s the front cover and article page from the magazine.

Front Cover Rolling Stone

Article page in Rolling Stone

Larry’s review

blackstratblues — Thu, 17 May 2007 15:54:21 +0000

Here’s a review by Larry about the album. Be sure to check out his interesting blog at Larry’s Space.

“In contrast to most instrumental guitar albums, Nights In Shining Karma travels effortlessly between melodic, ethereal and beautiful mood pieces and rocking, up-tempo numbers. Warren Mendonsa navigates through this varying musical landscape with a sure hand and impeccable musical instincts, creating an album both guitarists and casual listeners will find alternately touching, uplifting and energizing. Eschewing the gymnastic stunts of many high profile solo guitar artists, Mendonsa’s stunning technique weaves itself subtly into the musical tapestry of completely realized songs, rather than mere vehicles for a vulgar display of ability. With golden tones and unassailable taste and touch, Mendonsa echoes Gilmour and Johnson without being derivative of either. Nights In Shining Karma is surely the ‘I’m here!’ album from an emerging master.“

Riff Cafe album review

blackstratblues — Thu, 17 May 2007 15:52:56 +0000

Have a looksee at Vinay’s review of NISK over at his blog, Riff Cafe. Always glad to have been able to convert someone to my side!

Chords of Life album posting

blackstratblues — Mon, 14 May 2007 15:52:04 +0000

Vikas over at Chords of Life is nice enough to put in a post about NISK. As usual, much appreciated.

New album review

blackstratblues — Mon, 14 May 2007 15:50:44 +0000

Thanks to Beni Pegu from Japan who posted a review of NISK on his blog. Have a look. Reflections blog review

The album’s being talked about on a few internet forums

blackstratblues — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:49:32 +0000

Much gratitude to everyone spreading the word. Here’s a few links.

Huge Racks Inc.
Joe Satriani Forum
Rig-Talk
The Gear Page
Harmony Central
John Petrucci Forum

Bombay Rain video by Neerav

blackstratblues — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:48:35 +0000

From his email “I simply love your album, and your songs, and I can’t stop listening to them. Your NISK album, plus songs from Soundclick are superb. I appreciate your effort. I made a video using “Bombay Rain” as the soundtrack. I took some pictures from google, and put em together and upped the video on YouTube. I would appreciate it if you had a look.”