Bangla band `Krosswindz` nominated for `Grassroot Grammys`

Kolkata-based band `Krosswindz` has been shortlisted for the Grassroot Grammys to be held in the US next month.

Kolkata: Kolkata-based band `Krosswindz` finds itself among music greats like AR Rahman, Illaiyaraja and others shortlisted for the Grassroot Grammys to be held in the US next month. With over 50,000 members worldwide, the `Just Plain Folks 2009 Music Awards` (JPF) popularly known as the Grassroot Grammys aims to support grassroot songwriters and musicians through networking, education and promotional support.

"We are ecstatic about the nomination, it means that the world has taken notice and acknowledged our talent," band member and guitarist Vikramjit Banerjee told reporters. Known for its classic rock and folk-fusion numbers, the band has been nominated in two categories -- `Best Indian album` and `Best Indian song.` "It is all the more reason for us to celebrate the fact that Indian music even in one of our regional dialects - Bengali has struck a chord with top notch musicians of the world," says Banerjee. The award, which will be announced on August 29 at a show in Nashville Tennesse (US) at a show, has received responses from over 163 countries.The song `Jajabor Pokkhi,` written and composed by lead singer Chandrani Banerjee, from the band`s album `Misiki Misiki` has been nominated in the `Best Indian Song` category along with AR Rahman`s `Illamai`, `Innisai` (Radio Mix) and `Katril Oru Varthai` all from album `Godfather` and Ilaiyaraaja`s `Veetukku` and `Elankaathu` from album Ilaiyaraaja`s Music Journey: Live in Italy`. Their album `Misiki Misiki` (Folk-Fusion) has been nominated in the `Best Indian Album` category along with Rahman`s "Godfather" and Ilaiyaraaja`s "Ilaiyaraaja`s Music Journey: Live in Italy". Krosswindz, which is an accredited and empaneled band with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, is the first Bangla band to be nominated for the awards. Asked about the significance of the award in Indian context, Banerjee says, "It is so heartening that JPF Awards has a separate section for Indian music which the mainstream Grammy does not have. We are proud to represent India along with co-nominees like AR Rahman and Ilaiyaraaja." The JPF had to filter the music from 42,000 albums and 560 thousand songs from 163 countries to 95 genres of music, says Brian Austin Whitney, founder, JPF. The 18-year-old Krosswindz, a pioneer in band movement in West Bengal and the first from the east India to release an English album `Singles` in 1993 is now working on a new album. "We are working on our new Bengali album, it will take some time to complete it. We are looking at a Christmas release," Banerjee says. Bureau Report