After 2012 and 2013, Robert returned to MBF this yr. , Picture Credit score: Particular Association
Robert Randolf, a pedal metal guitarist at Mahindra Blues Competition (MBF), Mahindra Blues Competition (MBF), will probably be remembered for his efficiency within the 2012 and 2013 variations of the competition. For the primary time, he got here with the Blues Legend Buddy Gai on the monitor ‘lengthy distance name’, and the subsequent yr, his efficiency with the household band acquired a evaluate. Robert returns to MBF this yr with one other line-up-Robert Randolf band.
The annual two -day competition to be held at Mehobobe Studio, Bandra on 8 and 9 February, Australian Acts Tesky Brothers and Prodigi Taj Fares, American singer Rooty Foster and Indian artist Kanchan Daniel and Megan Magan Magan may even be facilitated. John Blue Ensembal, the winner of the Expertise Hunt competitors, will play within the backyard space.
“I’m glad to be part of this collective of blues musicians to carry out on this competition,” says Robert. He says that his earlier excursions have impressed him to take heed to lots of Indian music and even see how Indian slide guitar or sitar is utilized in collaboration with different kinds. “It is attention-grabbing how it’s all linked collectively. All these expertise assist us study new issues. ,

Robert carried out for music within the church. Picture Credit score: Particular Association
Robert’s efficiency for music got here via the church. He shares, “My church is a really shirt, Rock n ‘roll-like group relies on the east coast of America and midwests. We had three-four hours of providers, 90 % of which have been music. Mom’s household grew up on Fank artists like George Clinton and Parliament-Fankdelic, so I additionally joined it.
The pedal metal guitar was used prominently in his church and Robert was designed for it. Nevertheless, when he heard the guitarist Stewi Ray Von round 1997, he wished to make use of that method in his sport. “It was simply kickstart to issues, and I turned extra drawn to quite a lot of blues,” they are saying.
Stevy impressed Robert to attempt new methods, with Jazz Guitarist Norman Brown. “Relying on their type, I modified my sound, tried new combos and launched new mechanics to create an revolutionary type,” they are saying.

Robert is prepared for his new album Preacher babyWhich will probably be launched in Could. Picture Credit score: Particular Association
Robert considers himself fortunate that he has labored with mythological artists resembling massive man and Eric Clapton. “Simply sit with them within the studio, you examine their mentality, how they write, make and file. Each of them have been impressed by blues as quickly as doable. He has additionally made songs and rifs who stand exterior. A bus desires to comply with them and make one thing that folks will bear in mind after years. ,
An attention-grabbing undertaking was when Robert joined the ‘Trinity’ guitarist Carlos Santana and Metallica’s Kirk Hammet, a 2005 instrument tune that made Pakistani Sufi veteran Nusrat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to trace ‘Terre bin Nahin Lagd’ Payed tribute. He recollects, “We recorded a studio in San Francisco with a 10-Tukra band. This was an awesome expertise. “
Robert is now ready for his new album Preacher babyAttributable to launch in Could. He says. “From rock and blues to odor, it’s got lots of kinds, and there are songs that folks can dance. It’s produced by a extremely proficient shooter Jennings. “He’s additionally glad that many younger musicians have picked up pedal metal or lap metal guitar.
Rising presence of MBF
Whereas Robert Randolf would be the essential draw on this yr’s MBF, it’s also attention-grabbing to see two Australian acts Tesky Brothers and Taj Farent as a part of the line-up. VG Jeram of Hyperlink model Options says, who manages the competition, “We at all times wish to embrace acts from different elements of the world, not solely America. Teski Brothers appeal to large audiences of their exhibits and the Taj Farant is to look out for somebody. ,
In line with Zairam, MBF has develop into overwhelming because the launch in 2011, each in scale and affect. “Blues in India have been began as a distinct segment competition for enthusiastic individuals, now additionally turned widespread in Chicago and New York, attracts a various viewers that appreciates blues and wealthy historical past and storytelling that Comes with it. MBF has develop into a platform for Indian blues musicians, permitting them to share the stage with a worldwide icon. ,
Jeram explains that whereas the blues have historically been a distinct segment type in India, there’s a rising starvation for it, particularly among the many younger audiences who’re looking out it via trendy interpretations, collaborations and digital platforms. “The competition has fixed curated artists who push the boundaries of blues whereas being proper for his or her roots. Blues acts on the grassroots stage throughout the nation have additionally elevated noticeable, which is a good signal for the way forward for type, ”they are saying.
Printed – February 03, 2025 06:38 pm IST