That’s where you can locate the six jazz categories, along with the several others in which jazz musicians often figure heavily, such as composition and arrangement. As has been true in recent years, the list of nominees does a decent job of reflecting the year in the jazz mainstream – and, in a few cases, somewhat beyond.
(Quick disclaimer: as a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, a.k.a. The Recording Academy, I vote in the preliminary round of balloting that helps determine the nominations, along with thousands of others.)
In the biggest surprise (but a most welcome one), the captivating jazz bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding garnered a nomination for Best New Artist. That’s not “best new jazz artist,” but best overall: Spalding was nominated in a category historically dominated by popsters. The last time a jazz musician grabbed a nod in this category was – well, never. Previous winners have included Bette Midler, Sheryl Crow, Bruce Hornsby, Bonnie Raitt, Hootie & the Blowfish, Christine Aguilera, Maroon 5, and Carrie Underwood.
Esperanza Spalding Gets Grammy Nomination
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