WESTFIELD – Westfield resident Paul Kochanski will walk the red carpet this weekend at the 56th annual Grammy Awards.
Kochanski, a bass player, was nominated for his work on the album Singing Our Way Through: Songs For the World’s Bravest Kids with Boston musician and father Alastair Moock.
One of Moock’s five year-old twins was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012 and they got through countless hours in the hospital by writing and singing songs. Moock turned those songs into an album inspired by his daughter and other children bravely facing a challenge.
Kochanski said he and Moock are part of the “New England folk scene” and teamed up on the album, which is up for a grammy for Best Children’s Album of the Year.
Kochanski said the grammy nod and the album are both amazing.
“I’d be thrilled to be nominated for anything, but especially for this,” said Kochanski. “As a parent, when your child is facing something like (leukemia) you feel like ‘what can I do?’ – this was something we could do.”
More about Moock’s story and the album can be found at www.singingourway.com.
Kochanski, 52, said he is proud to be a part of the album.
“There is such spirit and energy in it,” he said.
Kochanski and his family have lived in Westfield for 17 years and his three children grew up attending Westfield Public Schools. His sons currently attend the high school while his daughter is in college and is recording in a studio with the producer of Singing Our Way Through.
Kochanski said he and his wife are excited to attend the Grammy Awards and he is thrilled that another artist he has performed with, Lori McKenna, is also nominated this year for two songs she co-wrote.
Kochanski has been a musician most of his life, starting in middle school in his native Michigan. He moved to Boston where he met and married his wife. The couple owns Artemis Painting company in Westfield and he performs year-long.
“I work on 10 or 12 records a year and whenever Big Al Anderson (of NRBQ) is in town I play with him,” said Kochanski.
While in California for the Grammy’s, Kochanski will perform with Moock at a benefit concert for the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.
When asked the famous red carpet question “Who are you wearing?” Kochanski joked he would be wearing something from his favorite designer – “Sal’s on East Main Street!”
Kochanski said the children’s award will be given during the pre-telecast event Sunday afternoon which will stream live from the Nokia Theater from 4-6 p.m. at www.grammy.com/live.
