In his autobiographical concert/theatre show, Life, Death and The Blues, Raoul Bhaneja introduces us to his love of the blues. This hybrid performance combines autobiography, interview, live music and multi-media to explore the power, passion and meaning of the bluess and how over time, it has become more than just a passion for Bhaneja.

Many of those who love the blues aleady know that it grew out of African spirituals and worksongs. Thus, making the blues a very integral part of the ‘Black Experience’ in North America. In Life, Death and the Blues, Bhaneja tries to tease apart how can someone of a different ethnic background can honestly relate to this type of music, find it moving, and make it a part of his life journey.

Raoul Bhaneja, Divine Brown and Jake Chisholm – guitar – in Life, Death and The Blues. Photo by Michael Cooper

With the help of Juno Award-winning singer Divine Brown — whose voice fits this show perfectly — and members of his band The Big Time, we are privy to his very personal, introspective journey. With historical information, video clips, and great songs, we learn more about the blues as music genre, and what this music means to Bhaneja, who is an accomplished harmonica player. For those of you who were not aware, Raoul and The Big Time have been playing together since the late 1990s.

Life, Death and the Blues is not just about music. Throughout the show we hear Bhaneja and Brown discuss what the blues means to each of them, coming from a very different cultural experience. We come to think of music as more than a commodity that anyone can own. We are asked to think of how each of us relate to music. In a place like Canada, where many of use are immigrants or are the offspring of immigrant parents, how do we incorporate the music of our ancestors in our everyday life… And at the same time, embrace the different types of music that move us?

Chris Banks, Tom Bona, Raoul Bhaneja and Jake Chisholm in Life, Death and The Blues. Photo by Michael Coope

There is plenty to like in Life, Death and the Blues; there is great music, a talented cast, interesting set design, and of course, a personal story peppered with moments of heartbreak and comedy. Take the time to listen to the words spoken, and those in every song… they speak volumes.

Life, Death and the Blues plays at Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace until Sunday, October 19th. Each night features a different performance interview and jam session with a living Blues legend. Check the theatre’s website for ticketing and show information.