The nominations for the 50th annual Grammy Awards were announced this morning and there are plenty of accordions in the mix. (Really!) First, the nominees for Best Polka Album:
- Polka’s Revenge by Brave Combo
- Bulletproof Polkas by John Gora & Gorale
- Polka Freak Out by Bubba Hernandez and Alex Meixner
- Dueling Polkas by Walter Ostanek and Brian Sklar
- Come Share the Wine by Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra
It’s no surprise to see 16-time winner Jimmy Sturr nominated again, but he’ll face stiff competition from one of the few non-Sturr artists to take home the polka Grammy, Brave Combo.
Meanwhile, this year marks the first time the Best Cajun/Zydeco Album Grammy will be awarded. Here are the nominees:
- Le Cowboy Creole by Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie
- King Cake by Lisa Haley
- Live: Ã La Blue Moon by Lost Bayou Ramblers
- Blues De Musicien by Pine Leaf Boys
- Racines by Racines
- The La Louisianne Sessions by Roddie Romero And The Hub City All-Stars
- Live! Worldwide by Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience
Seven great albums and it’s especially fitting that Terrance Simien — who worked so hard to make the Cajun/Zydeco Grammy reality — is one of the inaugural nominees.
In other categories, Tejano accordionist Sunny Sauceda is up for Best Tejano Album, while the legendary Los Tigres Del Norte are nominated for Best Norteño Album again after winning last year. They’ll square off against Intocable, Conjunto Primavera, Pesado, and Los Rieleros del Norte.
Just like last year, we’ll have reviews and clips from each of the nominated albums in the weeks leading up the awards ceremony, which will be held on February 10 in Los Angeles.