Independents Get Noticed In the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards

One of the myths that we frequently hear about the GRAMMY awards is that if you aren't backed by a label and/or a major agent or already have a huge name, you don't have a prayer of being recognized. Some of this year's nominees for the 55th GRAMMY awards prove that independent projects can get attention, at least in the categories that are of key interest to TIMBA.com's readers:

In the Best Latin Jazz Album category, one of the nominees is Manuel Valera's NEW CUBAN EXPRESS,  which this writer would like to see go all the way (you can read our review here and visit Manuel's website here.) Manuel is a Cuban ex-pat living in New York and is part of what we consider a movement of musicians there that are currently redefining the boundaries of Latin Jazz.

In the Best Tropical Latin Album category, CUBANO SOY, by Raúl Lara y sus Soneros, is a wonderful tradional Son and Rumba project from a Cuban expat living in Sweden, which practically has its own colony of Cuban musicians now. Raúl studied extensively with José Luis Quintana (Changuito) when he was younger.  He has played with several groups, but Cubano Soy is his debut release as a solo artist.  Raúl's website, which includes some sound clips, is here.  

Also in the Best Tropical Latin Album category, Puerto Rican Marlow Rosado's RETRO deserves mention as another independent project that stands out this year. You can read our review here, and his website is here. Marlow is more of a familiar name than the first two artists that we mentioned, but all of his GRAMMY recognition before now has come from his work in support of several other artists. This is the second recording by his own group La Riqueña and is a swinging tribute to the classic "Salsa Dura" of the 1970s. 

Incidentally, TIMBA.com's own Michael Lazarus mastered both Cubano Soy and Retro. Congratulations Mike, having two projects in the same category is a good problem to have.

Congratulations also to Arturo Sandoval, whose Dear Diz won two Latin GRAMMY awards and was nominated for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album here. Two singles from that album, A Night In Tunisia (Actually An Entire Weekend!)  and Salt Peanuts!, were also nominated in the Best Instrumental Arrangement category. This album was a phenomenal tribute to Dizzy Gillespie, and you can read our review here. 

You can see the complete list of nominees for all categories at GRAMMY.com. One key reason that we saw Timba recordings recognized in the Latin GRAMMYs, but not here, is that voting Latin Recording Academy (LARAS) members are much likelier to be familiar with Timba music, which has a much broader following outside the US (especially in Europe and Latin America).   It is important to note that LARAS is structured to allow membership from artists, engineers and producers based internationally, while NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) is not. Consequently it has a tighter focus on United States - based members and projects. Some recordings which are eligible for consideration in the Latin GRAMMYs don't meet the criteria for consideration in the regular "American" GRAMMYs.  Bottom line:  Never assume that being an independent artist makes this process a waste of time.  If the music is good enough and enough people listen to it, there is always hope. Congratulations and good luck to the nominees! [ Bill Tilford ]

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