On the Road

For someone who could do an Elvis and a Sinatra with equal ease,Gary Lawyers music had many followers in the 80s. In Delhi for a performance after a decade,he talks about his childhood and making every song a prayer.

In Mumbai of the 80s,in auditoriums,clubs and hotels,he served up sumptuous versions of Frank Sinatra,Jim Morrison,Freddie Mercury and The Doors in his rich baritone. Gary Lawyer,the man with a golden voice,was comfortable with a slew of western genres,a rarity for an Indian in those days. These numbers were mostly followed by his original English songs. The remixwallahs and the bands putting out music on the internet were yet to arrive. Those memorable songs still echo,but the face was forgotten. So when the announcement of Lawyer doing a public performance in Delhi came after almost a decade (he performed at a corporate gig almost three years ago),we decided to hit the much-needed rewind button.

A lot of problems start with the budget. It is not worth the effort if the infrastructure does not make sense. I am not a college band who needs to get those initial gigs and prove himself. But I am here finally and hopefully,will visit again soon, said Lawyer in an interview,a day before his gig.

Growing up in Mumbai in a house stacked with vinyl discs of legends ranging from Bob Dylan and Ray Charles to Sinatra,a young Lawyer was drawn to a slew of western singers. My mother passed away when I was five. Every Wednesday,my father would take me to Rhythm House located in Kala Ghoda to pick up new releases. We even picked up old compilations and that built up a sizable collection. This music was always playing, says Lawyer,and eventually he began singing these songs.

But one word Lawyer was always averse to,was covers. He still gets uncomfortable at the mention of it. I have never looked at a song as a cover. I have treated every song like a prayer and have done it all my way. There is so much joy in doing justice to a great song. Great music is not covered,its played, says Lawyer,who began his career as a nightclub singer in New York. His voice was noticed by an EMI representative and Lawyer became the first Indian to be signed for a western album outside India. And soon after his debut This Cannot Wait came his breakthrough album,The Other Side of Dawn that got him much recognition. But despite working with biggies such as drummer Shawn Pelton and keyboardist Chris Bertoletti,Lawyer returned home. He heard from Bollywood musicians too,but decided not to be a part of it. However,he did lend his voice to a host of ad jingles. It was never my world, says Lawyer,who required much convincing on music director Sandesh Shandilyas part to sing a track in Road. For now,he is ready to release his new album,Heavens Child.

Be Kind,Rewind

Before his gig,when a musician like Gary Lawyer sits alone at the bar,with only a beer for company,it puts things in perspective. We were impled to attend Gary Lawyers performance in the city mostly for the melodic memories.

As guests guzzled beer or nibbled on finger food,he opened with Frank Sinatras New York,New York,the 1977 song that is known to have made New York,the capital of the century. Lawyers bass tone got it right as he went on to regale those present with a jazz-oriented version of the song,which was followed by the up tempo Mustang Sally,Mack Rices 1965 RnB track. The guitar and keyboard interludes were as good as Lawyers voice,which like wine,has only become richer with age. He also gave a tribute to Ray Manzarek with the popular The Doors track,Break on through that kicked in with jazz drums and a typical bossanova bass line. The songs were brilliant,but there was hardly an audience.

Even as he turned the mike towards them for Billy Ray Cyrus Achey breakey heart,no one sang. But that changed with Lynyrd Skynyrds popular Sweet Home Alabama,when a few who had finally left their tables,gathered around and sang along. Freddie Mercurys I want to break free soon made an appearance and what surprised us was Lawyers energy which refused to dip even for a second. He did not sing any of his original tracks in spite of the audience asking for Nights on fire,one of his popular songs.

Story continues below this ad

We wished there were more people to appreciate the gig. Lawyer concluded with Sinatras My way. As he sang the doleful lyrics,And now the end is near,we felt he deserved more.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

On the Road

For someone who could do an Elvis and a Sinatra with equal ease,Gary Lawyers music had many followers in the 80s. In Delhi for a performance after a decade,he talks about his childhood and making every song a prayer.

For someone who could do an Elvis and a Sinatra with equal ease,Gary Lawyers music had many followers in the 80s. In Delhi for a performance after a decade,he talks about his childhood and making every song a prayer.