The ultimate Blues battle of bands saw three Indian bands compete at the True School of Music for the ultimate title in Mumbai. Seeking to discover new and original Blues talent; the hunt received an overwhelming response with entries from bands across the country. In its final stage, the Mahindra Blues Band Hunt saw live performances judged by highly acclaimed music directors, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa.

The bands included The Mojo Hand, a blues band from Bangalore with influences Chicago and Delta styles; Submarine in Space, an instrumental rock project who performs old school jazz to Hindustani Classical, based out of the Capital city; Arinjoy Trio from Kolkata who perform a wide variety of blues music, from old school to contemporary.

Arinjoy Trio who emerged as winners enthralled the audience with soothing blues numbers which included Sky is crying by Elmore James, Honey Hush by Albert Collins, and an original by the band; Cold Cold Cold. Arinjoy Trio is an initiative which brings together three people who share a common hunger for the blues. Led by guitarist Arinjoy Sarkar, it comprises of Sounak Roy on drums and Aakash Ganguly on Bass. 

On the announcement of the winners, Loy Mendonsa said, “Year after year, the Mahindra Blues Band Hunt brings Blues bands across the country to the forefront, giving them a platform to showcase their talent. This year was no different; we had threetechnically proficient bands perform unique and soulful music. It was a tough decision for us to select one winner.”

On the announcement of the winners, Ehsaan Noorani said, “We had extremely talented Blues bands perform here this evening. It was a treat for us to listen to great music and judge an event that showcases tremendous calibre. The Mahindra Blues Band Hunt not only discovers talent, but also gives them an opportunity to perform live at the much-awaited Blues event of the year; The Mahindra Blues Festival”

Arinjoy Trio having won the Band Hunt, will perform on the Day 2 of the Mahindra Blues Festival; Asia’s largest blues festival. Slated for the 10th and 11th of February 2018, the festival will see a star-studded line-up of legendary artists, including The Godfather of British Blues’, John Mayall; the original Wolfman who combines rhythm and blues, Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington; astounding blues-rock guitar virtuoso, Coco Montaya;  magical powerhouse, Layla Zoe; and local Mumbai-bred band, Blackstratblues.

Jay Shah, Head of Cultural Outreach at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, "Through the Mahindra Blues Band hunt we wish to bring forth raw blues talent whose extraordinary understanding of the genre, along with creativity will enthral the world of music lovers. Mahindra’s philosophy of 'Rise for Good' spreads the message of a positive change of any sort in the society, and the strength to empower people and communities to explore their passion, to Rise, to grow."