Roadhouse Blues to launch ‘Heavy Train’

• DEON SCHLECHTERThe title of Roadhouse Blues’ debut album is ‘Heavy Train’, but the well-oiled wheels of this blues train rolls easily, carrying its unique cargo with great ease across the Namibian landscape.

Their emotional lyrics and sultry melodies emphasise that there is no music genre quite like the blues.

Nine of the 11 songs on the album come from the pen of Thomas Bokemüller (singer, electric-, acoustic-, slide guitar and keyboard), who forms an integral part of the quartet.

It took Bokemüller only four months to write these tracks, while the remaining two songs are well-known BB King classics.

Weaved into the title song ‘Heavy Train’ and songs such as ‘Sunrise Blues,’ ‘Devil’s Prey’ and ‘Come Running’ are pure emotions of joy, victory, and sometimes a bit of sadness. It’s blues at its best.

The group’s instrumentation is as versatile as their lyrical content with Hu-de San (harmonica and saxophone virtuoso) creating fireworks whenever he lets rip with the two wind instruments.

Drums are the heartbeat of the blues. And few drum players can set the pace and rhythm of blues better than Anesh Morar. He understands that playing the blues bass does not require a flashy style but rather opts to let songs flow and stay in the groove.

And then there is Robert Key on bass – which may be the most critical tool in a blues group. The legendary 70-year-old Key is instrumental in taking care of the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of the group, while Bokemüller’s role is much more than just the leader and songwriter – his versatility weaves a rich tapestry and his skills on the guitar know no local equal.

Bokemüller says he kept the name of the group simple so that people can immediately identify what type of music to expect.

“I am also a lover of the open road and hence the road in Roadhouse Blues.”

The guitar maestro studied classical music in Germany and played in various bands before making Namibia his home.

In 2012, the four musicians came together occasionally together before Bokemüller eased into the Mojo Blues with influences from BB King, Muddy Waters, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Robert Ford. He was carried away by their lyrics and exceptional style.

“I felt the circle was completed and blues is my genre. But I was a rock guitarist who wanted to play the blues and it took the three other members a while to allow me to blend in with the blues. I was influenced by a myriad of influences of all genres but now I am at home,” said Bokemüller, who grabs his guitar when he starts writing songs, getting the melodic and technical aspects under his belt before the lyrics start coming.

As with good blues, the foundation of the album is built on heartbreaking experiences and a bad break-up. But ‘Heavy Train’ won’t drive you to tears. Tears of joy and pleasure perhaps, but not sadness.

‘Heavy Train’ be officially launched tomorrow, 14 June, at the Warehouse Theatre at 19h00. Tickets are available from eventstoday.com.na.