Kingkortobbobimurh by Bangla

"Kingkortobbobimurh" is the debut album by popular folk fusion band Bangla. It was released in 2002 from Ektaar Music in both Cassette and CD Jewel Case Format. Later on, a paperback CD version was released domestically, which was also made and marketed by The Indian Record Mfg. Co. Ltd. with license from Ektaar Music as an official Indian market release. The album blends traditional baul music with western influences to satisfy the urges of peace from the shackles of urban living. The band mentions in the album sleeves that they believed Baul music, in it's essence transcends time and place. They also urge that the mixing and fusion of various instruments should be viewed as normal, given how Bangla music itself has been deeply influenced by said instruments over the last 50 years. Rather than ignoring it, the band wants its listeners to embrace it. Bangla's goal is to make sure the essence of these priceless songs is delivered to the listeners, in a more intimate fashion. The album features music from Sachin Dev Burman, Lalon Shai, Zahid Ahmed, Giasuddin Ahmed, Durbin Shai, a couple of collected folk songs and some original compositions from Anusheh Anadil and Sahana Bajpaie. Kingkortobbobimurh is timeless and cemented Bangla's legacy as the pioneer in revolutionizing folk amongst a younger fan base by the help of fusion. They've even earned the status of being one of the most sought-after bands among urban youth listeners.

Bangla was formed in the late 90s, when Shayan Chowdhury Arnob was a student of Visva-Bharati University at Santiniketan. His interest in music, especially in traditional folk numbers was immense and he formed a band rather casually to spread out the folk songs. Anusheh Anadil, a family friend of Arnob, visited Santiniketan and sang with the band and Arnob knew she was destined for more. Anusheh, well-trained in Indian classical music, accepted his invitation and became the lead vocalist. Later on their visit to Lalon's Shrine in Kushtia, Arnob and Anusheh met Buno, who was a close friend of Anusheh and a bassist. The trio clicked instantly and at a book fair in Kolkata in 1999, they performed together. The performance was met with a warm and well response from the audience. Arnob returned to Dhaka the next year and the trio was joined by Kartik, former guitarist of Prachaynat and Shantanu on Drums and Percussion. The band henceforth, was known by Bangla.

The lineup of Kingkortobbobimurh consisted of:

Anushesh: Vocals
Arnob: Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals, Percussion, Esraj
Kartik: Guitars, Vocals
Shantanu: Drums, Dhol, Tabla, Ghol, Percussion, Congo, Hari, Vocals
Buno: Bass, Guitars, Vocals, Percussion, Jura, Hari

Guest appearances:

Omar - Tabla, Khol
Kishon - Keyboards
Masud and Charu - Mixing and Mastering

The artwork and band logo was done by none other than Arnob himself, while the graphics and title design was done by Siddikur Rahman.

While Buno did most of the photography, his own portrait was taken by the legend Imtiaz Alam Beg of Begart.

The entire album is available for streaming on Ektaar Music's official YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2AcD8uZb9Q

Music Videos:

Namaz Amar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNhJW00GQj0
Kalarey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9hRttIwIB0

Track List:

01. Ghaate Lagaiya Dinga
02. Krishno Pokkho
03. Kalarey
04. Tomar Ghore
05. Shohoj Manush
06. Mon Tore
07. Ami Opar Hoye
08. Ki Kori
09. Morile Kandish Na
10. Nokol Chini
11. Tui Gaan Ga
12. Namaz Amar
13. Dhormo Bujhe

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