GRAMMY Nominations Concert Review

Let me start with this: it was simply fun to be in the house and know that something was on the line. 

Even though my GRAMMY dreams are deferred for another day, we had a swell time at the Nominations Concert at L.A. Live. It's a prime place for concerts and the Grammy shows are fun because I get to see many different performances. Foo Fighters ferocious take on You're So Vain, Mariah's Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), and the duet between B.B. King and John Mayer on Let The Good Times Roll were the highlights for me. Plus, Mariah looked great as Mrs. Claus. Frankly, all the artists did their thing, except for the vocally anemic co-host Taylor Swift. I was surprised they didn't let LL Cool J break out a classic hip hop number. But then, I'm not sure what rap songs are in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

John Mayer's post-show concert was entertaining. He performed solo and ran through his hits (Waiting On The World To Change, Wonderland) and tasteful covers (Crossroads, Free Falling). Most of his banter focused on his recently becoming tabloid fodder and mocking the "industry" in the audience for not making signs for him.

Overall, the nominations are lacking for my taste. Few artists I supported in the prelim round got nods. Raphael Saadiq did well. Bruce got several for the best song of 2008, not written by me, Girls In Their Summer Clothes. Peter Gabriel was nominated for his spiritual Down To Earth from Wall-E. But that's about it.

The awards show will be hip-hop heavy. Lil' Wayne, a crowd-pleaser apparently, who was atrocious on SNL, leads the nomination pack. But there will be plenty of rock if the Academy can convince Bruce to show up and persuade Radiohead to perform. Now that the Jonas Brothers made Best New Artist they are a ratings no-brainer for CBS. Seems a lock that Coldplay will perform as well as Robert Plant & Allison Krauss, who will rock this year's old-timey vote. Mark my words, Plant & Krauss are going to clean up. This is the kind of act and LP that my fellow voters love. As of now, I won't tip my hand, but for me, voting in many categories will involve much thoughtful listening - because I haven't heard much from the nominees.

Looking at the nominee list, I might be able to sit this show out. Unless they put together a really strong line-up of performers. As Duffy & Lil' Wayne's live TV performances showed me, most of the newer acts are lacking in stage presence. Their music videos may be representative, but the proof is in the live stage work. 

It was very cool and I feel like I accomplished a lot by getting my album entered into the competition. I was also touched by the wonderful words of encouragement I received from you all. Thanks for the prayers. I'm looking forward to putting together my next record. Writing is slow going, but I've got three lyrics done. I need another dozen before approaching the studio. So, we're looking at another year before new music from yours truly. In the meantime, if you don't have A Talent For Loving yet, what are you waiting for? It also makes a great Christmas or Hanukkah gift.

Peace & Disco Beats