Blackstratblues is a solo project of Warren Mendonsa, who is a guitarist, composer and record producer. He is the nephew of Indian musician and celebrated Bollywood composer Loy Mendonsa of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.

Blackstratblues' debut album, Nights in Shining Karma was released on 18 April 2007 as a free digital-only download.

The album garnered significant appreciation and popularity on online music forums.

In contrast to most instrumental guitar albums, Nights in Shining Karma travels effortlessly between melodic, ethereal and beautiful mood pieces and rocking, up-tempo numbers. Warren Mendonsa navigates through this varying musical landscape with a sure hand and impeccable musical instincts, creating an album both guitarists and casual listeners will find alternately touching, uplifting and energizing.

Eschewing the gymnastic stunts of many high profile solo guitar artists, Mendonsa's stunning technique weaves itself subtly into the musical tapestry of completely realised songs, rather than mere vehicles for a vulgar display of ability.

With golden tones and unassailable taste and touch, Mendonsa echoes Gilmour and Johnson without being derivative of either.

Nights in Shining Karma is surely the 'I'm here!' album from an emerging master.