The Mel Samuel Blues Band - We Never Try to Outdo the Other, but If Someone Plays Something Amazing We Call It Out (Music Band From India)

                                                                                    

The Mel Samuel Blues Band


No matter the type of music. There is a level of synergy that the band members must-have. Talent goes a long way but you must be compatible! Each of us practices before we show up for practice. It’s that level of dedication that helps us sync with each other so well.



1. Tell us how the band came about?

“Melville Samuel “Mel” (Vocals, Rhythm, Lead Guitar & Blues Harp) along with Russel Manual (Drummer) and myself, Darryl Raphael (Bassist) formed a band and were playing smalls gigs organised by band manager Patrick Ghosh “Lalu”. We would practice in Lalu’s place twice a week and were looking to add a 4th member to the band.” 

It’s then when we turned to Mel’s younger son (Saul) to join the band as a rhythm guitarist and vocalist. He was more than happy to be a part of the group. The four of us started coming together to practice and we immediately synced as Mel, Russel, and myself have played music together back in the 90’s in a gospel band called shine and as for Saul, well he had the playing style and mannerisms of Mel. So, it didn’t take us much to fit in as one. And just like that, the band was now formed!”

· Darryl Raphael

2. The story behind the naming of the band.

“The four of us had started practicing together under the guise of The New Generation, which was known back in the 70s for shaking up clubs, weddings, and annual balls with their take on rock and roll and dance music. We four, however, had tilted our axis now revolving more around blues music. 

It was late 2017, and we were wrapping up a practice session and getting ready for a gig at The Dalhousie Institute when Uncle Lalu proposed that we change the name of the band to The Mel Samuel Blues Band. Why? Because Melville Samuel along with being a principal of a school was known for his extraordinary talent in music. He was already very well known in the music circuit and people were eager to come to watch Dad (Mel) perform.

It was a full-proof plan to spread the word like wildfire! Mel Samuel along with two old-time buddies and his younger son (Me) were about to belt out Blues music the way it was supposed to be! The idea made sense, his infectious influence is the reason we all play blues music. He brought us all together to play and spread the joy of music. And that evening The Mel Samuel Blues Band was formed!” 

· Saul Jonathan Samuel

3. What music do you play? 

“Though we call ourselves The Mel Samuel Blues Band, we do not always stick to the genre as a whole. Because at the end of the day, what truly is blues music? It’s a way of expressing your emotions through the form of music! The feelings of melancholy, sadness, misfortune, a beautiful partner, a happy life, and so on and so forth. We play everything we want or feel. 

Covers and original/composed music. Rock and Roll songs of Chuck Berry & the Rolling Stones, Dance numbers of Jackson 5 or Marvin Gaye, Funk music covers of James Brown, other artists like Jimi Hendrix, Toto and mostly Blues song covers from stalwarts like BB King, Robert Cray, Keb Mo, and the list goes on! We never do play any song the way it’s already been played. If you’ve ever come for any of our shows, you’ll know we add a little touch of Mel Samuel in every song we perform.”

· Saul Jonathan Samuel

 4. A few places that you've played at and which was the best show?

“We’ve had quite a few shows from the time of our inception. We’ve played in good ol’ Dalhousie Institute more times than we can remember, the powerful atmosphere that smothered us the moment we start our set there just kept us going back for more. The Phoenix in Astor Hotel several times. 

At Music workshops in Roland and other private held workshops in the city, where we performed and explained the art of blues music. At weddings for close family friends. The Brass Room in ITC Royal Bengal twice. The Royal Calcutta Golf Club(RCGC) for a Royal Blues Night sharing the stage with The Arinjoy Trio and so many more! But the one gig that really deserves the title of “Best Show” goes to an evening at The Phoenix in Astor Hotel. 

It was April 2018, The Phoenix was packed with people who have heard The Mel Samuel Blues Band before and people who were about to experience the music for the first time. By the end of the night, the band was given such an incredible encore, we had to play 6 “One more” songs! The energy and love were incredible! Everyone was dancing, Everyone! Even the Bartenders were seen at their stations enjoying a jig while fuelling the rest of the house! Will never forget that night.

· Saul Jonathan Samuel

5. What makes for a good band?

“No matter the type of music. There is a level of synergy that the band members must-have. Talent goes a long way but you must be compatible! Each of us practices before we show up for practice. It’s that level of dedication that helps us sync with each other so well.” 

We never try to outdo the other, but if someone plays something amazing we call it out! Each practice session is about a good 3-4 hours and within that time we put all our cards out on the table, and we give it our all. It’s important to match the energy of the other band members, practice, listen more, and feel good about what you’re doing.”

· Russel Manuel 

6. What advice would you give to aspiring artists?

“Stay true to the music you want to play. And if you are playing music, make sure you enjoy every moment of it. Life is too short to get caught up with the negatives. Many times I have heard vocalists sing and they try to copy the style of the people whose songs they are covering. Why?! Why lose your identity while trying to impersonate someone else? Sure, idolise them and their talent but learn to add “your spice” to it. Because if you were capable of picking up and performing a cover, you have an equal level of talent that you just haven’t tapped into yet. Never lose hope and get lost in the views and the likes, stay focused and headstrong. There is only one way and that’s up!”

· Saul Jonathan Samuel

                                                                       

The Mel Samuel Blues Band


Band Bio –

The Mel Samuel Blues Band lays down the music in the many ways the genre allows. The songs and melodies range from the standards to the band’s own compositions. The quartet delivers mood, drive, zest, and panache such as you haven’t heard in quite a while. The band is known across for their powerful shows getting crowds on their feet clubbed in with soulful guitar solos, powerful vocals, and a driven bass and drum duo that lay the foundation to the band giving you a wholesome experience.


Interviewed By - Abigail Beaucasin