The 38th Annual Grammy Nominations : Are the Conservatives in Charge? : Jazz

Can it be that the Republicans have taken over the jazz Grammy nominations as well as Congress? It would be hard to imagine a more conservative list of selections than the one the academy has come up with.

Perhaps predictably, given previous nominations, not a single name is included from the young lions roaming the jazz world. Instead of Christian McBride, the spectacular bassist who has appeared on stacks of albums, there are two nominations for that perennial nominee Charlie Haden. And Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano and Pete Christlieb--all dependable, veteran players--received nominations, while Joshua Redman, James Carter, Roy Hargrove and Nicholas Payton, potential major jazz stars, do not.

Fortunately, there are a few selections to praise in the jazz listings. The recognition of the too-little-appreciated pianist Kenny Barron, with nominations in the best instrumental solo and best instrumental performance categories, is welcome, if long overdue.

The same can be said for the Gerald Wilson Orchestra’s inclusion in the large jazz ensemble grouping, as well as Billy Childs’ nomination as a composer in the instrumental composition category.