That 70's show: going back in time at Baga
Catching a live performance of
the Bellbottoms at Cavala in
Baga, Onilda Fernandes is
transported back in time. She
speaks to four of the band
members about their replication
of the music in the 70's and
80's era.
One, two, three o'clock, four o'clock, rock, Five, six, seven
o'clock, eight o'clock, rock, Nine, ten, eleven o'clock,
twelve o'clock, rock, We're gonna rock around the clock
tonight!
And jive is in the air!
A gentleman has just swung his lady while another couple
fights for space in the almost cramped hall. Still another is
struggling to keep to the momentum, having to pause for a
breath, every time they dash into another duo dancing.
It is obvious though, that no one has forgotten to put on
their dancing shoes. And with music like this? Even bare feet
are bound to make an entrance!
The Bellbottoms are responsible. It is completely their doing
and hard work -- adhering to requests and keeping the spirit
alive with the by-now charged up crowd.
This is the ambience -- of pent up feelings just bursting
free, that you will find in Cavala (at Baga) on Wednesday, as
it will be next Wednesday and every Wednesday, yet to
come--the music sounding loud, light and unfailingly right,
with a crowd to match!
Reminds Carlos Gonsalves, the percussionist, "The
reason I formed this band, was because of Marius
(owner of Cavala), who was looking for a rock n
roll setup. As you can see, even the name
(Bellbottoms) takes you back to that era."
And rightfully so. Structured to immerse you into nostalgia
for the forgotten, the Bellbottoms, with its locked drum
groove, much of it played on high hat cymbal and drum rims,
soft bass lines that fall short or start late, finger picked
rhythm guitar notes like clear fizz. And in its best estate,
the trombone which when inflated merely by the unaided power
of the human lung--all renders heart warming melody, witness
to the fact mentioned above.
"We practice only basic songs before the start of the season,
leaving the main structure as it is. The fill-ins are
completely spontaneous and hence concocted on the spot. I
don't want us sounding like a cassette. Fortunately, by now,
we have pretty much understood each other's body language
without the use of too many signals", says Carlos.
THOSE WERE THE DAYS
Though initial days did see a clash of cymbals, war locking
with the strumming of the guitar or the cooing of the flute,
time has managed to erase all such mismatches.
Recalls Carlos, "I wanted the big-band look and hence kept on
adding members. But it took a lot of time for us to get
polished. This is the second season; we are together and by
now, thankfully we are tuned in to pick up, from where
someone else has left off. There are times you will find us
doing songs, for a continuous half an hour."
And happy to be a part of this setup is UK-based David
Creston, who has known Carlos for a good five years now and
hence shares great on-stage chemistry. "Although we play
different music, it is interesting how we have adapted to
each one's style over the years."
Otherwise shuttling between UK and back, David
first arrived here on the pretext of a holiday.
Goa, winning him over, this guitarist now enjoys
performing here. "It is great fun playing with
this group. Back in England, the venues are more
spread out. You wont find 20-30 live music settings
along one stretch, like the Baga-Candolim belt."
MORE THE MERRIER
On a rampage for a good group to play with, was another,
Bosco D'Souza, the keyboardist, who spent many a year in
Bombay, before returning to Goa to repair his house. As fate
would have it, he was introduced to Carlos, who immediately
recruited him.
Recalls Bosco, "When I first met the group, I enjoyed the
music they played. But it was challenging because, I wasn't
used to playing that kind of music before. Now, however it is
a different story, I have learned to gel with the others,
experimenting all the way."
Sharing the same sentiments is Semy Braganza, the trombone
player from Merces, who is yet to complete a year with the
band. "This music is a refreshing change from the recordings
and drama sequences that I usually do. I am really glad I got
a chance to meet Carlos!"
Coming back to the show at Cavala, encores are being
requested and dance steps gaining precedence. No amount of
fatigue seems to be refraining the crowd from cheering and
whistling. And who can blame them? Guess, short of having the
Beatles wake up and perform live, the Bellbottoms in Goa are
on their way to becoming close contenders.
