Rock Paper Scissors - Slide to Freedom, 20,000 Miles (Northern Blues)

Put yourself in my shoes for a moment, loyal reader. If you received a notice about a band that is described as Indian blues, would you be able to resist it? Neither was I, particularly since it is my job, yea verily my duty to find new and different music for you.

When you try to wrap your head around the idea of Indian blues, it doesn't come together very easily. At least it didn't for me. But then it doesn't have to come easy for me when it comes so easy to Slide to Freedom.

So, I know what you must be thinking. How does this work really? How does a band fuse traditional Indian music with blues? Well, a big part of it is the satvik veena (a combination of an Indian veena and a slide guitar). At first I don't think I noticed how well the two influences blended together. But then I listened to "Angel of Death." The version of this song with which I am most familiar is by The Weary Boys. All I can say is that this version is way different from that version (and probably every other version of this song ever recorded.) I wouldn't have thought that a song could be both roots and Indian until I heard this song.

Speaking of unusual versions of songs, this band also does a version of "Spooky." Let me tell you something, loyal reader, you have never heard this song performed quite like this. The song ends with an amazingly energetic solo on the slide veena. I won't lie to you. There is a definite "Wow!" factor with this solo.

Now, if you really want to know how the blues and Indian music are fused together, listen to "Wee Wee Hours." Most of the song is just a straight slow blues tune like you might expect from John Lee Hooker. Then in the middle is a break with the veena that turns the song completely on its head before returning to the blues sound.

Some albums are made to blare out windows so the entire neighborhood can enjoy them. For 20,000 Miles (Northern Blues, 2011), I recommend putting on some headphones so you can enjoy all the layers of sound it has to offer.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Schwindy's indie music spotlight: Slide to Freedom - Los Angeles Music | Examiner.com