Thursday, November 30, 2017

U2 eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE TOUR 2018 Adds Second & Final Show on May 16 at the Forum

U2 eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE TOUR 2018
Due to Demand a Second & Final Show Added on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at the ‘Fabulous’ Forum in Inglewood, CA

Citi Pre-sale Tickets Powered by Verified Fan Starts December 7th

Verified Fan Public Tickets on sale Monday, December 11 at 10 a.m.

U2 at the band's performance in Vancouver, Canada in May 2017.
Photo: Danny North
Thursday, November 30, 2017 (Los Angeles).   Live Nation has confirmed that due to demand a second U2 eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour date has been confirmed for Wednesday, May 16th at the “Fabulous” Forum. Tickets for the additional Forum performance will go on sale on Monday, December 11th at 10am through Ticketmaster Verified Fan® with general tickets sales starting at noon. The first U2 eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE show at the Forum is scheduled for Tuesday, May 15th.
Songs of Experience, the 14th studio album from U2, will be released December 1st, 2017 by Interscope Records in the U.S. and via Universal Canada on CD, vinyl, digital download and across streaming platforms. Just as Songs of Experience serves as a companion piece to 2014’s Songs of Innocence, the eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour will serve as a sequel to 2015’s iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour which saw “U2 reinvent the arena show” (Rolling Stone) and was named the #1 concert of 2015 by The New York Times. Complete tour and ticket details available at www.U2.com.
To accommodate fans who may have previously missed out, all Verified Fans who registered and received a code for the first concert at the Forum will automatically receive a new code to unlock tickets for the newly announced date when they go on sale Monday, December 11th at 10:00 am.
U2.com Subscribers will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets beginning Tuesday, December 5th at 10:00 am and running through Thursday, December 7th at 5pm.
Citi® is the official credit card for the U2 eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour, and as such, Citi cardmembers can take advantage of a special, Citi Presale powered by Verified Fan opportunity for tour dates in the United States. Citi cardmembers who registered for the previous show will be sent a new code to order tickets for the newly announced date. The Citi Presale begins Thursday, December 7th at 9:00 am and will continue through Saturday, December 9th at 5:00 pm. For all Citi cardmember inquiries visit: citiprivatepass.com.
Tickets for the additional Forum performance will go on sale on Monday, December 11th at 10am through Ticketmaster Verified Fan® at www.ticketmaster.com with general sales starting at noon.
U2 eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour is produced by Live Nation Global Touring and Powered by Salesforce.

The xx debut "We See You — Berlin" short film

“We See You — Berlin”
 
A short film about The xx and their fans by Sylvie Weber
 
The first of a series of “We See You” films, supported by YouTube
 
Watch it HERE



In November 2016—just over a year ago to the day—The xx’s Romy Madly Croft, Oliver Sim and Jamie Smith announced their return with a brand new single ‘On Hold’ and news of a third full length album, I See You. Recorded between New York, Marfa TX, Reykjavik, Los Angeles and London, and released in January 2017, I See You would go on to become a huge critical and commercial success, building on the achievements of The xx’s two previous albums, xx and Coexist. The xx’s three albums now have now sold over 4 million copies between them.
 
In the intervening twelve months, The xx embarked on an extensive I See You world tour that has seen them performing to millions of fans, including several festival headline appearances and a record breaking run of seven nights at London’s legendary Brixton Academy in front of over 35,000 hometown fans.
 
Today sees the release of “We See You – Berlin,” a short film supported by and exclusively available on YouTube that celebrates the incredibly close bond between The xx and their fans, affectionately turning the spotlight onto the band’s audience. Directed by Berlin-based filmmaker Sylvie Weber, the film features live and documentary footage from The xx’s headline set at Berlin’s Lollapalooza festival in September alongside intimate portraits of some of the people who attended the show. ‘We See You – Berlin’ sees Weber creating an emotive depiction of fans in this city, exploring their relationship with the band, and in turn the band's relationship with the city and the fans there.
 
“We See You – Berlin” is the first in a series of “We See You” films.
 
Watch “We See You – Berlin” HERE
 
Of the collaboration, Sylvie Weber says: “My process as a filmmaker speaks to a consistent desire within me to unveil the character within, I keep an aesthetic and cinematic visual in mind when on set, cautiously leading the protagonists while allowing them to slowly become more themselves on screen. 
 
In the case of ‘We See You’, coming across truly engaged and earnest individuals was not difficult, the vulnerability that The xx expose in their music is the basis for their incredibly close connection to the fans themselves. I think we've managed to represent in these four stories the feeling of the many millions who are so profoundly affected by the harmonies of Romy, Oliver and Jamie.”
 
While The xx add: “A huge thank you to Sylvie Weber for capturing some truly intimate moments from our show in Berlin earlier in the year. We’re genuinely moved by the incredibly beautiful portraits of our fans. We see you Berlin. We love you xx The xx”
 
Cast List
Dustin Eulenberg
Fine Simonsen
Qichao Fan
Arianna Morales
 
Credits:
Directed by Sylvie Weber
Producers: Flo Hettenbach & Michael Tarzia
Director of Photography: Henk Otte
Super 8 Operator: Sylvie Weber
Editor: Andi Pek
Colorist: Bowcouleur
Sound Engineer: Victor Brand
Supported by YouTube
 
The xx online:

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Concert Films Showcase Classic Artists

With the holidays approaching now is a great time to consider picking up a number of new concert films available on blu-ray and/or DVD. All five performances were filmed in Europe but will definitely appeal to audiences on either side of the Atlantic.

Title: Hans Zimmer: Live In Prague (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Hans Zimmer, Johnny Marr, Tina Guo
Tell me more: Hans Zimmer is among the rarest of musical talents. The famed composer/multi-instrumentalist has scored a countless number of outstanding movie soundtracks and attracted a far-flung fan base that rivals the most iconic of pop music greats. The newly-released Hans Zimmer: Live In Prague was filmed on May 7, 2016 (a few weeks after his already-legendary Coachella appearances) and features Zimmer and a total of 72 musicians (including his band, guests, an orchestra and choir) performing more than two hours of his music. While Zimmer himself plays keyboards, guitar, banjo and percussion along the way, the stellar line-up of top musicians make the wide-ranging sonic journey an intoxicating listen. Guitar great Johnny Marr (The Smiths, The The) joins the proceedings for many of Zimmer's most memorable works, including the anthemic "What Are You going To Do When You Are Not Saving The World" (from "Man of Steel") and the ambitious "Journey To The Line" (from "The Thin Red Line"). Information: eagle-rock.com.


Title: Sting: Live At The Olympia Paris (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Sting, The Police
Tell me more: Filmed in April 2017, Sting: Live At The Olympia Paris is a rich journey through Sting's rich and wide-ranging 40-year career. Backed by a terrific band and several vocalists, Sting performs more than two dozen songs pulled from his time with The Police and subsequent solo career. The varied riches here include a lush arrangement of "Spirits In The Material World" whose power grows as the song moves along, the newly-penned melodic rocker "I Can't Stop Thinking About You," the heavy blues rocker "Petrol Head," a flamenco-tinged "Fields Of Gold" and buoyant take of the Police classic "Message In A Bottle (the latter which finds the audience singing, clapping and dancing around in palpable excitement)." Late set standouts include the reggae-flavored "So Lonely," a medley of "Roxanne" and Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," the world music-draped "Desert Rose" (notable for the dual guitar work of Rufus Miller and Dominic Miller) and a transcendent "Fragile." Sting also pays tribute to David Bowie via having his son Joe Sumner take over lead vocals as he leads the ensemble through a potent take of "Ashes To Ashes". Information: eagle-rock.com.



Title: Black Sabbath: The End (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi
Tell me more: Heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath closed out a 50-year legacy with a concert in the band's hometown of Birmingham, England on Feb. 4, 2017. That already-legendary show is celebrated on the aptly-dubbed "The End" (available as a DVD+CD or as a Blu-ray+CD set). Fans of Black Sabbath's hard-hitting rock will thrill at seeing singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and touring members Tommy Clufetos (drums) and Adam Wakeman (keyboards, guitar) run through their signature blend of heavy metal in front of a sold-out crowd. All the essentials are included on the set, including "War Pigs," "Behind the Wall of Sleep," "Iron Man" and emotional encore-ending "Paranoid." Director Dick Carruthers did a terrific job of capturing the band's musical style and relationship with fans courtesy of a creative mix of camera shots showcasing the band's performance and crowd reactions that immerses the viewer into this career-capping moment. Information: eagle-rock.com.



Artist: The Who
Title: Tommy: Live at the Royal Albert Hall (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Who
Tell me more: Earlier this year, The Who performed the groundbreaking rock opera Tommy" at Royal Albert Hall, an event that marked the first time the British band had ever performed the opus in its entirety in concert. The event was captured and Tommy: Live at the Royal Albert Hall is essential viewing for rock fans. Written by guitarist-singer Pete Townshend, Tommy was released in May 1969 and almost instantly hailed as a masterwork. The rock opera is performed with energy and rock 'n' roll swagger by Townshend, singer Roger Daltrey and a group of talented players - including famed drummer Zak Starkey and singer-guitarist Simon Townshend. In addition to a memorable performance of "Tommy," The Who performed a mini-set of hits to finish out the night, including a rollicking take on "I Can't Explain" and deeply affecting "Love, Reign O'er Me." Information: eagle-rock.com.



Title: Donny Osmond: One Night Only (Gonzo Multimedia)
You might like if you enjoy: Donny Osmond, David Cassidy
Tell me more: Donny Osmond wrapped up his 2017 tour of the United Kingdom with a sold-out performance at the NEC Birmingham. That concert was filmed and has been released as a two-disc DVD, sure to appeal to fans of the singer-songwriter and one-time teen idol. The performance showcases Osmond's talents as a singer, dancer and all-around entertainer. The presentation has the feel of a Las Vegas-styled show but there is plenty to admire about Osmond's approach to honoring his family, friends (including Michael Jackson and Andy Williams) and adoring audience with a mix of hits from his teen years as well as his historic late 1980s comeback (including an animated version of "Soldier Of Love" and "Sacred Emotion"). Beyond his own hits, Osmond offers an uptempo reworking of Steely Dan's hit "Peg," revisits the Lennon & McCartney ballad "The Long and Winding Road" and showcases his strong vocals on the soulful Al Green classic "Let's Stay Together." Donny Osmond: One Night Only is also available on audio CD. Information: gonzomultimedia.co.uk.



Robert Kinsler

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Why didn't these albums get nominated for a Grammy?

Just wanted to voice my disappointment that these notable and fantastic releases were ignored from the list of today nominees for the next GRAMMY Awards (to be presented in January 2018). If any of these albums were nominated and I somehow missed it, please let me know (and my apologies!). I have included singer-songwriter releases, blues, rock and power pop titles as among some of my favorite overlooked titles... Robert Kinsler







Artist: Otis Taylor
Title: Fantasizing About Being Black (Trance Blues Festival)
You might like if you enjoy: Robert Johnson, The Doors, John Lee Hooker
Tell me more: Groundbreaking singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Otis Taylor has long been able to musically articulate the African American experience in artful ways that tap into early blues as well as African world music and Americana styles. On his forceful and compelling 2017 album Fantasizing About Being Black, the Colorado-based musician goes even further in his search to bridge past and present in an 11-track exploration of the African American experience stretching from the slave era to specific periods in the 20th century and through the present day. This rich and real world journey includes the hypnotic "Walk On Water" (a tale of interracial love) adorned with Ron Miles' otherworldly play on the cornet, the fierce rocker "Hands On Your Stomach" (about a spirit who instructs an enslaved woman that her mind cannot be controlled) that includes some impressive fretwork from teenage guitar sensation Brandon "Taz" Niederauer, and the powerful blues gem "Tripping On This" (which chronicles a man's visit to see the son he gave up 48 years earlier). Taylor's Fantasizing About Being Black is an essential and brilliant album. Information: otistaylor.com.



Artist: Samantha Fish
Title: Chills & Fever (Ruf Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Janiva Magness, James Hunter Six
Tell me more: The fourth album release from singer-songwriter-guitarist Samantha Fish finds the Kansas City, Missouri native stretching her sonic wings to inject an authentic blend of Motown soul and R&B into her established blues-meets-roots rock brew. Armed with a far-reaching soprano and dexterity on the fretboard to match, Fish has somehow found a musical place that recalls the classic sounds of Motown mixed with electric blues. Recorded at The 45 Factory in Detroit, Chills & Fever teams Fish with a supporting cast that includes a horn section that adds particular magic to the tracks. Standouts on the excellent 14-song disc include the dynamic "He Did It," the playful title cut and lead guitar-anchored "You Can't Go." Information: rufrecords.de.



Artists: R. Stevie Moore and Jason Falkner
Title: Make It Be (Lost Colony Music & Bar/None Records)
You might like if you enjoy: XTC, Beck, Jellyfish
Tell me more: It is hard to think of a recent collaboration as interesting, eclectic and ambitious as the Make It Be from indie hero R. Stevie Moore and singer-songwriter/guitarist Jason Falkner. The perfect mix of brilliant original songwriting, experimental spoken word pieces and several beautiful instrumental guitar interludes captivate across the fast-paced 18-track collection that is as accessible as it is groundbreaking. Those who love traditional power pop-styled songs featuring shimmering harmonies will find themselves immersed in the sonics of "Another Day Slips Away," "I Love Us, We Love Me" and "Sincero Amore," as well as the lush "Horror Show." Driving garage rock is given its glory on the art damage rocker "Stamps" while the psychedelic folk song "Play Myself Some Music" and experimental piano-meets-electronica foray "Passed Away Today" are late album highlights. There is also a just-for-fun take on Huey Smith & the Clowns' rollicking 1958 single "Don't You Just Know It." Across the disc, the wide-ranging talents of Moore and Falkner as vocalists and musicians dazzle bright. Information: bar-none.com.


Artist: Bruce Cockburn
Title: Bone on Bone (True North)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Nils Lofgren
Tell me more: Master singer-songwriter-guitarist Bruce Cockburn has returned with the epic "Bone on Bone," his first new full-length album since 2011's "Small Source Of Comfort." Always an artist difficult to pigeonhole, Cockburn's new album finds the 72-year-old Canadian great once exploring roots, folk, blues and more with a master's touch. The gorgeous folk song "Forty Years in the Wilderness" is one of the beautiful songs in his extensive discography. His songs are rich in alluring textures and melodies, and the probing and confessional lyrics challenge in ways that vastly outdistance the cliches and trite observations too common in the digital age. "Cafe Society" somehow brings in the timely topics of refugees, drug use, police violence and dozens of other topics without sounding calculated; the jazz-tinged spoken word heavy "3 Al Purdys," introspective "Looking and Waiting" and instrumental finger style guitar work "Bone on Bone" collectively serve to remind long-time and new fans of Cockburn's brilliant and wide-ranging talents. Information: BruceCockburn.com.



Artist: The Shins
Title: Heartworms (Columbia)
You might like if you enjoy: The Shins, Broken Bells
Tell me more: The Shins are back with their fifth studio album (and first since 2012's outstanding Port of Morrow). Heartworms finds singer-songwriter James Mercer and company building on an established sound that is a hybrid of indie rock, dream pop and '80s-styled synth pop. Romantic dreams are celebrated via the electronica Erasure-flavored "Cherry Hearts," while the Shins somehow fuse authentic Americana into their sonic brew via the magical "Mildenhall." The magnificent "Rubber Ballaz" and propulsive "Half A Million" are bolstered by dance floor-worthy rhythms without sacrificing lyrical and melodic elegance. "So Now What" finds Mercer's high-reaching tenor perfectly positioned against a symphonic expanse where he sings of painful new beginnings as a long-term relationship ends. Information: theshins.com.


Artist: Fastball
Title: Step Into Light (33 1/3)
You might like if you enjoy: Weezer, Fastball, the Jayhawks
Tell me more: Fastball is back. The Austin, Texas-based trio's new studio album Step Into Light is a wonderful collection of melodic and smart pop-rock tunes sure to please lovers of top-tier songcraft. Fastball's first album since 2009's Little White Lies, the new 12-song set Step Into Lightfeatures a wide range of infectious songs including the rocking lead-off track "We're On Our Way," the shimmering power pop gem "Just Another Dream," surf rock-styled instrumental "Tanzania" and the sweeping Americana-flavored title track. "Step Into Light" also finds Fastball's all-original lineup (Tony ScalzoMiles Zuniga and Joey Shuffield) stretching their sound as evidenced by the album-ending art rocker "Lillian Gish" and genre-defying "Frenchy and the Punk." Information: fastballtheband.com.



Artist: Richard X. Heyman
Title: Incognito (Turn-Up Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Todd Rundgren, the Jayhawks
Tell me more: Master singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Richard X. Heyman is back with his 12th album, this one featuring an outstanding batch of 14 must-hear original songs. Incognito is an album that grabs the listener on first listen, with literate tales that are melodic, adorned with shimmering harmonies and infectious guitar-anchored hooks that outdistance the majority of his power pop contemporaries. In a better world, the title track "Incognito," "A Fool's Errand" and "Her Garden Path" would be all over the radio. Heyman can conjure up firepower to spare, as evidenced by the driving "Chalk It Up" and soulful "Terry Two Timer." And Heyman's skills to create and craft wistful songs bolstered by melodic rock are as strong as any artist in memory (just listen to the yearning Americana-tinged "And Then" and "Gleam"). A masterwork from start to finish. Information: richardxheyman.com.




Artist: Styx
Title: The Mission (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Styx, Rush, Queen
Tell me more: Just half way through 2017, the year has already been marked by a number of long-awaited returns including FastballLittle StevenChuck Berry and Ride. Count Styx as the latest rock artist to return with a powerful new album that equals some of the band's best work. Recorded over the last three years, The Mission is the first new Styx studio album since 2003; the new LP is a compelling concept album centered around the technological challenges and human costs of an ambitious interplanetary journey. Several of the songs equal standouts on the band's best albums (Crystal BallThe Grand IllusionPieces of Eight). The gorgeous "Locomotive" explores the complex relationship between father and son; the progressive rock-styled "The Greater Good" is an eloquently-detailed exchange between two astronauts as they hope their actions will advance their mission even if their lives are lost. The songs may be built around a trip into the cosmos, but the emotions and marvelous music making will connect firmly with listeners here on Terra Firma. Information: StyxWorld.com.


Robert Kinsler

Monday, November 27, 2017

60th Grammy Award Nominations Announced

Here is the official media release from The Recording Academy as it relates to the nominees for the 60th GRAMMY Awards to be presented in early 2018. I can't say I am thrilled about the nominees for the most high-profile categories, but I am happy to see The MavericksChris Stapleton, Aimee MannGlen CampbellGorillaz, The Rolling StonesLeonard Cohen, Queens of the Stone Age and Gregg Allman among the names I see on this media release... Robert Kinsler




JAY-Z LEADS GRAMMY® NOMINATIONS WITH EIGHT; KENDRICK LAMAR FOLLOWS WITH SEVEN, AND BRUNO MARS WITH SIX 

From left: Jerry Dale McFadden, Raul Malo, Paul Deakin
and Eddie Perez of The Mavericks.
Photo by Cary Baker, Conqueroo
SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (NOV. 28, 2017)The Recording Academy welcomes this year's class of GRAMMY® nominees. Already a 21-time GRAMMY winner, JAY-Z leads with eight nominations, followed by Kendrick Lamar (7), Bruno Mars (6), Childish Gambino (5), Khalid (5), No I.D. (5), and SZA (5). Selected from more than 22,000 submissions across 84 categories, the nominations showcase some of the most gifted music makers of the past awards year (Oct. 1, 2016–Sept. 30, 2017). As the only peer-selected music award, the GRAMMY is voted on by the Recording Academy's membership body of music makers, who represent all genres and creative disciplines, including recording artists, songwriters, producers, mixers, and engineers.

"I'm inspired by this year's nominees and the incredible talent each possesses," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. "Their recordings are a true testament to how creatively alive and meaningful our music industry has become. Each nominee uses their craft to inspire, uplift, and tell stories of our world through their artistry. They provide a vibrant soundtrack that represents the highest level of excellence and continues to impact and reflect our culture."



The final round of GRAMMY voting is Dec. 7–21, 2017. The Recording Academy will present the GRAMMY Awards® on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, live from Madison Square Garden in New York and broadcast on the CBS Television Network from 7:30–11:00 p.m. ET/4:308:00 p.m. PT.

The following is a sampling of nominations from the GRAMMY Awards' 30 Fields and 84 categories.
For a complete nominations list, visit  www.grammy.com.
Record Of The Year:
"Redbone" — Childish Gambino
"Despacito" — Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber
"The Story Of O.J." — JAY-Z
"HUMBLE." — Kendrick Lamar
"24K Magic" — Bruno Mars

Album Of The Year:
"Awaken, My Love!" — Childish Gambino
4:44 — JAY-Z
DAMN. — Kendrick Lamar
Melodrama — Lorde
24K Magic — Bruno Mars

Song Of The Year:
"Despacito" — Ramón Ayala, Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, Erika Ender, Luis Fonsi & Marty James Garton, songwriters (Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber)
"4:44" — Shawn Carter & Dion Wilson, songwriters (JAY-Z)
"Issues" — Benny Blanco, Mikkel Storleer Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Julia Michaels & Justin Drew Tranter, songwriters (Julia Michaels)
"1-800-273-8255" — Alessia Caracciolo, Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, Arjun Ivatury, Khalid Robinson, songwriters (Logic Featuring Alessia Cara & Khalid)
"That's What I Like" — Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus & Jonathan Yip, songwriters (Bruno Mars)

Best New Artist:
Alessia Cara
Khalid
Lil Uzi Vert
Julia Michaels
SZA 

Best Pop Solo Performance:
"Love So Soft" — Kelly Clarkson 
"Praying" — Kesha
"Million Reasons" — Lady Gaga
"What About Us" — P!nk
"Shape Of You" — Ed Sheeran

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
"Something Just Like This" ­— The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
"Despacito" — Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber
"Thunder" — Imagine Dragons
"Feel It Still" — Portugal. The Man
"Stay" — Zedd & Alessia Cara

Best Dance/Electronic Album:
Migration — Bonobo
3-D The Catalogue — Kraftwerk
Mura Masa — Mura Masa
A Moment Apart — Odesza
What Now — Sylvan Esso

Best Rock Performance:
"You Want It Darker" — Leonard Cohen
"The Promise" — Chris Cornell
"Run" — Foo Fighters
"No Good" — Kaleo
"Go To War" — Nothing More

Best Alternative Music Album:
"Everything Now" — Arcade Fire
"Humanz" — Gorillaz
"American Dream" — LCD Soundsystem
"Pure Comedy" — Father John Misty
"Sleep Well Beast" — The National

Best Urban Contemporary Album:
Free 6lack — 6lack
"Awaken, My Love!" — Childish Gambino
American Teen — Khalid
Ctrl — SZA
Starboy — The Weeknd
    
Best Rap Album:
4:44 — JAY-Z
DAMN. — Kendrick Lamar
Culture — Migos
Laila's Wisdom — Rapsody
Flower Boy — Tyler, The Creator

Best Country Album:
Cosmic Hallelujah — Kenny Chesney
Heart Break — Lady Antebellum
The Breaker — Little Big Town
Life Changes — Thomas Rhett
From A Room: Volume 1 — Chris Stapleton
      
Best Jazz Vocal Album:
The Journey — The Baylor Project
A Social Call — Jazzmeia Horn
Bad Ass And Blind — Raul Midón
Porter Plays Porter — Randy Porter Trio With Nancy King
Dreams And Daggers — Cécile McLorin Salvant

Best Gospel Album:
Crossover — Travis Greene
Bigger Than Me — Le'Andria
Close — Marvin Sapp
Sunday Song — Anita Wilson
Let Them Fall In Love — Cece Winans

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album:
Rise — Danny Gokey
Echoes (Deluxe Edition) —  Matt Maher
Lifer — MercyMe
Hills And Valleys — Tauren Wells
Chain Breaker — Zach Williams

Best Latin Pop Album:
Lo Único Constante —  Alex Cuba
Mis Planes Son Amarte — Juanes
Amar Y Vivir En Vivo Desde La Cuidad De México, 2017 — La Santa Cecilia
Musas (Un Homenaje Al Folclore Latinoamericano En Manos De Los Macorinos— Natalia Lafourcade
El Dorado — Shakira

Best Americana Album:
Southern Blood — Gregg Allman
Shine On Rainy Day — Brent Cobb
Beast Epic — Iron & Wine
The Nashville Sound — Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit
Brand New Day — The Mavericks

Best Comedy Album:
The Age Of Spin & Deep In The Heart Of Texas — Dave Chappelle
Cinco — Jim Gaffigan
Jerry Before Seinfeld — Jerry Seinfeld
A Speck Of Dust — Sarah Silverman
What Now? — Kevin Hart

Best Song Written For Visual Media:
"City Of Stars" — Justin Hurwitz, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, songwriters (Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone), Track from La La Land 
"How Far I'll Go" — Lin-Manuel Miranda, songwriter (Auli'i Cravalho), Track from Moana: The Songs
"I Don't Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker) — Jack Antonoff, Sam Dew & Taylor Swift, songwriters (ZAYN & Taylor Swift), Track from Fifty Shades Darker
"Never Give Up" — Sia Furler & Gregg Kurstin, songwriters (Sia), Track from Lion
"Stand Up For Something" — Common & Diane Warren, songwriters (Andra Day Featuring Common), Track from Marshall

Producer Of The YearNon-Classical:
Calvin Harris
No I.D.
Greg Kurstin
Blake Mills
The Stereotypes

ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY
The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards—music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on InstagramTumblr, and YouTube