Quiet Storm

A family that prays together, stays together, goes the old adage. It has now found a new meaning with the Chullai family (father and son) and their band from Meghalaya, who ‘play together.

- VERUS FERREIRA.

The North East is a hotbed of talent and it’s no wonder that a band from the small hilly town of Jowai, nestled in the Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, has bagged this year’s Mahindra Blues Band Hunt, cutting across several blues bands across the country and claiming a chance to play at the Mahindra Blues Festival, this year.

Quiet Storm is the latest to join the list of winners of the Mahindra Blues Hunt. Three bands were shortlisted for the finale that took place a week before the Mahindra Blues Festival. The final event was held at the True School of Music in Lower Parel, Mumbai. Judged by Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa, the winners got the chance to perform at the Garden Stage of Mahindra Blues Festival 2020 at Mehboob Studios, Mumbai, on 8th and 9th February.

The Homegrown Blues Collective, a specially created line-up comprising some of India’s best-known blues artistes, saw bands like Shillong’s Soulmate guitarist Rudy Wallang with his band member Tipriti Kharbangar singing songs like The Way We Are and Set Me Free in her distinct style.

A regular every year, guitarist Warren Mendonsa of Blackstratblues had an outstation commitment and gave the fest a miss, though a video of his Blues For Gary was played.

The fest also saw vocalists Rohit Lalwani, Arinjoy Sarkar (of last year’s Mahindra Blues Band Hunt winner The Arinjoy Trio) and Kanchan Daniel taking turns. Overall, it was the perfect showcase for the blues in India.

Now back to Quiet Storm… the band was formed in 2018 when Starly saw the unique talent of his son, guitarist Ian and nephews, Dami (guitars) and Sam (drums). Soon the four began to work on original materials in Starly’s jam room.