City band makes Jazz Funk meet Indian Ragas

The name of this youthful band may remind you of a sorry eatery but there's more to Empty Cafu00e9 than just their quirky name. The Guide tells you why their blend of blues with Indian classical, Jazz and Funk music will blow your mind away

At first glimpse, the trio behind Empty Cafu00e9 can pass off as just another bunch of talented college students with a flair for music. But the 19-year old musicians u2014 Saiprasad Shankar (rhythm guitar), Gandhaar Amin (flute) and Vinay Kaushal (lead guitar), boast of sound musical knowledge and loads of talent coupled with a deep love for music. They came together a month back to form the band.

After much deliberation, the members decided on a name. "The name of the band is inspired by our favourite band Jethro Tull's classic song Empty Cafu00e9. It's a tongue-in-cheek take on our expectation that our music is not sou00a0 bad that a cafu00e9 goes empty!" adds Vinay.u00a0

The band members used to perform with various bands over the last few years and it was only when they caught a live performance by Gandhaar that they decided to form their own band. They love playing their original Blues compositions that blend Indian classical tracks, Jazz and Funk music. Refusing to be pigeonholed, they also play other forms of music. Their compositions reflect influences of musicians like Freddie King, John Scofield, Eric Clapton, Prasanna and John Petrucci.

"What sets us apart from other bands is the story behind each heart-felt composition. At the beginning of every composition, we first share the story that inspired the lyrics to the audience," adds Vinay. The soiree will include 20 to 25 tracks by Empty Cafu00e9 to keep the audiences engaged.

The trio are yet to complete their graduation and hence, opt to perform part-time. But they unfailingly meet up every evening for practicing and composing and aspire to be full-time musicians soon.

At: Curve, ABC Farms, Koregaon Park.
On: Tonight, from 8 pm onwards
Call: 9637575912

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