Latin Grammy Nominations 2015
As I always write, the best of the Grammy awards, be it the general Grammy or the Latin Grammy, are the nominations because they provide us a list of some of the best music released during the past year.
The winner selection, that is another thing.
This year I’m enthused because there are a lot of new names in almost all categories. I encourage you to check out the list of Latin Grammy nominees HERE.
With that, I’ll give you some of my impressions on the nominations in some of the categories.
Album of the Year – On the good side, l love the variety of genres brought to this category! On the bad side, mostly big labels are represented with the lone exception of Ruben Blades. There are a lot of good indie label albums out there!
Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album – only big labels are nominated. Mostly the same names as always, except for Pedro Capó, who squeezed in. I’m pulling for the underdog.
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album – Gilberto Santa Rosa and Vicentico make it into this category, along with three others (2 indies) with great concept albums. A toss-up.
Best Urban Music Album – Great names like Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Yandel, and Farruko. But Nicky Jam made the list with a “Greatest Hits” album? Really? To me, unless it’s a new recording live with hits, it is not Grammy worthy. Go Tego!
Best Rock Album – mostly newcomers with indie labels. Yeah!
Best Rock/Pop Album – all except one nominee (Camila Luna) are big labels nominees. If its popular, its big label. Maná has strong competition!
Best Alternative Music Album – Bomba Estereo and Natalia Lafourcade have great albums. I will try write quick reviews for both before the November award ceremony.
Best Salsa Album – here I did write reviews on 4 of the 5 nominees. Mostly popular names (Ruben Blades, Luis Enrique, Victor Manuelle, Ismael Miranda), with only one of them (VM) in a big label.
Best Contemporary Tropical Album – I wish they would give a tie on this one. Juan Luis Guerra (Todo Tiene su Hora) and Guaco (Presente Continuo) are both great musical productions.
Best Traditional Tropical Album – Cuban “son” dominates this category, where Jose Alberto “El Canario” with the Septeto Santiaguero are the clear favorites with the strong (Tributo a los Compadres).
Best Singer-Songwriter Album – this is like the Decathlon in the Olympics, the best overall artist. Gian Marco and Alex Cuba lead this talented category.
Best Instrumental Album – Kenny G made it here!!! Really?
Best Latin Jazz Album – Paquito D’Rivera is the most recognized name among new comers to the nominations. I’m glad to see new names here, but where is Miguel Zenon (Identities are Changeable)?
I encourage to check the nominee list and some of this great music!!! You can find the list HERE.
And BTW…here is a video that lists the nominees. Not that exciting, but perhaps it may appeal to those that rather see a video than read a list.
Why was there a lack of INCLUSIVENESS of categories by the LATIN GRAMMY in 2015 to cover 1. The Best USA BARRIO ROOTS SONG in Spanish ? by Puerto Ricans and Chicanos this year ? 2. The Best USA BARRIO ROOTS ALBUM in Spanish ? But yet in the BRAZILIAN category field you have accommodated their Artists with several ROOTS categories and none at all for a USA PUERTO RICAN ROOTS SONG track from USA ( English ) CD album by a BORICUA Artist ” My Puerto Rican Roots ” a song in Spanish called ” En La Calle ” which is about the streets de la Barrio in NYC that was enter for a nomination only to find a BLANK for a 60 year career !