BLUES N'AT

     Tonight the recording industry honors their own as the 57th Grammy Awards ceremony takes center stage. Fans of the blues won't have much to cheer about. The great Buddy Guy was honored last evening with a Lifetime Achievement Award, along with George Harrison and the Bee Gees. Unfortunately, that ceremony is not scheduled to air tonight.

     However, the Grammys will give a nod to the blues by presenting the Grammy for "Best Blues Album". As they say on the broadcast, "The nominees are...."

1)Common Ground-Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Play & Sing The Songs Of Big Bill Broonzy-Dave & Phil Alvin
     The Alvins team-up for the first time in 30 plus years to celebrate the music of the late, great Big Bill Broonzy. This does not disappoint. The Alvins put their stamp on Big Bill's music with their rockabilly, country-blues flair.

2)Promise Of A Brand New Day-Ruthie Foster
    Ruthie Foster presents a folky/inspirational kind of blues. This album is filled with optimistic sounding blues, like chicken soup for the soul, with an uplifting vibe.

3)Juke Joint Chapel-Charlie Musselwhite
     If you like your blues heavy on the harp, this CD will blow your mind.

4)Decisions-Bobby Rush with Blinddog Smokin'
     This is a first-time team-up that feels like Bobby Rush and Blinddog Smokin' have been collaborating for years. It's a funky kind of down-home blues that makes you move.

5)Step Back-Johnny Winter
     Johnny Winter's final album is a tour de force that takes your breath away. Featuring some of the biggest and brightest names in the blues, Johnny re-works classic blues and leaves his fingerprints all over the place.

Blues fans will certainly want to see their favorites honored this evening. They'll just have to suck it up and get through the Beyonces and Iggy Azaleas of the world first. Until next time, boys and girls. Keep It Bluesy!