Showing posts with label Bobby Rush. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bobby Rush. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Recording Academy Announces Nominees For The 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards

 Here is the media release of the day...


RECORDING ACADEMY® ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR THE 63RD ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS®

BEYONCÉ LEADS GRAMMY® NOMINATIONS WITH NINE; DUA LIPA, RODDY RICCH, AND TAYLOR SWIFT EACH GARNER SIX; BRITTANY HOWARD EARNS FIVE

THE LATE JOHN PRINE NOMINATED FOR TWO AWARDS...
John Prine / Photo credit: Danny Clinch

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (NOV. 24, 2020)
 — The Recording Academy® has revealed nominees for the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards®. Leading the pack this year are recordings representing a wide-range of musical genres, including pop, classical, jazz, rap, R&B, and rock. Top nominees include Beyoncé (9)Dua Lipa (6), Roddy Ricch (6), Taylor Swift (6), Brittany Howard (5)John Beasley (4)Justin Bieber (4), Phoebe Bridgers (4), DaBaby (4), Billie Eilish (4), David Frost (4), and Megan Thee Stallion (4). As the only peer-selected music accolade, the GRAMMY Awards are voted on by the Recording Academy's voting membership body of music makers, who represent all genres and creative disciplines, including recording artists, songwriters, producers, mixers, and engineers. This year, the Academy received a total of 23,207 entries for GRAMMY® consideration, setting the record for the most entries in a single year.
 
Nominations in all categories* were announced this morning via a global livestream featuring Recording Academy Chair and Interim President/CEO Harvey Mason jr., alongside Regional Mexican singer-songwriter Pepe Aguilar; Nigerian Afropop singer Yemi Alade; GRAMMY Award-winning classical violinist Nicola Benedetti; two-time GRAMMY Award-winning Christian singer Lauren Daigle; current nominee Mickey Guyton; two-time GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist and past GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony® host Imogen Heap; "CBS This Morning" anchor Gayle King; current nominee and two-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter Dua Lipa; current nominee Megan Thee Stallion; and "The Talk" host Sharon Osbourne.
 
"This has been a tough year for our industry but I have witnessed, day after day, the incredible resiliency of the music community," said Mason. "This year's nominated recordings are proof that the creative spirit continues to be alive and well, and our nominees are a testament to the passion and perseverance that our community embodies. I'm endlessly amazed that so many music creators continue to use their craft to tell important stories, providing a dynamic soundtrack that both directly impacts and reflects our culture. I truly believe in the power of music, and the 63rd GRAMMYs® will be an opportunity to help us unite, uplift and inspire."
 
This year's nominees were voted on by Recording Academy voting members from more than 23,000 submissions and reflect the wide range of artistic innovation that defined the year in music (Sept. 1, 2019–Aug. 31, 2020). The final round of GRAMMY voting is Dec. 7, 2020–Jan. 4, 2021. The Recording Academy will present the GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, on the CBS Television Network from 8:00–11:30 p.m. ET/5:008:30 p.m. PT with Emmy Award-winning "The Daily Show" host and comedian Trevor Noah serving as host. The Premiere Ceremony will stream live on GRAMMY.com beginning at 3:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT.

The 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy. Ben Winston is executive producer, Jesse Collins and Raj Kapoor are co-executive producers, Fatima Robinson, Josie Cliff and David Wild are producers, Patrick Menton is talent producer, and Hamish Hamilton is director.

The following is a sampling of nominations from the GRAMMY Awards' 30 Fields and 83* Categories.
For a complete nominations list, visit www.grammy.com. Later today media assets from today's livestream will be available here. Click here to download the social media toolkit.
 
Record Of The Year:
"Black Parade" — Beyoncé
"Colors" — Black Pumas
"Rockstar" — DaBaby Featuring Roddy Ricch
"Say So" — Doja Cat
"Everything I Wanted" — Billie Eilish
"Don't Start Now" — Dua Lipa
"Circles" — Post Malone
"Savage" — Megan Thee Stallion Featuring Beyoncé
 
Song Of The Year:
"Black Parade" — Denisia Andrews, Beyoncé, Stephen Bray, Shawn Carter, Brittany Coney, Derek James Dixie, Akil King, Kim "Kaydence" Krysiuk & Rickie "Caso" Tice, songwriters (Beyoncé)
"The Box" — Samuel Gloade & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (Roddy Ricch)
"Cardigan" — Aaron Dessner & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)
"Circles" — Louis Bell, Adam Feeney, Kaan Gunesberk, Austin Post & Billy Walsh, songwriters (Post Malone)
"Don't Start Now" — Caroline Ailin, Ian Kirkpatrick, Dua Lipa & Emily Warren, songwriters (Dua Lipa)
"Everything I Wanted" — Billie Eilish O'Connell & Finneas O'Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
"I Can't Breathe" — Dernst Emile II, H.E.R. & Tiara Thomas, songwriters (H.E.R.)
"If The World Was Ending" — Julia Michaels & JP Saxe, songwriters (JP Saxe Featuring Julia Michaels)
 
Album Of The Year:
Chilombo — Jhené Aiko
Black Pumas (Deluxe Edition) — Black Pumas
Everyday Life — Coldplay
Djesse Vol. 3 — Jacob Collier
Women In Music Pt. III — Haim
Future Nostalgia — Dua Lipa
Hollywood's Bleeding — Post Malone
Folklore — Taylor Swift
 
Best New Artist:
Ingrid Andress
Phoebe Bridgers
Chika
Noah Cyrus
D Smoke
Doja Cat
Kaytranada
Megan Thee Stallion
 
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
"Un Dia (One Day)" — J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny & Tainy
"Intentions" — Justin Bieber Featuring Quavo
"Dynamite" — BTS
"Rain On Me" — Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande
"Exile" — Taylor Swift Featuring Bon Iver
 
Best Pop Vocal Album:
Changes — Justin Bieber
Chromatica — Lady Gaga
Future Nostalgia — Dua Lipa
Fine Line — Harry Styles
Folklore  — Taylor Swift
 
Best Dance/Electronic Album:
Kick I — Arca
Planet's Mad — Baauer
Energy — Disclosure
Bubba — Kaytranada
Good Faith — Madeon
 
Best Rock Performance:
"Shameika" — Fiona Apple
"Not" — Big Thief
"Kyoto" — Phoebe Bridgers
"The Steps" — HAIM
"Stay High" — Brittany Howard
"Daylight" — Grace Potter
  
Best Progressive R&B Album:
Chilombo — Jhené Aiko
Ungodly Hour — Chloe X Halle
Free Nationals — Free Nationals
F*** Yo Feelings  — Robert Glasper
It Is What It Is — Thundercat
 
Best Rap Performance:
"Deep Reverence" — Big Sean Featuring Nipsey Hussle
"Bop" — DaBaby
"What's Poppin" — Jack Harlow
"The Bigger Picture" — Lil Baby
"Savage" — Megan Thee Stallion Featuring Beyoncé
"Dior" — Pop Smoke
 
Best Country Album:
Lady Like — Ingrid Andress
Your Life Is A Record — Brandy Clark
Wildcard — Miranda Lambert
Nightfall — Little Big Town
Never Will — Ashley McBryde
 
Best Jazz Vocal Album:
Ona — Thana Alexa
Secrets Are The Best Stories — Kurt Elling Featuring Danilo Pérez
Modern Ancestors — Carmen Lundy
Holy Room: Live At Alte Oper — Somi With Frankfurt Radio Big Band
What's The Hurry — Kenny Washington
 
Best Latin Pop Or Urban Album:
YHLQMDLG — Bad Bunny
Por Primera Vez — Camilo
Mesa Para Dos — Kany García
Pausa — Ricky Martin
3:33 — Debi Nova
 
Best Americana Album:
Old Flowers — Courtney Marie Andrews
Terms Of Surrender — Hiss Golden Messenger
World On The Ground — Sarah Jarosz
El Dorado — Marcus King
Good Souls Better Angels — Lucinda Williams
 
Best Contemporary Blues Album:
Have You Lost Your Mind Yet? — Fantastic Negrito
Live At The Paramount — Ruthie Foster Big Band
The Juice — G. Love
Blackbirds — Bettye LaVette
Up And Rolling — North Mississippi Allstars
 
Best Global Music Album:
FU Chronicles — Antibalas
Twice As Tall — Burna Boy
Agora — Bebel Gilberto
Love Letters — Anoushka Shankar
Amadjar — Tinariwen
 
Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Storytelling):
Acid For The Children: A Memoir — Flea
Alex Trebek – The Answer Is… — Ken Jennings
Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, And The Richest, Most Destructive Industry On Earth — Rachel Maddow
Catch And Kill — Ronan Farrow
Charlotte's Web (E.B. White) — Meryl Streep (& Full Cast)
 
Best Music Film:
Beastie Boys Story — Beastie Boys
Black Is King — Beyoncé
We Are Freestyle Love Supreme — Freestyle Love Supreme
Linda Ronstadt: The Sound Of My Voice — Linda Ronstadt
That Little Ol' Band From Texas — ZZ Top
 
*Due to complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the nominations for the 63rd GRAMMYs for Best Immersive Audio Album will be announced next year in addition to (and separately from) the 64th GRAMMY nominations in the category.
 

 
Bluesman Bobby Rush's album 'Rawer Than Raw' is
nominated for Best Traditional Blues.
Photo: Courtesy of the Artist

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 InstagramYouTube, and LinkedIn.
 

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Masters showcased on new titles: Ronnie Wood, Walter Trout, Bobby Rush, Paul Kelly & Paul Grabowsky

One of the greatest joys of being a music writer is the chance to discover and share new work featuring a diverse and talented field of artists. Looking at the latest projects featuring Ronnie Wood, Walter Trout, Bobby Rush, and Paul Kelly & Paul Grabowsky, all of which reflect the excitement of discovery...


Artist: 
Ronnie Wood
Title: Somebody Up There Likes Me (Eagle Rock Films)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards, director Mike Figgis
Tell me more: "Somebody Up There Likes Me" is a Mike Figgis-directed film tracing guitar great Ronnie Wood's 50-year career as a member of The BirdsThe Jeff Beck GroupThe Faces and The Rolling Stones. The documentary film will be released in North America as a virtual cinema event starting on Friday, Sept. 18. The documentary features brand new interviews with Wood's long-time Rolling Stones band mates Mick JaggerKeith Richards and Charlie Watts, as well as his Faces band mate Rod Stewart, his wife Sally Wood and several other notable players in the music industry. In addition to a wealth of interviews, the documentary features performance segments of Wood playing guitar and harmonica, as well as footage of him painting in the studio (he has increasingly become celebrated for his fine paintings). The pacing of the film is wonderful, with segments of quiet beauty where Wood is immersed creating art in his studio intermixed with historic and recent performance footage along with a wealth of revealing interviews touching on his hardships (including abusing himself with addictions to drugs, heavy smoking and alcohol) and successes (beating cancer and emphysema, discovering a love of music early in life). "He's as tough as nails," Richards says of Wood in one interview. What the film ultimately reveals is how Wood also has a profound gratitude for the music, people and fateful events in his life that have made it so rich. Information: RonnieWoodMovie.com.



Artist: 
Walter Trout
Title: Ordinary Madness (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales
Tell me more: Since its release on Aug. 28, Walter Trout's latest album Ordinary Madness has struck a resonant chord with blues lovers; for the 1-week period ended Sept. 10 the album was number 1 on the British Blues & Jazz album chart and number 2 on the Billboard Blues Chart here in the U.S. The album showcases the wide range of Trout's strengths in full  his fiery fretwork, emotive lead vocals and confessional songwriting are on display everywhere. The 11-track disc finds Trout exploring a vast number of topics with purposeful candor. The title track that opens the collection somehow captures this uncertain time where months of quarantine, economic hardship and burgeoning turmoil in society have millions questioning their immediate and long-term future. But Trout can still see the good in the frayed world; just crank up "Wanna Dance," a blues rocker that finds the artist battling demons and mortality but armed with his music to heal — an explosive and infectious track that builds with each measure. Now 69, Trout celebrates his life and Baby Boomer generation with the rousing "OK Boomer." Loss and doubt are explored on the mid tempo "All Out Of Tears" and soulful ballad "My Foolish Pride; deep and consequential romantic love is revealed in the gorgeous "Heaven In Your Eyes." The inspired "Heartland" is an expressive account of a young woman who dreams of a larger world than the one she knows; this song is bolstered by rich Americana stylings (including Terry Andreadis' accordion and Drake "Munkihaid" Shining's Hammond B3 organ) and particularly expressive playing from Trout. Perhaps the most poignant selection on the album is "The Sun Is Going Down," where Trout  who survived liver failure and received a transplant in May 2014  acknowledges the ill effects of time. The song starts with a laid back Delta-tinged vibe that gradually builds to a full-on rocking tour de force rife with his masterful lead guitar play.  An epic return to be sure. Information: WalterTrout.com.


Artist: 
Bobby Rush
Title: Rawer Than Raw (Deep Rush/Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Bobby Rush, Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters
Tell me more: Anytime we get new music from Bobby Rush  now 86  it is reason for true celebration. The fact that the Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Famer has released an album as potent as Rawer Than Raw is all the more sweet. The 11-track disc finds Rush covering a handful of legends from his adopted home state of Mississippi who influenced him when he was learning to play music and first performing. Although he was born in Louisiana, Rush has long called Mississippi home. Listening to his decidedly-loose acoustic covers of material from pioneering blues greats Robert Johnson and Skip James along with his 1950s and '60 contemporaries Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and Sonny Boy Williamson II is to be transported back to the beginnings of the genre. The joyful "Shake It For Me" (a Willie Dixon-penned track originally recorded in the 1960s by Wolf), sparse "Sometimes I Wonder" and hypnotic blues harp-adorned "Let's Make Love Again," expressive "Honey Bee, Sail On" and blazing "Dust My Broom" are among the enthralling cuts on the outstanding album. Information: BobbyRushBluesman.com.



Artists: Paul Kelly & Paul Grabowsky
Title: Please Leave Your Light On (Gawd Aggie/Cooking Vinyl North America)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Cockburn, Paul Kelly, Paul Grabowsky
Tell me more: What happens when a celebrated singer-songwriter and noted jazz pianist join forces for the first time? In the case of Paul Kelly & Paul Grabowsky, heard on the dazzling Please Leave Your Light On,  the results are marvelous and create a bewitching experience for the listener. The versions here rework the songs without diminishing their power. The jazz aura on "True To You," the playful "Young Lovers," wistful take on Cole Porter's "Every Time We Say Goodbye" (the only non-Kelly composition on the disc) and intimate title track all extend their reach via the new arrangements featuring Kelly singing his wondrous songs to the lone accompaniment of Grabowsky's piano. The lovely tear-inducing "If I Could Start Today Again" closes out the extraordinary album. Information: paulkelly.com/au.



Robert Kinsler


Wednesday, November 20, 2019

2020 GRAMMY Awards nominees announced

The Nominees for the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards have just been announced.
Gary Clark Jr.'s 'This Land' has
earned several nominations.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift


The high-profile artists who appear to be front runners in the high-profile categories include Billie Eilish, LizzoBon Iver, Tanya Tucker, Brandi CarlileAriana Grande, and H.E.R. 

I have long been less than thrilled with the myriad of categories and overall ignoring truly-deserving artists from a number of genres by the Recording Academy. That said, a number of my favorite artists are being recognized this year, with nominees representing rock, blues, Americana, country and other genres in the mix.


I was especially happy to see The Cranberries' final album In The End nominated for Best Rock Album, and Keb' Mo's Oklahoma nominated in the Best Americana Album category. I was also pleased to see Elvis Costello and The Imposters received a well-deserved nomination for Look Now. That album (read my review here) was truly one of the best albums of 2018.

One category that is very exciting is for Best Contemporary Blues Album. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite here, but it is sure great to see Gary Clark Jr. (This Land), Larkin Poe (Venom & Faith), and Southern Avenue (Keep On); Clark's This Land was also nominated in the Best Rock Performance category.

Other artists I'm rooting for when the trophies are handed out in 2020 include Bobby Rush, Thom Yorke, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Tycho, Sara Bareilles and Tool

The official media release I received in my inbox this morning is below:


RECORDING ACADEMY® ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR THE 62ND ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS®

FIRST-TIME NOMINEES LIZZO, BILLIE EILISH AND LIL NAS X ARE THIS YEAR'S MOST NOMINATED ARTISTS
Larkin Poe's 'Venom & Faith' has deceived a well-
deserved nomination.
Tanya Tucker has been nominated for 4 GRAMMY
Awards.
Bobby Rush has picked up a well-deserved nod for
his 'Sitting on Top of the Blues' album.
SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (NOV. 20, 2019)—Recording Academy® President/CEO Deborah Dugan alongside Academy Chair of the Board of Trustees and renowned record producer Harvey Mason Jr., as well as GRAMMY Awards® host Alicia Keys and past two-time GRAMMY® nominee Bebe Rexha, today revealed nominees for the 62nd GRAMMY Awards in select categories. This year's nominees reflect a melting pot of artistic innovation that defined the year in music, showcasing the unparalleled craftsmanship of established artists and the industry-shifting impact of rising music creators. Leading nominees Lizzo (8)Billie Eilish (6) and Lil Nas X (6) not only topped the charts but ignited a cultural conversation around their genre-bending hits. As the only peer-selected music award, the GRAMMY Awards are 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 am in complete awe of the inspiring nominees who have poured their hearts and souls into their craft, and in turn, have provided fans worldwide a year of music that changed us, stirred our emotions and inspired us to do more," said Dugan. "Today's announcement reflects a new era for the Recording Academy—an army of engaged members that welcomes diversity, embraces creativity and champions young musicians on the rise. It's shaping up to be a year of firsts, and I can promise that the 62nd GRAMMY Awards will pack the same punch as this year's nominees. I am proud to march forward alongside our members and nominated artists."

This year's nominees were selected from more than 20,000 submissions across 84 categories, and reflect the wide range of artistic innovation that defined the year in music (Oct. 1, 2018–Aug. 31, 2019). The final round of GRAMMY voting is Dec. 9, 2019–Jan. 3, 2020. The Recording Academy will present the GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, live from Los Angeles' STAPLES Center and broadcast on the CBS Television Network from 8:00–11:30 p.m. ET/5:008:30 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. For media assets, please visit the Recording Academy press room here. Click here to download our social media toolkit.

Record Of The Year:
"Hey, Ma" — Bon Iver
"Bad Guy" — Billie Eilish
"7 Rings" — Ariana Grande
"Hard Place" — H.E.R.
"Talk" — Khalid
"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
"Truth Hurts" — Lizzo
"Sunflower" — Post Malone & Swae Lee

Album Of The Year:
i,i — Bon Iver
Norman F***ing Rockwell! — Lana Del Rey
When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? — Billie Eilish
thank u, next — Ariana Grande
I Used To Know Her — H.E.R.
— Lil Nas X
Cuz I Love You (Deluxe) — Lizzo
Father Of The Bride — Vampire Weekend

Song Of The Year:
"Always Remember Us This Way" — Natalie Hemby, Lady Gaga, Hillary Lindsey & Lori McKenna, songwriters (Lady Gaga)
"Bad Guy" — Billie Eilish O'Connell & Finneas O'Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
"Bring My Flowers Now" — Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth, Tim Hanseroth & Tanya Tucker, songwriters (Tanya Tucker)
"Hard Place" — Ruby Amanfu, Sam Ashworth, D. Arcelious Harris, H.E.R. & Rodney Jerkins, songwriters (H.E.R.)
"Lover" — Taylor Swift, songwriter (Taylor Swift)
"Norman F***ing Rockwell" — Jack Antonoff & Lana Del Rey, songwriters (Lana Del Rey)
"Someone You Loved" — Tom Barnes, Lewis Capaldi, Pete Kelleher, Benjamin Kohn & Sam Roman, songwriters (Lewis Capaldi)
"Truth Hurts" — Steven Cheung, Eric Frederic, Melissa Jefferson & Jesse Saint John, songwriters (Lizzo)

Best New Artist:
Black Pumas
Billie Eilish
Lil Nas X
Lizzo
Maggie Rogers
Rosalía
Tank And The Bangas
Yola

Best Pop Solo Performance:
"Spirit" — Beyoncé 
"Bad Guy" — Billie Eilish
"7 Rings" — Ariana Grande
"Truth Hurts" — Lizzo
"You Need To Calm Down" — Taylor Swift

Best Pop Vocal Album:
The Lion King: The Gift — Beyoncé
When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? — Billie Eilish
thank u, next — Ariana Grande
No. 6 Collaborations Project — Ed Sheeran
Lover  — Taylor Swift

Best Dance Recording:
"Linked" — Bonobo
"Got To Keep On" — The Chemical Brothers
"Piece Of Your Heart" — Meduza Featuring Goodboys
"Underwater" — RÜFÜS DU SOL
"Midnight Hour" — Skrillex & Boys Noize Featuring Ty Dolla $ign

Best Rock Album:
Amo — Bring Me The Horizon
Social Cues — Cage The Elephant
In The End — The Cranberries
Trauma — I Prevail
Feral Roots — Rival Sons

Best R&B Performance:
"Love Again" — Daniel Caesar & Brandy
"Could've Been" — H.E.R. Featuring Bryson Tiller
"Exactly How I Feel" — Lizzo Featuring Gucci Mane
"Roll Some Mo"  — Lucky Daye
"Come Home" — Anderson .Paak Featuring André 3000

Best Rap Album:
Revenge Of The Dreamers III — Dreamville
Championships — Meek Mill
I Am > I Was — 21 Savage
Igor — Tyler, The Creator
The Lost Boy — YBN Cordae

Best Country Song:
"Bring My Flowers Now" — Brandie Carlile, Phil Hanseroth, Tim Hanseroth & Tanya Tucker, songwriters (Tanya Tucker)
"Girl Goin' Nowhere" — Jeremy Bussey & Ashley McBryde, songwriters (Ashley McBryde)
"It All Comes Out In The Wash" — Miranda Lambert, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna & Liz Rose, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)
"Some Of It" — Eric Church, Clint Daniels, Jeff Hyde & Bobby Pinson, songwriters (Eric Church)
"Speechless" — Shay Mooney, Jordan Reynolds, Dan Smyers & Laura Veltz, songwriters (Dan + Shay)

Best Jazz Vocal Album:
Thirsty Ghost — Sara Gazarek
Love & Liberation — Jazzmeia Horn
Alone Together — Catherine Russell
12 Little Spells — Esperanza Spalding
Screenplay — The Tierney Sutton Band

Best Gospel Album:
Long Live Love — Kirk Franklin
Goshen — Donald Lawrence Presents The Tri-City Singers
Tunnel Vision — Gene Moore
Settle Here — William Murphy
Something's Happening! A Christmas Album — CeCe Winans

Best Latin Rock, Urban Or Alternative Album:
X 100PRE — Bad Bunny
Oasis — J Balvin & Bad Bunny
Indestructible — Flor De Toloache
Almadura — iLe
El Mal Querer — Rosalía

Best Americana Album:
Years To Burn — Calexico And Iron & Wine
Who Are You Now — Madison Cunningham
Oklahoma — Keb' Mo'
Tales Of America — J.S. Ondara
Walk Through Fire — Yola

Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Storytelling):
Beastie Boys Book — (Various Artists) Michael Diamond, Adam Horovitz, Scott Sherratt & Dan Zitt, producers
Becoming — Michelle Obama
I.V. Catatonia: 20 Years As A Two-Time Cancer Survivor — Eric Alexandrakis
Mr. Know-It-All — John Waters
Sekou Andrews & The String Theory — Sekou Andrews & The String Theory

Best Song Written For Visual Media:
"The Ballad Of The Lonesome Cowboy" — Randy Newman, songwriter (Chris Stapleton), Track from: Toy Story 4
"Girl In The Movies" — Dolly Parton & Linda Perry, songwriters (Dolly Parton), Track from: Dumplin'
"I'll Never Love Again" (Film Version) — Natalie Hemby, Lady Gaga, Hillary Lindsey & Aaron Raitiere songwriters (Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper), Track from: A Star Is Born
"Spirit" — Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Timothy McKenzie & Ilya Salmanzadeh, songwriters (Beyoncé), Track from: The Lion King
"Suspirium" — Thom Yorke, songwriter (Thom Yorke), Track from: Suspiria

Best Music Film:
Homecoming — Beyoncé
Remember My Name — David Crosby
Birth Of The Cool — (Miles Davis)
Shangri-La — (Various Artists)
Anima — Thom Yorke
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 InstagramYouTube, and LinkedIn.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

New Music Roundup: Lindsey Stirling, Bobby Rush, The Lilacs

A number of musical styles are showcased on a trio of top-tier recent releases.



Artist: Lindsey Stirling
Title: Artemis (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Lindsey Stirling, CHVRCHES, Evanescence
Tell me more: Lindsey Stirling's continuing search to elevate the world with her original compositions and incredible skills on the violin are celebrated on her latest album Artemis. The music on Stirling's fifth full-length album is both accessible and daring with the artist proving yet again how she can find success outside of commercial trends and the increasingly low bar exhibited by the majority of today's hitmakers. A bona fide concept album, Artemis was inspired by Artemis, who in Ancient Greek mythology, was the daughter of Zeus and serves as the goddess of the moon. Distant female voices enlighten the title track "Artemis," while Stirling's shining violin work offers expert counterpoint. The electronica "Foreverglow," dynamic symphonic rock-yearning "Love Goes On and On" (the latter featuring Evanescence lead vocalist Amy Lee) and buoyant electronica strike "The Upside" (featuring singer Elle King) are other standouts on the disc. My favorite selection on "Artemis" is "Between Twilight," which has an otherworldly beauty that would have been at home alongside composer Howard Shore's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Information: LindseyStirling.com.



Artist: Bobby Rush
Title: Sitting on Top of the Blues (Deep Rush Records / Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Buddy Guy, Sonny Boy Williamson
Tell me more: Bluesman Bobby Rush's aptly-pegged Sitting on Top of the Blues is filled with infectious tracks that recall the past while propelling the genre into the future. Launching things with the explosive "Hey Hey Bobby Rush," stylish lead guitar, a driving rhythm and R&B-flavored horns help bolster the winning track. A dance between blues harp and lead guitar introduces "Good Stuff" before Rush uses his powerful baritone to enthrall listeners the rest of the way. The songs on the disc powerfully fuse blues, soul, funk, and R&B in artful perfection. Other highlights on the Grammy Award winning artist's disc include the joyful "You Got the Goods on You," the nimble blues harp-anchored instrumental "Bobby Rush Shuffle," the acoustic Delta-drenched "Recipe for Love" and funked out "Shake Til' You Get Enough." Information: BobbyRushBluesman.com.



Artist: The Lilacs
Title: The Lilacs Endure (Pravda)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Big Star, Material Issue 
Tell me more: Chicago-spawned power pop heroes The Lilacs are back with a terrific EP (The Lilacs Endure) that celebrates the band's knack for unleashing high-octane melodic rock. The band's loose approach triggers a favorable comparison with the Rolling Stones' freewheeling approach albeit with an emphasis on melodic rock; The Lilacs may be ragged around the edges but that's clearly a good thing. Credit to producer Richard Lloyd (Television, Matthew Sweet) and the lineup featuring Ken Kurson (guitar, vocals), David Levinsky (guitar, vocals), John Valley (drums), Steve Poulton (bass) and Jimmy Matt Rowland (Hammond organ, piano, synthesizer). Any of the songs on this disc will please fans of the genre to be sure. Information: www.facebook.com/TheLilacs1990/.


Robert Kinsler

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Classic Sounds Celebrated on New Releases

A stylish 1980's rock 'n' roll film, and a trio of musical tributes available on audio CD and digitally highlight a new crop of releases available now.


Title: Streets of Fire {Collector's Edition} (Shout! Factory)
You might like if you enjoy: The Blasters, the Fixx, the Shout! Factory collector's edition of the 1974 film "Phantom of the Paradise"
Tell me more: The two-disc Blu-ray collector's edition of Streets of Fire is cause for celebration for fans of the cult classic. Originally released in 1984, the film's catch phrase "A Rock & Roll Fable" plays out over each frame thanks to writer-director Walter Hill's sharp instincts, great on-screen performances (including Diane Lane, Michael Pare, Rick Moranis, Willem Dafoe and Amy Madigan) and songs penned by the Blasters (the band appears on screen playing two of their songs), Tom Petty & Belmont Tench, the Fixx and others. The look and style of the film artfully blends '50s cars and retro cityscapes with '80s hair styles and music video trappings of that era; the result is a look and feel that belongs to this fast-moving 93-minute movie alone. The 2K high-def transfer of the film looks and sounds fantastic and there are extras galore, including a new "The Making of Streets of Fire" documentary, vintage featurettes, a theatrical trailer and still gallery. Information: shoutfactory.com.


Title: Red Hot: A Memphis Celebration of Sun Records (Americana Music Society Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Early recordings featuring Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis; Bobby Rush
Tell me more: A love letter to Memphis' Sun Records and its founder Sam Phillips, Red Hot: A Memphis Celebration of Sun Records exudes a joyful and nostalgic spirit celebrating the groundbreaking sounds of the 1950s. A number of roots and Americana artists join forces across the 10-track title, revisiting classic tracks spanning blues, country and rockabilly and first forged by Carl Perkins (a great "Sure to Fall (In Love With You) featuring Valerie June, Jimbo Mathus and Amy LaVere), Johnny Cash (Alvin Youngblood kills "Folsom Prison Blues"), Howlin' Wolf ("Moaning' at Midnight" with Luther Dickinson and Lightnin' Malcolm) and other greats. Blues legend Bobby Rush, 83, is a direct link with the original icons who recorded in Memphis in the 1950s and delivers a rousing original "Tough Titty," a tribute to the late Junior "Mr. Blues" Parker. All proceeds from the Americana Music Society will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Information: AmericanaSociety.org.



Artist: Stanton Moore: The Songs of Allen Toussaint
Title: With You In Mind (Cool Green Recordings / Mascot Label Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Allen Toussaint, Trombone Shorty, Dr. John
Tell me more: One of the late 20th century's leading American musical voices, Allen Toussaint (who died in November 2015 at age 77) was a musician, songwriter, arranger and record producer who helped spread the New Orleans R&B sound around the globe. The newly-issued tribute Stanton Moore: The Songs of Allen Toussaint celebrates Toussaint with 10 glorious selections produced by Moore (who also plays drums on the disc) that feature many of the players influenced by Toussaint's extensive artistic touch. The funky "Here Comes the Girls" kicks off the buoyant collection and features Cyril Neville (lead vocals, trombone) and Trombone Shorty (trombone solo) joining forces. Spiritual forays ("Life"), instrumentals (the rousing "Java" featuring Trombone Shorty, trumpeter Nicholas Payton and alto sax player Donald Harrison Jr.), ballads ("All These Things") and uptempo romps (the jazzy "Night People") are handled with an equal amount of energy and musical dexterity, all fully honoring the legacy and free wheeling spirit of the groundbreaking Gert Town, Louisiana native. Information: stantonmoore.com.



Artist: Robert Kraft Trio
Title: North Bishop Ave. (Resistor Record Co.)
You might like if you enjoy: Bill Withers, the James Hunter Six, Robert Cray
Tell me more: Austin-based singer-songwriter Robert Kraft has a smooth and soulful voice able to deliver deeply affecting material that draws comparisons with vocal greats such as Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye. On his new seven-song disc "North Bishop Ave." the Robert Kraft Trio (Kraft, guitarist JD Pendley, bassist Lindsay Greene) join forces with some great guest players and backing vocalists for upbeat material ("So Beautiful" and "I Want to Show You," both featuring some hot guitar work from Pendley), tender ballads ("Gotta Have You," "Alone With You") and a rhythmic cover of the 1950 Leon Payne song "You've Still Got a Place In My Heart." Fans of traditional smooth soul, Motown and R&B will love this album. Information: TheRobertKraftTrio.com.


Robert Kinsler