THE CROSSFIRE: What About Blues?

When meditating on the month of Februrary, the first holiday that comes to mind is almost always Charles Dickens Day (February 7). The second would probably be Groundhog Day and then maybe President's Day after that. A day, or night, that is just as equally important for some is the Grammy Awards. The Grammy's are kind of a big deal in the music world and beyond. I mean, think of all the singers, songwriters, musicians, and producers who have won Grammy awards. There has to be at least one recipient you are a fan of. I can probably assume that most people have at least heard of the Grammy Awards (the show has been around since 1958). Finally, here is a program that the whole family can enjoy. In a couple of weeks (February 13), grandparents can watch to see Johnny Mathis and Barbra Streisand. Entertainment for the baby boomers includes Neil Young and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. And for the teen audience, popular artists like Bruno Mars and Rihanna are nominated, too. So, after the Green Bay Packers win Super Bowl XLV (February 6), you and your kin can gear up and sit down for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, presented on February 13, 2011, beginning at 7 p.m. central time on CBS. And when I say gear up, I mean to say practice Guitar Hero and/or Rock Band before the festivities begin.

The Grammy Awards honor all types of music, from rock and pop to country and blues. Yes, Virginia, there is a blues genre at the Grammy Awards. The problem is, the genre is so overshadowed by big names like Eminem and Lady Gaga that blues is hardly the top priority. Or so it wasn't. This year, Jeff Beck is one of the leaders in nominations (5), although it is still nothing compared to Eminem's leader-of-all ten nods. Jeff Beck's not afraid of him though. In fact, I bet the real Jeff Beck stands up, takes all and Eminem walks away with nothing...or 8 statues at the most.

In order to make the blues genre and myself feel a little better, here is a mock list of nominations. The winner will be crowned on February 13 after Eminem, B.o.B., and Lady Antebellum lose. Here they are:

Best Blues Song
"Three Times A Fool" by Joe Bonamassa
"Travelin' Alone" by Eric Clapton
"Thank Me Someday" by Buddy Guy
"Losing You" by Mavis Staples

Best Blues Album
Songs from the Road by Luther Allison
Booker's Guitar by Eric Bibb
Clapton by Eric Clapton
Living Proof Buddy Guy

Best Blues Artist
Jeff Beck
The Black Keys
Joe Bonamassa
Eric Clapton

And here are the real lists:

Best Traditional Blues Album
Giant by James Cotton
Memphis Blues by Cyndi Lauper
The Well by Charlie Musselwhite
Joined At The Hip by Pinetop Perkins & Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith
Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites by Jimmie Vaughan

Best Contemporary Blues Album
Nothing's Impossible by Solomon Burke
Tribal by Dr. John and the Lower 911
Living Proof by Buddy Guy
Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook by Bettye LaVette
Live! In Chicago by Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band Featuring Hubert Sumlin, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith,

Bryan Lee, And Buddy Flett

Maybe one day there will be equality among all genres of music. Until then, you and I can support the musicians who represent blues at the Grammy Awards. I will admit, Cyndi Lauper's nomination surprised me a little. I was not aware that she had recorded another album, let alone a blues one. I decided to give it a try. I mean, if Memphis Blues is nominated for a Grammy, it must be pretty good (disregarding the fact that Justin Bieber's album is nominated...what is this world coming to?!). The raspy 80's singer is not too bad. I mean, the album is certainly not the greatest there has ever been, but Memphis Blues is at least worth a listen. My favorite songs were "Don't Cry for Me" and "Crossroads," probably because B.B. King and Jonny Lang are featured, respectively. The album has a whole different Cyndi Lauper sound, away from "Time After Time" and "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." Bravo, Cyndi Lauper.

Also, if you are an advocate for a greater amount of blues integration/recognition at the Grammy Awards, you can donate to Grammy Lovers Against Audio Discrimination (GLAAD), an organization with the intent to promote awareness on the issue of unequality at the Grammy Awards concerning blues music and a handful of about three other genres. Created about thirty seconds ago, GLAAD boasts a rich history that includes a campaign for hope and change in America--that maybe one day, music will not be judged by listeners on the basis of record sales and music videos, but by the sincerity of the artist.

Please do not send money, that was just a joke. But come on, Justin Bieber? Really? What's next, Taylor Swift?

Artist of the Week:
Joe Bonamassa, a relatively young blues-rock singer and guitarist, has had a decade of mainstream musical success, beginning with his 2000 solo debut A New Day Yesterday. Bonamassa, which sounds oddly similar to bossa nova, has created his success through the inspirations of legendary musicians such as Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Paul Jones, among others.

New Album of the Week:

(image taken from amazon.com)
Low Country Blues by Gregg Allman

He may or may have not been married to Cher...just saying. Whether he was or not, this is hands-down one of the best blues albums of the year. Of course, this is just my opinion; but Allman's latest effort of Low Country Blues is easily one of my top ten blues albums and I recomend it for anyone, blues fanatic or not. I never thought I would be giving props to an Allman brother, but this is too good of an album...irt's right up there next to Clapton. Here is a preview of the SRV-esque masterpiece, plus an interview with Allman: