BOSTON -- As Grammy night fast approaches, Berklee College of Music would like to congratulate several members of the college community who were honored with Grammy nominations this year. Twenty alumni, one faculty member, and, for the first time ever, a current student will be vying for Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 23. Representing a broad range of categories, from contemporary jazz to Latin alternative rock, and from traditional folk to salsa, these nominees demonstrate both the height and breadth of talent among Berklee alumni.
Distinguished producer Arif Mardin '61 received four nominations, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Producer of the Year, for his work on Norah Jones's album Come Away with Me. Student cellist Rushad Eggleston '03 was nominated in the traditional folk category for his work with the group Fiddlers 4 on their self-titled album. And Associate Professor of Percussion Dave Samuels, of the Caribbean Jazz Project, received a nod for Best Latin Jazz Album.
Grammy night will be especially exciting for Berklee Executive Vice President Gary Burton '62. Not only is Burton, a vibraphonist, nominated in the classical crossover category, he also will be presenting several Grammy awards during the non-televised portion of the ceremony, which begins at 4:30 p.m. and will be webcast on the Recording Academy's website. Burton, who has won five Grammys, is a member of the Recording Academy and serves on both the Board of Governors of the Academy's New York Chapter and the Board of the Grammy Foundation.
“Gary has been such a friend of the academy over the years," said Diane Theriot, NARAS's Vice President of Awards. “We truly admire him. He's smart and talented. We are just thrilled to have him participate this year."
Exactly which awards Burton will present will be kept a secret until the Grammy ceremony. Chances are he will end up awarding a Grammy to several former Berklee students.
The following members of the Berklee family have been nominated for a Jazz Grammy awards:
Record of the Year
“Don't Know Why," Norah Jones
Arif Mardin '61 and Jay Newland '84, producers
Album of the Year
Come Away With Me, Norah Jones
Arif Mardin '61 and Jay Newland '84, producers
Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
Natalie Cole and Diana Krall '83, “Better Than Anything"
Best Pop Instrumental Performance
Pat Metheny Group (Antonio Sanchez '98),
“As It Is"
Best Contemporary Jazz Album
Speaking of Now
Pat Metheny Group (Antonio Sanchez '98)
For more information contact All About Jazz.
