Singing the blues, the Fringes way

James Khangenbam *

Fringes :: Pix - Hueiyen Lanpao

Imphal's rock blues band Fringes was formed in 2010. Since then the band has managed to carve a niche for itself through easy and smooth execution of the blues known as the 'mother of rock and roll'.

Despite rare public appearances, the band has been consistent in their approach to blues music. Since, the band released its debut album "Trapped" in 2012, it has been performing whenever all the members get a chance to assemble their craft and skills to showcase the core of blues.

Their lyrical content truly represents the turmoil of the youth in today's Manipur. No wonder then, they sing about unemployment, poverty, violence in the State.

The band comprised of members who are old school friends and they have been jamming for quite many years now despite pursuing different professions and separated by physical distance.

For instance, the band's vocalist Haraba Ningthoukhongjam is a doctor by profession while Thingnam Sanjeev is a historian and a qualified archivist working in New Delhi.

The rest of the band members comprised of Shanker Sapam, the bassist who is a full time sessions musician of repute who also is well acquainted with technical aspects of the craft.

Gautam Sorokhaibam, who is an IT professional, does the wonders in rhythm. Another seasoned musician and a sound engineer Sunil Loitongbam plays the drums for the band.

Set for a larger audience in home ground, the band had performed at Yaosang Rock during April 2012 at the Yaiskul Range along with popular Delhi based band Parikrama and at Florozone Nongin Music Fest 2013', besides mega fest like Manipur Sangai Festival.

The band had represented the State in the Concert of Rock Music Band Bonding hosted by the North Eastern service of All India Radio, and also recorded at DDK Guwahati. The members had performed at Shillong blues and Jazz festival, besides Fringes tour de Delhi, where the band performed at various cafes and popular music stores.

The band was also invited to perform at the North East Business Summit Party at Le' Meridien Hotel New Delhi in recent past.

Fringes gained popularity as the band has been rooted in rock blues genre.

This month the band will be organising a tribute concert for the king of blues BB King aptly titled "The Thrill is Gone" after the blues maestro's immortal number at the Tribal Research Institute Hall Chingmeirong on June 26 2015.