For Your GRAMMY® Consideration:
John Gray
Anonymous Smears
Best Jazz Performance
Anonymous Smears was the line Pete Hegseth used to dismiss accusations of his alcoholism and unfitness to serve as Secretary of Defense. This song captures my mood relative to this moment- a tired, gallows humor-influenced resilience in the face of seemingly endless horrible shit.
Composed, Produced and Performed by John Gray
Mixed and Mastered by John Gray
Album Art Design by Jamie Breiwick
Album Photography by John Gray
Streaming links:
Kurd Todi
Best Music Video
Kurd Todi reflects the core mission of the World Fusion: using music as a bridge between cultures. In a time when cultural divides often feel more visible than cultural connections, projects like this aim to spark dialogue, nurture empathy, and celebrate the beauty of global collaboration. Each piece is more than a fusion—it's a testament to what becomes possible when communities share, learn, and create together.
This composition brings together two powerful modal traditions from different parts of the world: Maqam Kurd from the Middle Eastern musical system and its Indian counterpart, Raag Todi (Hanumatodi). Though shaped by different histories and landscapes, these modes share a deep emotional resonance—a reminder of our shared human story. Kurd Todi explores that meeting point, where ancient scales connect across continents and evolve into a new global sound.
Together, we can amplify the power of music as a universal language.
Credits:
Video Director: Derich Hartfeil
Video Producer: Derich Hartfeil
Music Composed & Arranged by : Balamurali Balu
Vocals: Renata Choglo & Lavanya Madhavan
Violin: Renata Choglo
Guitar: Sudeip Ghosh
Double Bass: John Gray
Percussions: Benjamin Scholz
Keys: Balamurali Balu
Lyrics (English): Renata Choglo
Lyrics (Tamil): SRV. Mathuraa
Mixed & Mastered by: Balamurali Balu
Video Production: Fortem Films
Music Advisors: Vijay Venkatesh Kannan, Uma Ram & G.K.
Special Thanks: Leannah Choglo
This project was funded by The Holler Fund