The Unprecedented End

The past few months have been testing times for the band, especially since our last gig at the TSB. Formed sometime in 2008 and based upon our common love for the blues and rock music, the Bluestankers shared many great times and enjoyment of the same genres together. However, I must admit, the gravitation towards blues, in particular; Chicago, Texas, and Delta styles by yours truly lately, have somewhat shifted the paradigm of my other two band members out of the usual jamming circles.

Both band members have now chosen to become session players for other alternative music bands in their own rights, with gigging privileges (of course). While I am happy that they have expanded their repertoire of music outside of the usual mundane blues circuit that they are constantly subjected to :-), I'm also somewhat sad at the same time that the younger genre's appreciation and understanding of the blues music in the Klang Valley is constantly being overshadowed by heaps of other newer and more engaging modern music. I for one, am a fan of root music, which the blues is, for the American culture in modern history. I guess it takes some mellowing down to understand root music. It took me well into my 30s to understand that. I assume most will see the light at the end of the tunnel when they approach this age group as well. Fingers crossed!

Perhaps soul searching is every musician's right to do. One definitely cannot stop another fellow musician from pursuing his goals for his love of his choice of music. So, for Shahreza and Najip, I wish you both the best in your musical pursuits. It was enjoyable playing with you guys. You guys definitely have all the grooves and ingredients for commercial musical success. Maybe our destiny as a blues trio was not made to last, but hey, I sure enjoyed all the times we jammed and performed together. He, he, maybe we'll have a reunion sometime :-)... Keep on rockin' guys :-)

Well, enough of whining :-), the search for serious blues music members continues for 'The Terence Chong Blues Band'. Yup people, that's the new name for the latest band reincarnation. Interested drummers/percussionists, bassists, guitarists, vocalists can email me at thetcbb@gmail.com for the ice breaker.

Ok, back to some Lightning Hopkins... and some Sonny Boy Williamson...