It all started with a nightclub in New York. Back in the ’80s, Gary Lawyer was an Indian singer in the USA who, like any other musician, felt alive when he hit the stage. Except, the crowds loved it even more.
One can only imagine what a big deal it was back then to be one of the first Indian musicians to be signed for a Western album, outside India. Over three decades and five albums later, ‘the man with the golden voice’ promises he isn’t going to stop anytime soon.
The singer, who will be in Chennai on Saturday for a special Elvis Presley-Jim Morisson tribute show is working on a tight schedule. But he manages to squeeze time for a quick chat, post a long rehearsal to bring fans up to speed with his latest project. “Actually, this is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” Gary reveals. It’s a new album, but this time around, the idea is to create every song, instruments included on his own. “I’m going to sing, play the guitar, play the keys,” he elaborates. “And it might take a while,” he admits, “but I’m glad to be able to do things in my own time.”
Lucky for Gary, there are no deadlines because as he admits, it has been a jam- packed routine. Undoubtedly, preparation for a concert that pays tribute to legends as large as Elvis and The Doors is bound to take a lot out of you.
The Mumbai-based musician has played with the likes of Louis Banks and recorded with international artistes like Kenny Rogers, apart from a brief stint in Bollywood. But he chooses to stay clear of the commercial stuff and creates the music he loves, more than anything else.
“All I hear in India is Bollywood,” he laments. Then goes on, “Today’s kids just aren’t exposed to these artistes (Elvis and Morrison) as we were.” Asked about the enormity of the Internet which ensures equal opportunity to most genres and the old timer has an immediate response. “You can’t just log on to the Internet to appreciate these greats, you need to be ‘introduced’,” he stresses. “For most youngsters who know their music, it’s been passed on by their parents.”
With heavy expectations from music lovers in the city, the singer reveals, “We’ve done the Elvis tribute separately in other cities, and there have always been standing ovations.” He adds quickly, “But bringing them together; that’s a whole different level.” And if you’ve been brought up on vinyl records and casette tapes of either artiste, there is little need to wonder what Gary is talking about. Let’s just say, it going to be rock ‘n’ roll fever.
So what’s going to be toughest part? Gary sighs deeply, “I think, deciding what songs to leave out.”
Even with a concert that’s two hours long — there will undoubtedly be several classics forcibly axed off the set list. Evidently anguished at the thought, the musician exclaims loudly, “There just won’t be enough time!” But for those looking out in earnest for a few promised favourites, there will be Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog and from The Doors (Jim Morrison’s band) — LA Woman and Light My Fire.
(The concert will be held on September 15 at the Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall, Chetpet, at 7.30pm. For details, contact 9940099227)
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