This week we dive into a collection of acoustic guitar tunes. Zé Carlos Gracias renders an acoustic version of 'There was a Girl'
Meet the Singer and Musician:
José Carlos Gracias also known as Zé Carlos is an architect, translator and musician who sings in Portuguese, English and Konkani. He adds a dash of acoustic magic to his music with his guitar.
After quitting as an architect, he started his musical journey in 2001, playing in hotels. Since then he has entertained many with his guitar and distinctive voice.
In 2022, Gracias who hails from Borda Margao entertained listeners with a hit playlist titled "Strumming on a Sunday." Voila! A series of MP3 songs waiting to be heard. Just click on the links below.
This week we feature a Goan band that's on a roll producing pulsating, euphoric and upbeat music. The band 'One Note High' promises a fresh sound each time they take the stage. The band members add a personal touch to their music by blending International and Konkani music.
Meet the Band: Vocals: Pleven Vaz & Avyanna Xavier Keys: Yardan Vaz Guitar: Marcian Fernandes Bass: Gavy Vaiz Drums: Cassie Vaiz The cover of 'You Are The Reason' by One Note High with a blend of Konkani lyrics.
(Original by Calum Scott)
The cover of 'Red Dress' by One Note High released on 20 June 2024
(Original by Magic)
The band performs at various pubs across Goa. Check out the Band's Performance at Bebde: Panjim (June 2025)
This month we feature the famous party rockers from Germany. We were lucky to spot this band on facebook playing foot tapping party songs and we enjoyed every song they played. They call themselves 'Cagey Strings'. Based in Munich Germany this band has been around for four decades.
The band members say "we are known for our huge music repertoire with a mix of rock'n'roll and party sound". They mention on their website that they believe in "staying true to the style, but still dare to try something new and not just copy the old." While they strike a balance between Rock and Roll of the fifties and the sound of the present, they also keep their longtime fans happy, gain new ones and inspire everyone with the music they make.
With 40 years of expertise in the live music scene in Germany, the foursome set the stage on fire with covers of rock and roll and party songs. To get the ball rolling here is their version of "Breaking up is hard to do' (Original by Neil Sedaka)
The band which was formed in 1982, was inspired by rock and roll of the '50s. What started as a school band turned into a professional band playing gigs in Germany. The band line-up changed a number of times over the last four decades and finally today 'Cagey Strings' comprises of the following members.
Today Cagey Strings is one of the most sought after live acts in Germany, stunning audiences with their style and upbeat covers of old time Rock and Roll. The pandemic might have taken a toll on their live performances but that hasn't hindered the band from making more music. Time and again Cagey Strings surprise their fans with their latest music uploads on Youtube and other social media platforms. One of our favourites is the cover of 'Ein Kompliment' by Cagey Strings which premiered on Youtube in June 2021. The band covered the German hit in ska style spiking up the energy quotient of the song. (Original artist of 'Ein Kompliment'- Sportfreunde Stiller)
The icing on the cake is the cover of "Great balls of fire,' by Cagey Strings. Check out the fiery hot piano solo in this video. We remember the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis, the original artist of this song. It was a bit hit of the '50s and continues to be one of the most iconic Rock and Roll songs of all time. 🎸🎸🎹
The band members mention on their webpage that "Rock and Roll will never die" and we totally agree with them. Rock and Roll is here to stay!!!
Other than their usual gigs, the band plays at the Oktoberfest in Munich Germany held each year in October while the crazy crowd enjoys music and beer in a huge beer tent.
The band's Rockin' Sunday playlist on Youtube is worth a listen. For more music by the band, tune in to the band's Youtube channel 'Cagey Strings'.
We give this band a huge thumbs up 👍and eagerly wait to listen to more music from them.
References:
1. https://www.cageystrings.de/
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Soothing Guitar Covers
by
Goan Musician Reiniel Martins
along with Mr P and Friends
November 11th, 2020
On our quest to find new music and fresh cover songs, we stumbled upon a rhythmic cover version of Sting's Englishman in New York, by noted Goan classical guitarist Reiniel Martins along with the group Mr P and Friends.
Mr P and Friends comprises of a brilliantly talented line-up of musicians with Goa's leading guitar players Errol Andrade, Reggie D'Souza, Joe Francisco, Reiniel Martins and cajon player Prashant Kumar.
We messaged Reiniel to find out more about this group and he was quick to respond saying that he joined Mr. P and Friends recently and they've been nothing short of an incredible family to him. He says “ we are mainly into plain acoustic music and perform songs in languages like English, Portuguese and Konkani with a few of our own compositions. Given any song, we look at creating our own rendition of it in an acoustic way that would sound pleasing to the ears.”
He says “Prashant who plays the cajon is known as Mr P and he along with Reggie keep the gigs coming in.” This cover song was shot at Errol’s quaint ancestral house in Cansaulim, South Goa. With a little bit of help from friends to get the perfect lighting and sound, Mr P and Friends gear up to perform their acoustic guitar cover of Englishman in New York. Their guitars are sure to fill the space with a soothing sound.🎸🎸🎸
Listen , Like, Share and Celebrate Music.......
Reiniel delights us with his euphonious voice and skillful touch on the guitar. Mr P and Friends transport us back to the late '80s and '90s. They know exactly how to revive the good ol' times.
Errol is popularly known as "The Blues King of Goa." He is a member of the band Crimson Tide. He plays the electric guitar, acoustic guitar and is usually seen jamming with other leading guitarists and musicians of Goa covering rock anthems, the best of the blues and other popular music. Here is Errol covering J J Cale's Call Me The Breeze.
Call Me The Breeze by Errol Andrade
Reggie has many years of music experience to his credit. He was the bassist of the Archies Band Goa. He works magic on the guitar and stands out as a talented vocalist. Here is Reggie singing the '70s country classic American Dream by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
American Dream cover by Reggie D'Souza
About the Artists:
Errol Andrade- One of Goa's leading guitarists, also known as "The Blues King of Goa." Member of the band Crimson Tide.
Reggie D’Souza– vocalist, guitarist, former member of the Archies Band Goa.
Joe Francisco- Former member of the Archies Band Goa and The Big City Band
Prashant Kumar – Cajon player.
Reiniel Martins- Classical guitarist, vocalist, plays the keyboard occasionally.
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A Blast from the Past
Cover of Konkani Song Bhueirantlo Munis
October 28th, 2020
For Konkani music lovers, here is a blast from the past with a modern touch. Cassius Fernandes of CassyKeys Production and his team have released a cover of the title song from the Konkani film Bhueirantlo Munis. The song premiered on YouTube on October 15, 2020.
Trumpeter and musician Alfin Fernandes says “Cassius came up with the idea to cover this song. It took us two days to practice, one day to record the song and it was a planned shoot for a day. This cover is all about bringing a change in Konkani music. We want to give a modern touch to old songs.”
With 7K views on YouTube in the first week itself this cover song is receiving a good response from music lovers. The video of this song is cinematic. The vocalist Veloshka Da Costa spikes up the glamour quotient with her rendition of this classic which was originally sung by Bollywood songstress Asha Bhosle and composed by the legendary Chris Perry.
Grayston Vaz works magic on the guitar. Cassius on the keyboard and Clifford on the percussion (darbuka) prove to be professional and seasoned musicians. Watch out for the trumpet solo by Alfin Fernandes. (He says it’s an old trumpet dating back to 1962)
Cassius and his team gives us a riveting performance.
About the Artists
Veloshka Da Costa: Vocalist
Grayston Vaz: Guitarist, A26 band member
Alfin Fernandes- Trumpeter, keyboardist, A26 band member
Clifford Sequeira- Percussionist
Cassius Fernandes : Keyboardist, Alcatrazz band member, founder of CassyKeys Production.
If you are new to Konkani music / Konkani films here are some facts about the film Bhueirantlo Munis. It was the first Konkani colour film released in 1977. The movie featured Ivo Coutinho and Helen Pereira in the lead roles. Ophelia, C.Alvares, Rico Rod and comedian Paul Romy were the other actors in the film ( Reference- Wikipedia)
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The Sassy Songbirds Sing a New Song
'In Solitude'
October 13, 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down. Work from home, online school and social distancing have become the "new normal.” Amidst the trouble and chaos, musicians across the globe have reached out to us with the soothing power of music through various social platforms. This week The Sassy Songbirds enliven us with their new song InSolitude which premiered on their YouTube channel on October 11th, 2020.
The Sassy Songbirds are an adorable quartet with three vocalists Marie Paul, Karen D'Souza and Ella Atai accompanied by Mimosa Almeida Pinto on piano. These ladies sing their hearts out, leaving the audience craving for more.
The Sassy Songbirds have enthralled music fans in Mumbai with covers of timeless songs in various genres such as pop, retro, jazz and swing. With their new original In Solitude, which premiered on their YouTube channel on 11th October, 2020 the quartet reaches out to a larger audience.
Living alone and staying indoors might have been an overwhelming experience for most of us during this pandemic, but The Sassy Songbirds took it all in their stride and recorded this song which puts a smile on our faces.Let's get a grip over ourselves in these troubled times and listen to this soothing song.
The Sassy Songbirds leave us feeling satiated with their beautiful voices in harmony. The lyrics are apt for the present situation that we are in. Ace pianist and composer Mimosa Pinto makes us happy with a soothing melody on the piano. In Solitude is a complete performance.
🎹 🎤 👏👏👏
If you are still hungry for more, we have news for you. The Sassy Songbirds have another song all set for release on October 25, 2020.
About the Artists:
Mimosa Pinto : Pianist, music composer and arranger. She has been teaching music for almost three decades in Mumbai.
Karen D'Souza, Ella Atai and Marie Paul: Vocalists
The Sassy Songbirds launched a series of musicals in association with Mumbai Zindabad titled Hope Lives in June 2020. The series features various artists from Mumbai and overseas.
Visit Mumbai Zindabad on Youtube to enjoy the Hope Lives episodes.
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Songs for a Good Cause
October 9th, 2020
The musical duo from Goa TammyandRoy have released their third original song this week. The song titled Live Again is out today on social platforms. It was released today in view of World Mental Health Day observed on 9th October. According to Tammy and Roy "this song is their contribution towards mental health."
Live Again by Tammy and Roy
Earlier this year, Tammy (Tamara Fernandes) and her co-musician Roy released two originals in April and September 2020 titled Silver Linings and Picture You Near.
Silver Linings sends out positive vibes about coping with the Covid-19 pandemic and Picture You Near expresses gratitude to the frontline Covid-19 workers worldwide.
Talking about their first original, Tamara says "I wrote the lyrics of Silver Linings keeping in mind that despite so many bad things happening because of the pandemic like death of loved ones, job losses, there are still unexpected good things happening namely we are spending so much time at home with our family. Children are also less stressed with school as everything is online."
Tamara mentions that she wrote Picture You Near from the perspective of the loved ones of all the people who risk their lives to keep us safe. She says "not just doctors but also soldiers, firefighters, everyone has families who are back home hoping they come home safe."
About the recordings and sound mixing which was done during the Covid-19 lockdown Tamara says "we recorded our vocals and some of the music on our phone mics and sent it to Bambino who put the whole audio together (he had the hardest job). Do share it if you'll enjoy it."
The lyrics of all the three songs are truly inspiring and the music is pleasant with a subtle country sound. Way to go Tammy and Roy!!! I think we can expect an album soon 🎸🎷🎶
Tammy and Roy's first original titled Silver Linings
Released in April 2020
Lyrics and vocals: Tammy (Tamara Fernandes)
Music arrangement and vocals: Roy D'Sa
Saxophone solo: Bambino Dias
Guitar solo: Gavin Carvalho.
Tammy and Roy's second original Picture You Near
Released on September 20, 2020
About the Artists
Tammy (Tamara Fernandes ): Radio Jockey at FM Rainbow Goa, member of the choir Jubilations and vocalist for the band Purple Rain.
Roy D'sa : Member of the band Crimson Tide
Music Genre: Country/ Pop
The duo performs live on Facebook. Catch them live on their Facebook page 'Tammy and Roy'
Check out their covers of popular tunes on their Youtube channel 'Tammy and Roy'
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New Jazzy Tunes by Maria e Neil
September 30th, 2020
Maria e Neil are a jazz duo based in Goa. They offer a refreshing sound and have grown popular around the jazz circuit in Goa. They have performed live at festivals such as the Serendipity Arts Festival in Panjim and other hangouts like Nostalgia and Hideaway in Goa.
Their new album Confluência is out on social platforms this week. The album has nine songs which are influenced by jazz and bossa nova music. A fusion of English and Portuguese lyrics makes Confluência worth a listen. Maria Meireles lends voice for the Portuguese vocals while Neil Fernandes lends voice for the English vocals on this album.
Their first original tune True was released in December 2019. The song has a perfect visual setting. It was shot in Fontainhas, the Latin quarters of Goa. If you are a fan of bossa nova and jazz, check out Spotify and iTunes for more music from the album.
'True' byMaria e Neil
Maria e Neil's performance at the Serendipity Arts Festival in Panaji.
About the artists:
Neil Fernandes: A multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and music producer
Maria Meireles: Jazz singer
Music genre: Bossa Nova and Jazz
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"Love is the only thing we should be fighting for" sings musician Neil D'Cruz
July 15th, 2020
While listening to music we stumble upon songs that touch our soul, lyrics that get engraved into our hearts and tunes that linger in our minds. Together as One by Goan musician Neil D'Cruz is one such song that has a lasting effect on us.
A song on communal harmony may not be easy to compose considering the varied emotions and sentiments that go into it. However, Neil D'Cruz strikes the right chord with his debut original composition Together As One which premiered in May 2020. Neil has a way with his words. The visuals of the song tell us the story of what we see and read about in the media now and then. At the outset Neil mentions "The sad reality about religion is that along with it's beliefs it brings to humanity the biggest divide."
The song which is interspersed with Hindi lyrics, has a soft sound of acoustic guitar played by Neil along with keyboard and backing vocals by Revlon Jackson. With many battles being fought over religion, caste, creed, language (and the list goes on), this song comes as a reminder that "love is the only thing we should be fighting for."
In June 2020, Neil ventured out to write and compose another song Thank You Mama. This song draws our attention to a mother's love, sacrifice and caring spirit. Here is music that comes straight from the heart and sends out a message that we ought to respect our parents who are also our guides and mentors.
This song was featured on #RSdailymusic playlist Rolling Stone India.
Listen, share and celebrate music!!!
About the Artist:
Neil D'Cruz is a singer, songwriter, guitarist based in Goa.
He has been playing music for the last two decades.
He teaches music at a school in Margao.
He plays for a band called 3-4-One and also jams up with other musicians occasionally.
He is known for his initiative 'Uncut Diamonds,' a show to promote young talented musicians organized in 2018.
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A Music Artist in the Making
October 4th, 2020
He
is a new artist on the block. Joshua Baptista is traveling places with
his guitar and making heads turn as he sings covers of popular music.
Joshua picked up the guitar at a tender age and what started as a hobby
slowly turned into stage performances in his school and college. At the
age of 25, he exhibits a promising talent as a guitarist and vocalist.
In 2019 Joshua partnered with his pal Sanjit Nair to form a duo knows as Mean Curry.
The duo featured as resident musicians at Radio Indigo Bangalore with a
jam session once a week for a period of six months. They made the radio
waves sound more fab than ever.
Joshua
adds an extra spark to any tune that he performs. Take a listen to the
cover of "Is this Love.” If you enjoy grooving to Reggae here is another
artist in the making who draws inspiration from Bob Marley.
The picturisation of the song with the tunnel as a backdrop gives the song a rustic feel.
( Video courtesy Jorryn Baptista)
Mean Curry offers a refreshing cover of The Beatles- Don't Let Me Down. This was performed in Bangalore in 2019.
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